Franklin & Marshall College

An interdisciplinary exploration of the processes that form the basis of life

Both biochemistry and molecular biology are integral to many of the most important advances in our fundamental knowledge and in applications in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical industries, as well as in the health professions.

Franklin & Marshall BMB graduates are well positioned to enter in to any of these fields.

Learn about the latest advances in two of the most exciting sub-disciplines of biology

The BMB major combines core courses from the Biology and Chemistry departments, ensuring students have a strong foundation in basic concepts from both fields. Students then take more advanced, lab-intensive courses in each department, culminating in two semesters of biochemistry, taught from both biological and chemical perspectives.

Our students learn concepts and techniques used widely throughout academia, industry and the health professions.

Participate in cutting-edge research

We encourage student independent research with faculty mentors. Many BMB majors perform research with their professors, either during the academic year or for ten weeks during the summer. Research topics vary widely, but have included examinations of changes in protein structure during evolution, development of proteins incorporating unnatural amino acids, and mutation and bacterial expression of enzymes.

We feel that students gain the most from their F&M education through these interactions.

Use state-of-the-art equipment

F&M continues to be a leader among liberal arts colleges in acquiring sophisticated equipment for student and faculty use in courses and research, such as mass spectrometers, liquid and gas chromatographs, a DNA sequencer, real-time thermal cyclers, and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

The BMB program is located in the new Barshinger Life Sciences and Philosophy Building, which includes state-of-the-art teaching and research labs.