Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
About Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Our Program and Courses
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is a major at F&M. Through combined coursework in biology and chemistry, you will learn how to manipulate and study biomolecules, giving you a more complete understanding of how molecular structure leads to function, how normal metabolic processes occur and are regulated in a variety of species, and how these phenomena ultimately depend on information-containing molecules in the cell. You also will gain a clearer understanding of the principal causes of many diseases in plants and animals through hands-on exploration, individualized instruction and a collegial learning atmosphere. This program, with its combination of classroom, laboratory and independent research experiences, will give you a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology, and prepare you for graduate work or a career in many biological disciplines, including medicine, biotechnology and bioengineering.
By the time you graduate, you will:
- Learn concepts from across the breadth of biological disciplines, with depth in focused areas of interest.
- Utilize quantitative skills to develop and test novel research questions, ethically and in collaboration with others.
- Synthesize and expand upon existing scientific theories and models by critically and analytically engaging with literature.
- Hone skills as effective scientific communicators, through both writing and speaking.
Curious what biochemistry and molecular biology classes are like? Take a look at our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you, including related majors in biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, neuroscience, animal behavior, earth and environmental science, environmental studies, and public health.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Research Opportunities
As you become fully immersed in your studies in biochemistry and molecular biology,
you may find yourself forming theories or questions. The good news? You don’t have
to wait until graduate school to investigate. Every student at F&M has extraordinary
opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. Our students’ research has been published in leading scholarly journals, and your
professors will be there every step of the way to mentor and advise you in your journey.
Explore research at F&M
Off-Campus Study
Biochemistry and molecular biology students have exciting opportunities to expand
their education off campus.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Our Facilities and Resources
You can enjoy hands-on experience in our facilities in both the Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building and the Hackman Physical Sciences Building on campus. These buildings feature 24 student-faculty research laboratories, a greenhouse, and animal rooms. Specialized facilities and research equipment include a mass spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, a gas chromatograph, a fluorometer, preparative and ultracentrifuges, electrophoresis equipment, a confocal microscope, a dark room, a cold room, a quantitative thermal cycler, and UV/visible spectrophotometers.
Success Beyond F&M
What happens after you graduate with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology? Many students go onto graduate school, medical school, or choose to embark on their chosen career path. You’ll also find recognition and support in the Benjamin Rush Pre-Health Honor Society, an organization that hosts programs and events and creates a sense of community among outstanding students interested in the health professions.
Graduate School
Nearly 85 percent of our majors in the biology-related fields go onto graduate school, medical school, or another health professions graduate program. Their individualized learning and hands-on experience gives them an advantage in getting admitted into some of the nation’s finest graduate programs.
Career Paths
Healthcare is a popular field for our graduates, though careers within the field are diverse. Our alumni have held positions such as:
- Scientist
- Veterinarian
- Biology Teacher
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Forensic Biologist
- Healthcare Compliance Specialist
- Medical Researcher
- Molecular Biologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Pediatric Physician
- Physician
- Quality Control Scientist
- Senior Research Associate
- Transplant Hepatologist
The biological sciences expand and advance frontiers of knowledge about all forms
of life. From molecules to ecosystems, from oceans to deserts, from the distant past
to present day, biology gives you insights into other species, ourselves, and our
world. How is chemistry essential to the understanding of physical, geological and biological
phenomena? By studying chemistry at F&M, you’ll explore the study of matter and how
it undergoes changes, discovering how chemistry connects to a range of disciplines,
from technology, oceanography, medicine and more. The study of mathematics is ancient, and its roots in clear and creative thought can
still be seen today. While studying mathematics at F&M, you will learn both the fundamental
foundations and theories of the field as well as how to apply these theories to real-life
problems.Student Spotlight
“I knew F&M would be the right place for me.”
Sara Beqiraj '25 wanted to attend a small, liberal arts college where she would be
empowered to explore all her interests. She found herself drawn to F&M due to the
College’s undergraduate research opportunities and top-notch preparation for medical
school. “Given my early passion in medicine, I knew F&M would be the right place for
me,” she said. Beqiraj, who majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and minored
in Spanish, will begin medical school this summer. “Medicine has been my dream for
many years, and I can't wait to dive in,” she said.
Read More »Student Spotlight
A Day in the Life: Summer Research at F&M
Aayat Tahir ’26 has always liked organic chemistry, but chemistry professor Ed Fenlon’s
teaching crystallized her interest in the subject. “I decided to explore research
opportunities on campus related to organic synthesis,” Tahir said. The biochemistry
and molecular biology major spent her summer as an organic chemistry research lab
assistant under the tutelage of Fenlon and chemistry professor Scott Brewer. Her particular
research was synthesizing isotopically labeled nitrile-nucleotides for ribonucleic
acid (RNA) studies. During her research, Tahir said she got better equipped at dealing
with setbacks and failures. “There were many times when my experiments failed…Even
though it can be disheartening, I soon understood how my colleagues and professors
didn’t consider my efforts any less, since failure is a common phenomenon that drives
major scientific discoveries,” she said.
Read More »Student Spotlight
Balancing Academics & Athletics
F&M wrestler James Conway ’25 became the first F&M student to earn the NCAA Elite
90 Award in any sport. The Elite 90 award is presented to the student-athlete with
the highest cumulative grade point average who has reached the national championship
level in their sport. Off the mat, Conway, a biochemistry and molecular biology major,
has stayed busy studying the synthesis of new molecules. Lab research has emphasized
the importance of comprehending advanced medical literature, as well as time management.
“In the [classroom] lab, you only get a specific regimen of techniques. But when you
do research, you get exposed to all sorts of different things. There are many different
papers you can follow along and adapt to,” Conway said.
Read More »Related Fields of Study
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
March 24, 2025 “Given my early passion in medicine, I knew F&M would be the right place for me,” says Sara Beqiraj, a biochemistry and molecular biology major and Spanish minor. See what she learned in the science lab and beyond at F&M. September 13, 2024 “F&M’s small class size was perfect for me to engage with my teachers and make the most of my learning experience,” says junior Aayat Tahir, who spent her summer on campus as an organic chemistry research lab assistant. August 21, 2024 This past spring, senior James Conway became the first F&M student to earn the NCAA Elite 90 Award in any sport. Months later, the varsity wrestler is busy at work in the laboratory as a summer Hackman Scholar.Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in Action
Sara Beqiraj ’25 Pursues Passion for Medicine
A Day in the Life: Summer Research at F&M
Beyond the Mat: James Conway ’25 Balances Academics & Athletics