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.

Our Faculty and Staff

Daniel R Ardia

Associate Dean of the Faculty and Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Biology; Science, Technology and Society

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Jaime E Blair

Professor of Biology, Program Chair of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Gabriel S Brandt

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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Scott H Brewer

Professor of Chemistry

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Vincent Carson

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Biology

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Beckley K Davis

Professor of Biology

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James T Engleman

Greenhouse Manager & Laboratory Technician

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Edward E Fenlon

Professor of Chemistry

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Peter A Fields

The Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology

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Janet M Fischer

Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology, Department Chair of Biology

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Edith L Gallagher

Visiting Scholar of Biology

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Lisa R Garrett

Laboratory Support Supervisor, Biology

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Julie B Gemmell

Academic Department Coordinator

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Sarah Gotwols

Research Associate of Biology

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Kelly Hallinger

Visiting Assistant Professor

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Kenneth R Hess

Professor of Chemistry

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Aaron F Howard

Teaching Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Data Science

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Pablo D Jenik

Associate Professor and Associate Chair Department of Biology

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Robert N Jinks

Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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Davide Lionetti

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Shannon McGinnis

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Biology

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Jorge Mena-Ali

Assistant Dean of Faculty Diversity Initiatives and House Don for Roschel College; Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Biology

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Lisa A Mertzman

Stockroom Manager

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Andy Miller

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology

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Kirk Miller

B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. Professor of Biology

Public Health

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Clara S Moore

Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Public Health; Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Jennifer L Morford

Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry

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Mark H Olson

Professor of Biology

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Christine P Piro

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Bonchek College House Don

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Kate Plass

Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair of Chemistry

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Ellie Rice

Director, Quantitative & Science Center and Senior Teaching Professor of Biology

Biology

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David M Roberts

Associate Professor of Biology

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Samantha M Seldomridge

Academic Department Coordinator

Public Health

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Stephanie A Stoehr

Institutional Biosafety Officer and Teaching Professor of Biology

Public Health

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Sarah Z Tasker

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Joseph Thompson

Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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Marcus W Thomsen

Professor of Chemistry

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Scott A Van Arman

Professor of Chemistry

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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

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.

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Student Spotlight

Balancing Academics & Athletics

This past spring, 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. 

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Alumni Spotlight

A Distinct Blend of Disciplines

One reason Huaizhi Liu ’24 chose to attend F&M is the College’s encouragement of exploration before picking majors. Liu ultimately chose to double major in computational physics and biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in mathematics. This distinct combination led Liu to graduate school to study biomedical imaging. “This best utilizes my knowledge: computational physics will answer how to obtain the image, and biochemistry will tell me what I am looking at and why it is important,” he said.

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Related Fields of Study

Biology

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.

Chemistry

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.

Mathematics

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.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in Action

September 13, 2024

A Day in the Life: Summer Research at F&M

“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

Beyond the Mat: James Conway ’25 Balances Academics & Athletics

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.

May 23, 2024

Ten Faculty Earn Tenure, Promotion

At its May meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the recommendations of the Professional Standards Committee and the Provost, granting four F&M faculty tenure and promotion to associate professor, while six others were promoted to full professor.