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Interdisciplinary Field
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that includes the disciplines of metabolism, nutrition, enzyme mechanisms, structural biology, hormone action, gene regulation, genetic engineering and others. Alma's Biochemistry program provides a broad foundation in these diverse topics, from which students can succeed in more specialized graduate programs that gain their interest. Crucial to our program is the exposure of students to current developments and research techniques.
ACS Certified Degree Program
In addition to the regular bachelor of science degree in Biochemistry, Alma offers an American Chemical Society certified degree. This requires completion of two elective courses in instrumental analysis and advanced inorganic chemistry. The quality of our program is therefore endorsed by national-level peer review.
Student-Faculty Research
Lab experiences accompany all biochemistry courses. Professors help you apply classroom learning to lab situations.
Working one-on-one with professors who are actively involved in original research, you study molecular biology, enzymology, immunology, cell biology and toxicology. You are encouraged to conduct independent research projects beginning your first year.
Professors help you present your findings at professional gatherings such as the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters and at national meetings.
Facilities
- The Kapp Science Laboratory Center's ample student laboratory and research space provide access at any time, even evenings and weekends.
- The biochemistry section houses general biochemistry, molecular biology, chromatography/electrophoresis and tissue culture laboratories, as well as equipment rooms and a cold room.
- Equipment is available for all types of protein and nucleic acid purification using chromatographic, electrophoretic and spectroscopic techniques.
- We have complete facilities for culturing microbial organisms and cell lines.
- We have all the facilities necessary to carry out recombinant DNA experiments and for DNA sequencing.
- You also have access to the Chemistry Department's multinuclear, superconducting nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.
Computer Facilities
Students are encouraged to bring their own computers to campus to best utilize available services. Access to the Internet, campus network, library, electronic mail and a variety of printers is available in all residence halls.
Student computer labs in academic departments throughout the campus provide access to Macintosh, IBM compatible PC systems, Sun Sparcstations and Silicon Graphics Unix workstations. Computer classrooms in the library and Swanson Academic Center are staffed by student assistants.
Related Scholarships
The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Scholarship is competitively awarded to students who demonstrate a high potential for success in the sciences, a strong career interest in chemistry and/or biochemistry, a desire to pursue an advanced degree in the field and above average high school grades in science and math and performance on the ACT or SAT. It provides a minimum of $1,000 each year.
Career Possibilities
Our graduates are attractive to chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological firms.
Because substantial positions in corporate or academic research usually require a Ph.D., Alma's program in biochemistry is designed to prepare you for graduate school. Our students are routinely accepted to outstanding programs nationwide. Majors in biochemistry also frequently gain entry to medical schools and other health profession training programs.
