Biochemistry
Jody Modarelli (2007), Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
B.S. The University of Akron;
Ph.D., The University of Akron
Academic interest: Lipid chemistry, Metabolimics, Cancer Biology
Prudence J. Hall (1988), Chair, Professor Emerita of Biology and Chemistry
A.B., Oberlin College;
M.S., Ph.D., Michigan State University
Biochemistry, the study of life processes of organisms on a molecular level, is a discipline at the interface between traditional scientific disciplines of biology (the science of life and life processes) and chemistry (the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems). Biochemical studies also incorporate principles from the fields of physics and mathematics to form a distinct scientific field that explores living organisms on the molecular and chemical levels. Biochemistry focuses on the chemical reactions that occur in molecules that are important to biological processes, how those chemical reactions affect the physical characteristics of that individual molecule, and what those physical and chemical changes on the molecular level imply for the larger biological system within which that molecule is contained.
Training in biochemistry at the undergraduate level is based upon a firm foundation in the basic sciences and mathematics. Core courses introduce the student to the principles that organize and maintain the complex inter-workings of living cells and organisms. Knowledge of basic cell structure and of the molecules of which cells are composed is required. Topics in the biochemistry courses range from protein structure to cancer biology. Recent advances in molecular biology and bio-analytical chemistry have spawned new areas of interest in biochemistry such as metabolomics, are part of the curriculum as well. Technological advances and uses of technology are important in understanding interactions within a living organism; knowledge of technology and experimental biochemistry is emphasized in the required laboratories and research experiences. The potential and limits of knowledge in the discipline are also considered. The coursework for the major will prepare the student for further study in graduate or professional school, and for entry into other careers in the life and chemical science.
Department web address: http://admission.hiram.edu/learn/majors/major.php?id=3
Requirements for Biochemistry Major:
A biochemistry major must complete 15 courses in the natural sciences, not including General Chemistry (Chemistry 120, 121). A student wishing to major in biochemistry must be advised by the biochemistry professor.
Core Courses:
Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 220, 320)
Molecular and Cellular Biology (Biology 230)
Genetics (Biology 365)
Physical Chemistry I (Chemistry 350)
Basic Biochemistry (Biology/Chemistry 366)
Intermediate Biochemistry (Biology/Chemistry 368)
Elective Courses (2 courses):
Two upper-level courses in Biology or Chemistry from among the following allow the student to develop his or her own interests within the discipline. (Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the biochemistry major advisor.)
Immunology (Biology 378)
Advanced Molecular Biology (Biology 415)
Virology (Biology
Inorganic Chemistry (Chemistry 230)
Equilibrium and Analysis (Chemistry 240)
Physical Chemistry II (Chemistry 351)
Research Experience (1 course)
A research experience in the biochemistry laboratory in which the student is introduced to or refines bench skills can serve as an introduction to the discipline or as an experience prior to accepting an Internship.
Research Techniques in Biochemistry (Biology/Chemistry 483)
Capstone: the Internship Experience (1 course)
The Internship Experience provides laboratory experience in biochemistry and may be completed on – or off – campus. The student gives a presentation of the research project to fellow students, faculty, and other interested people. The student also writes a paper, in scientific journal format, about the research.
Internship (Biology 498, or Chemistry 498 and Chemistry 480 (Senior Seminar))
Required Correlative Courses (4 courses)
Courses in mathematics and physics provide the biochemistry student with important quantitative tools and a solid understanding of physical concepts important to biochemistry.
Calculus I, II (Mathematics 198, 199), Fundamentals of Physics I, II (Physics 213, 214)