As we enter the 21st century, it is increasingly apparent that distinctions between the sciences are becoming blurred. To prepare students for this scientific environment - and others that they'll encounter in the not-so-distant future - Allegheny offers an interdisciplinary and integrated major in the field of Biochemistry, increasing the diversity of Allegheny's hands-on educational opportunities and encouraging students to see the connections between scientific disciplines.
The Biochemistry major is part of an interdisciplinary program primarily supported by faculty from the biology, chemistry and physics departments. The major requires a group of introductory and upper-level courses from the biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics departments: Calculus I and II; Introductory Physics I and II; Organismal Physiology and Ecology; Genetics, Development and Evolution; Molecular Biology; Fundamentals of Chemistry I and II; Organic Chemistry I and II; Physical Chemistry I; and Introductory Biochemistry.
In addition, majors must take the junior seminar in biochemistry (Biochemical Investigations), which includes both an interdisciplinary lab-based component and an introduction to the research interests of the Biochemistry faculty. Students must also complete the Senior Project.
Students who intend to pursue graduate work or enter the Health Professions should consult guidelines for their discipline with respect to requirements for complementary laboratory work.
