About the Major
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field concerned
with the chemical composition, structure, and molecular functions
of living organisms. Knowledge derived from the disciplines
of chemistry, physics, and biology is used to understand the
processes that operate in cells and organisms, including their
metabolism and regulation. Biochemistry attempts to understand
the uniqueness of complex evolving living systems; how living
organisms harvest energy from their environment to produce and
maintain their complexity; and how these structures replicate
themselves. The knowledge garnered from biochemical research
has been applied to solve problems in areas ranging from agriculture
to medicine. Specific areas of biochemistry include principles
of protein structure (amino acid chemistry, peptide and protein
structure and protein folding), enzymes (mechanisms, enzyme
kinetics and inhibition), nucleic acids (nucleotides and nucleic
acid chemistry, DNA sequencing, protein and genetic engineering)
and metabolism (carbohydrate structure, glucose catabolism,
citric acid cycle).
A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry provides the essential
background and training that can open a variety of career pathways
for students upon graduation. The biochemistry major is excellent
preparation for professional studies in the health sciences;
for secondary school teaching in the biological and physical
sciences; for research in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry;
for technical writing, sales, and service; and as the basis
for graduate studies. The combination of chemistry, molecular
biology, enzymology, and genetic engineering found in biochemistry
provides the foundation to contribute to the rapidly expanding
field of biotechnology.
At the end of their studies at Ramapo, graduating Biochemistry
majors should:
- have
a general knowledge of the basic area of biochemistry and
have the ability to apply it in a problem-solving environment;
be proficient in basic chemical, biochemical, and physical
laboratory skills
- have
conducted a research project as part of an upper level course
or as a participant in active, individual laboratory research
within the college or appropriate cooperative education
assignment
- have
the ability to communicate scientific information clearly
and precisely, both orally and in writing
- have
an understanding of the principles and applications of modern
instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data
analysis
- have
the ability to formulate and carry out strategies for solving
scientific problems
Ramapo
has state-of-the-art laboratories for chemistry, biochemistry,
genetics, molecular biology, and physics that are utilized in
the major. There are opportunities for students to do research
with faculty and for experiential learning through cooperative
education in nearby industry. The program is supported by computer
labs that are available for student use to supplement the instruction
in the lecture and laboratories. The major in Biochemistry is
offered by the School of Theoretical and Applied Science and
leads to a B.S. degree. |
