| Requirements
of the Major
|
Convener: William Mitchell* Advisors: Paramjeet Bagga* Arthur Felix* |
Carol Frishberg Robert Mentore* Robert Shine* (*disclaimer below) |
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:
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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
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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
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have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing
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have an understanding of the principles and applications of modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data analysis
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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.
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