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With our major in Biochemistry, you will examine biological concepts with a strong foundation in basic chemical principles revealing the molecular basis for disease, evolution, organismal development, reproduction, agriculture and more. Built from the same foundation as our Biology programs, in Biochemistry you will dive deeper into biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and calculus.
School/Division
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Campus Locations
Main Campus - Alfred, NY
Major
Biochemistry (BS)
Minor
none offered
Thanks to small class sizes, your critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed through student-centered courses and regular instructor collaborations, while your technical skills will be honed in laboratory sessions that start your first year.
The Science Center houses a variety of research-grade equipment including digital imaging systems, laminar flow hoods, fluorescent and phase-contrast microscopes, UV/VIS spectrophotometers, molecular biology equipment, field sampling equipment and environmental growth chambers.
Want to explore Belize? Through our Tropical Biology course, you can! The student-run Biology Club also organizes field trips and other out-of-class learning activities that enhance your understanding and curiosity in the biological and health sciences.
You will have opportunities for hands-on research through our Undergraduate Research Forum, ARGUS and our Applied and Experiential Learning Program. The Dubois Fund provides support for research projects. Or take one of our courses based on research experience where you'll contribute to and collaborate on novel research questions and have the opportunity to present your research at regional and national meetings.
The Biology program at Alfred University promotes and supports hands-on, interactive learning through laboratory and field courses, inquiry-based instruction, research activities, internships and discussions/seminars highlighting modern biological research. You'll have many opportunities to conduct research by becoming involved in faculty research projects or by designing your own independent research project.
Courses for the Biochemistry Major are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
You will complete a core of courses and select a prescribed number of elective courses related to your personal and career interests. All courses taken as part of the Biochemistry major must be passed with a grade of C or better.
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the major in Biochemistry, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.
Independent study projects in biology provide an opportunity for students to pose original questions of interest to them and formulate responses which may be research based, literature based, or the result of a creative endeavor. Students are encouraged to have fun with their projects and enjoy the opportunity for in-depth study in an area of their choosing.
Students develop and carry out their ideas with the advice and guidance of a faculty member and the final project is presented to the Division of Biology and Biochemistry in the form of a thesis, poster, oral presentation, or other acceptable format.
The independent study is taken as either BIO 450 (Independent Study) or BIO 485 (Internship in Biology), depending on the degree of independent work.
Students may apply for an Alfred Research Grant for Undergraduate Students (ARGUS) to help fund their projects. Faculty may have other sources of funding to support student work as well.
The Division of Biology and Biochemistry rewards deserving students for their progress, performance, and dedication to the field. Eligible students may qualify for the following awards:
The Brenda Bernstein Butner Award in Botany funds outstanding student research projects on native plants. This award provides a stipend for a semester-long or summer project.
Each year three merit-based awards are given to one sophomore, one junior and one senior student interested in animal or human medicine and who, by their academic, extracurricular and health-related practical experiences, have demonstrated a strong motivation and potential for pursuing a career in a health profession.
One of our most treasured scholarships is in memory of Diana Mossip who entered Alfred University in 1994 and was killed in a tragic automobile accident while still a student in 1996. Diana was a National Merit Scholar and a member of the Honors Program. She was majoring in Biology and had planned a career in veterinary medicine. Diana was a member of the Biology Club, assisted with blood drives, and enjoyed living in the Brick Residence Hall.
As an organ donor, Diana provided the gift of life to several people. Her family provides the gift of education by awarding the scholarship annually to two deserving students who are planning future careers in veterinary, human or dental medicine.
According to US News & World Report's Best Jobs, Biochemists have a median salary of $93,280.
Our Biochemistry program will also meet your needs if you plan to enroll in graduate school in the natural sciences.
