Biochemistry majors gain knowledge of biochemical and chemical analysis, synthesis, and theory while acquiring competence in laboratory techniques, the use of chemical instrumentation, computer skills, written and oral communication, and effective use of the professional literature.
About The Program
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a biochemistry major that provides a learning environment for students to engage in the study of empirical principles; to develop analytical and problem-solving skills; to acquire the laboratory skills necessary to design, perform, and evaluate experiments; and to become skilled at organization, evaluation, and presentation of the concepts of biochemistry and chemistry. The program accommodates chemistry and other science majors, pre-med/pre-vet students and students planning to pursue health and allied health professions, as well as students wishing to teach biochemistry at the secondary level.
Major: Biochemistry (BS)
Program Chair: Dr. Kevin Kittredge
School: Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Why Study Biochemistry at VWU?
Accelerated Degree Options
Early Assurance Program with Eastern Virginia Medical School
The Early Assurance Program with EVMS gives admission preference to VWU students interested in pursuing advanced degrees.
Joint Program in Medicine with Eastern Virginia Medical School
Upon completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree at VWU, students in this program are guaranteed admission in the Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Pre-admittance and Joint Degree Options in Pharmacy with Shenandoah University
Virginia Wesleyan University students are given priority status
into Shenandoah University's Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy for Pre-Admittance and Joint Degree Options.
Pre-Engineering Program at ODU
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master's degree in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Modeling & Simulation, or Systems Engineering from Old Dominion University.
Equipment and Facilities
Greer Environmental Sciences Center
This 44,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility provides unprecedented opportunities for students while fostering regional collaboration with organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS).
Scanning Electron Microscope
The microscope, the result of a $242,502 grant from the National Science Foundation, is equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, an accessory that enables the user to determine the chemical composition of a specimen.
Internships/Undergraduate Research
Students majoring in biochemistry are offered the opportunity to conduct original scientific research in an area of interest. They work closely with one or more members of the natural science faculty to develop and conduct a research project, then present their findings orally during the semester’s undergraduate research symposium and as a formal research paper. Students are encouraged to present their findings at a conference. Students will coordinate internship placement with their supervising faculty member in their junior or senior year. Internships are an intensive study of a specific field of science through an on-site field experience with hands-on learning opportunities that are relevant to the chosen site.
Career Outcomes
Successful completion of the program will enable motivated students to pursue successful careers as physicians, nurses, veterinarians, chemists, environmental researchers, policymakers, public health professionals, scientific journalists, and educators. Careers may require additional study in a graduate school or professional school program.