Biochem

Biochemistry

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TWO FIELDS. ONE DEPARTMENT.

Combine your interests in biology and chemistry into one major with Biochemistry. You’ll learn from core courses in those two departments along with math and physics courses, finishing off with a capstone seminar. Faculty research interests include synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, the chemistry and pharmacology of alcohol, enzyme kinetics, microbiology, pathogenicity, protein interactions, gene expression, and development. Develop your own research interests while joining faculty on a wide range of projects to create anti-cancer compounds, protect crops from infection, replace silicon chips with inorganic molecular wire candidates, and better understand the development of sight, among other topics.

 

Student SpotlightEthan Lewis '23

Major: Biochemistry
minor: French and francophone Studies 

“Being a biochemistry major at HWS has offered me countless opportunities to apply my coursework outside of the classroom. Professors emphasize real-world applications of the material in their classes and strive to make the material as relevant to your life and future as possible. 

Through my professors at HWS, I have participated in research opportunities both in Geneva, at the Cornell Agritech station, and abroad during my time in Stockholm, Sweden. None of this would have been possible without my coursework and professors at HWS.”



 

Honors
honors

And Research

 

Biochemistry students looking to engage more in their work can pursue Honors and research projects in a chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Past examples of Honors projects include:

  • Alec Robitaille ’21:The Effects of Macromolecular Crowding on Enzyme Kinetics Kristin Slade, Adviser 
  • Brianna M. Hurysz ’20: Assessing Anti-cancer Potential and Mechanism of Action of Novel Staurosporine Analogs Patricia Mowery, Adviser
  • Charmaine Bing Bing Chung ’19: The Effects of Macromolecular Crowding on Enzyme Kinetics Kristin Slade, Adviser
More Biochemistry Research Projects

Experiential EducationApply Your Knowledge

Get hands on experience that prepares you to work in the health professions or engage in research with environmentalists on the effects of harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes.

At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

Explore and Experience the HWS Centers

 

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The World as Your Laboratory:Global Education

Study molecular chemistry in Australia or cellular multiplication in England.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Study Abroad Options
abroad

Belonging, Diversity and Equity

Launched in 2021, the STEM Scholars program offers opportunities for academic support and financial aid for underrepresented students in science and mathematics programs.

Learn More
 

  • coourse
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Build a foundation in Biochemistry, then pursue your specific interests within the department.

  • CHEM 240 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

    Gain the fundamentals to the study of organic molecules, in addition to structure, mechanism, reactions, synthesis, and practical methods for structure determination.

  • BIOL 302 IMMUNOLOGY

    Explore the complex, multi-disciplinary and evolving field of immunology, including cellular immunology, molecular immunology and the immune system and diseases.

  • CHEM 348 BIOCHEMISTRY I

    As the first of a two-part course, develop your understanding of the structure, function, and physical properties of biological macromolecules.

Biochemistry Courses and Curriculum
 

FacilitiesLearn With the Best

At HWS, you’ll study biochemistry with some of the best equipment available, and that’s not just our word.

Rosenberg Hall, where the biochemistry department is located, was described “among the best – if not the best-designed undergraduate science teaching-learning, research facilities we have ever seen” by The Council on Undergraduate Research.

Between Rosenberg Hall and adjoining Lansing Hall, there are six instructional labs, five student-faculty research laboratories, three instrument rooms, a prep room, chemical storage rooms and a computer lab to make use of.

Additionally, you can study biochemistry on the water aboard the William Scandling research vessel and take use of equipment like high-resolution sub bottom profiler, side-scan sonar and current meters.

Learn More

 

Alum ImpactBuilding the KnowledgeFor Medical School

Alec robitaille ’21 

MEDICAL STUDENT, midwestern university 

Through the Guaranteed Internship Program, Alec was able complete a summer research project that would be the catalyst for building his interest in research, leading him all the way to medical school. 

Read Alec's Story Meet More Recent Grads

COMPANIES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • Atofina Chemical
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Buck Environmental
  • CombiMatrix
  • Elan Pharmaceuticals
  • FlavorChem
  • Glaxo SmithKline
  • Immunogen
  • Invitrogen
  • Los Alamos National Labs
  • Merck Pharmaceuticals
  • The Peace Corps
  • Perkin-Elmer
  • Sanofi-Aventis
  • Schering-Plough Corporation
  • Seventh Generation Inc.
  • Xerox Corporation

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • Albert Einstein Medical College
  • Armed Forces Medical College
  • Baylor University
  • Boston University
  • Cal Tech
  • Cambridge University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Dartmouth University
  • Georgia Tech University
  • Howard University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oxford University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Purdue University
  • Stanford University
  • Syracuse University
  • Temple University
  • Tufts University
  • Tulane University
  • University of Buffalo
  • University of California - Irvine
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Florida
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Massachusetts
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Rochester
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Tennessee
  • University of Texas
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Yale University