Biochemistry
Biochemistry
What You’ll Study at Queens
Are you passionate about science but unsure which career path is right for you? Biochemistry combines the study of living organisms (biology) and the study of matter (chemistry). Scientists use biochemistry principles to understand living things on a molecular level and their biological processes.
Studying biochemistry will help you develop technical and analytical science skills you can apply in real-world settings through hands-on lab work. You will also have the opportunity to work on research that addresses real problems in areas that interest you. Student-faculty research often involves partnering with community organizations, giving our students experience in the real world.
This degree consists of a curriculum recommended by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Biodiesel Fuel Project
The EPA is supporting an exciting 2-year project entitled Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Glycerol: a Living Laboratory for STEM Students. This project aims to build a biodiesel reactor that will convert 50 gallons of used cooking oil each month. Students and professors at Queens developed a new way to use glycerol, a useful byproduct, to create an anhydrous catalyst. This catalyst will bind ethanol to triglyceride oils, resulting in renewable fuel. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future!
How Can You Use This Degree?
Work opportunities include a range of exciting fields like biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutics, food science, agriculture, healthcare, education, and forensics. Graduates typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results including, but not limited to the roles below:
- Forensic scientist
- Microbiologist
- Biochemist
- Environmental Scientist
- Research scientist
- Chemical engineer
- Educator
Highlighted Courses
- Foundations of Genetics (BIO 303)
- Organic Chemistry (CHM 303)
- Biochemistry (CHM 401)
- Senior Research Capstone (CHM 495)
Student Success / Highlights
“I had great research opportunities that allowed me to apply what I was learning in the classroom to the lab. These experiences helped me to understand the topics and carry them with me through graduation. The faculty were very supportive, and you could tell they truly wanted their students to succeed! I feel well prepared in the field of biochemistry as I start my medical degree.” Gabbi Montgomery ’21
“The opportunity to perform hands-on research at Queens paved the way for my first technical job. The coursework, alongside analytical instrumentation used for labs, provided a well-rounded understanding of chemical processes and analytics. The shared knowledge and diverse styles of the chemistry faculty opened my mind to critical thinking and problem-solving.” Victoria Diez ’19, R&D Scientist, BASF
Program Contact
Patricia Koplas, PhD, PT
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Professor of Biology
Chair of Biology and Chemistry Department
Pre-Health and Pre-Vet Advisor
koplasp@queens.edu
704-337-2203