Biology: Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a study of the chemical and molecular basis of all life, from plants and animals to single-cell organisms.

Emmanuel’s biochemistry concentration provides students the opportunity to not only study living things, but to understand the biochemistry of those organisms—the molecular compounds, substances and physiology that make them tick. Students will be exposed to current research in lectures, labs and in faculty-supported research projects.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. Biology with Concentration in Biochemistry

Requirements for Concentration (In addition to concentration electives, students must complete the additional elective requirements to satisfy the major)

  • 1. BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
  • 2. CHEM2102 Organic Chemistry II
  • 3. CHEM3115 Introduction to Toxicology OR CHEM3123 Advanced Chemical Synthesis 
  • 4. BIOL4194/95 Research Internship in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component)
  • 5-6. Two biology electives from category 2 

Category 2: Organismic/Systems Electives

  • BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
  • BIOL2121 Human Health and the Environment (SJ)
  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 
  • BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with lab
  • BIOL3105 Endocrinology
  • BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
  • BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*
  • NEURO2201 Neurobiology
  • NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience
  • * BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

  • Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
  • Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
  • Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
  • Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
  • Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
  • Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.

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The Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA)

In a city known for innovation in healthcare, opportunities for Emmanuel students are bolstered by our location within the world-renowned Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA). With walking-distance access to cutting-edge scientific and medical institutions, ours is a neighborhood that stands hand-in-hand with the future.

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Featured Faculty: Aren Gerdon

Professor Aren Gerdon is the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Emmanuel College. He leads his own chemistry research group, focusing on biomaterials, and works closely with other research groups across campus. Professor Gerdon is passionate about sharing his deep knowledge of chemistry with his students, guiding them from class work to practical, real-world lab experiments.

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Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.