Biochemistry is the perfect choice for students interested in careers straddling the more traditional fields of chemistry and biology. Students choosing this major will obtain excellent preparation for a variety of careers including biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology and agricultural chemistry. A degree in biochemistry is also an excellent precursor to pre-professional programs including medicine, dentistry and optometry.
The faculty strives to remain abreast of modern chemical techniques while being aware for the benefits and responsibilities of living in a technological society. Biochemistry is housed in the chemistry department, which follows guidelines of the American Chemical Society (ACS), so biochemistry majors receive instruction comparable to that at larger institutions while benefitting from individualized attention that is the hallmark of Central College.
Dr. Barbara Pettitt ’72 put on a suture workshop for Central students interested in medical school—providing hands-on practice sewing and tying for the future doctors.
The Health Professions Club crosses disciplines, joining together students from every field in the health sciences.
The Central College community celebrated the work of its best scholars as senior honors students presented their final theses in the Roe Center.
While a new offering, the biochemistry is excellent preparation for fields in the medical field, biochemistry graduate school and industry. We currently have Central College graduates in all three of these areas.
Complete one of the following three electives in biology:
Coursework required for American Chemical Society Biochemistry Certification:
Complete one of the following four electives:
The Vermeer Science Center recently went through a $20-million renovation and expansion that was completed in fall 2003. In addition to biology, chemistry, physics and natural science departments, the mathematics and computer science departments are located in Vermeer. The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new Dell computers with flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research. Just inside the main entrance is an easy-to-use touchscreen kiosk with a building directory that can be searched by room or professor's name. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state. The chemistry department maintains state-of-the-art instrument research equipment including NMR, IR, AA, GC, HPLC, UV-VIS, and luminescence.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you'll want to join! Student groups include:
In addition to internship opportunities, it is our preference that undergraduate students take on a research project. Faculty have many projects going and are always willing to help nurture new ideas for research. Current projects that include interests in biochemistry include the study of mushroom extracts on cells and organic molecules that bind with phosphorylated compounds.
