Biochemistry, also known as “biological chemistry,” is a field that specifically investigates the seemingly infinite chemical processes that occur within or directly relate to living organisms. There are three main subfields within biochemistry: protein science, metabolism, and molecular genetics. Because of its highly technical and scientific nature, it can be difficult to find a top-notch undergraduate (B.S.) biochemistry degree and department at smaller liberal arts schools. We think that this a missed opportunity, because we see biochemistry as being prime for a student interested in investigating the overlap between, say, biochemistry and ethics, sociology, or psychology, for students who want to pursue a public health route. Or, math, statistics, or computer science for students who want to go into tech. We’ve compiled a list of the best biochem majors and programs at small liberal arts schools throughout the U.S.
Bowdoin College
The Biochemistry major at Bowdoin has a significant focus on research and the school is the beneficiary of numerous massive research grants and funds that aim to expand biomedical research-based in Maine. There are also numerous internal fellowship programs and grant opportunities that are specifically for undergraduate biochemistry majors. This ensures that students are not only participating in meaningful and ongoing research with long-term implications but that they are paid for their work and are able to pursue research opportunities over school breaks and summers.
Amherst College
Majors within the Biochemistry and Biophysics department, whether students want to emphasize in one or the other, all begin their major together, taking a number of shared core courses. They then move on to complete a predetermined track of “Intermediate” courses that either follow an emphasis on biochemistry or biophysics. Students also develop expertise through elective courses ranging from Developmental Biology and Form and Function to Evolutionary Biology, Genome Biology, and others. Amhert’’s open curriculum and place within the five-college consortium enables students to not only take advantage of the school’s robust resources but those of the other colleges, like the robust research institution that is the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Tufts University
Biochemistry majors within the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts spend a significant amount of time focused on research once they have mastered Tufts’ core biology competencies. What stands out about Tufts’ Biology department, though, is that it also offers some of the more unique biology-focused majors that combine biochemistry with other fields of study, like Biopsychology (investigating genetics and neurobiology, behavior) and Biotechnology (investigating gene therapy, tissue engineering, and bioremediation). Tufts also offers a combined BS+MS five-year degree option for students majoring in the biology department.
Middlebury College
Students in pursuit of a Biochemistry major at Middlebury must be prepared for the school’s emphasis on instrumentation: the college has a robust facility dedicated to research and lab techniques that aim to determine, through hands-on training and research, characteristics of biomolecules. Students spend a significant amount of time throughout their coursework learning and training in instrumentation techniques with professors and analysts. Students interested in majoring in biochemistry can choose between the “biochemistry” and “molecular biology and biochemistry” majors, the latter with an emphasis on molecular genetics.
Pomona College
Pomona’s Molecular Biology program encompasses the study of biochemistry, cell structure, genetics, chemistry, and cell function. The school has a huge emphasis on research: over 80% of their Molecular Biology majors participate in intensive summer research projects and every student must complete either an experimental senior exercise thesis or a research grant proposal/library thesis.
Barnard College
The most unique aspect of Barnard’s biochemistry program is in its chemistry foundation courses. Unlike most chemistry tracks at other colleges and universities, Barnard takes a more directed and streamlined approach. Barnard’s “General Chemistry I” is the school’s only introductory chemistry course offered. Many schools typically offer multiple levels of introductory chemistry, but Barnard’s belief in interdisciplinary learning is reflected in this choice--any student interested in pursuing a foundational chemistry course must take this class. Then, those who want to progress into more advanced chemistry courses are directed right into Organic (Chemistry) I after General Chemistry, followed by Organic II, and finally, students choose one of a few courses to complete a final (fourth) semester of General Chemistry II with a specific focus. Most schools go Intro Chem —> General Chem —> 1 year of organic chemistry, but Barnard believes that an early and targeted introduction to Organic Chemistry is crucial and more effective for students who want a strong foundation in chemistry instead of waiting an entire year before delving into organic content. All Biochemistry majors at Barnard are required to complete either a Seniors Honors Thesis Seminar or a Guided Research project.
Washington & Lee University
In order to complete a B.S. in Biochemistry at Washington & Lee, students must complete all of the necessary and predictable courses in chemistry (organic and inorganic), calculus, and physics. But, the benefit of studying at a liberal arts institution becomes clear when reviewing the unique W&L study abroad program: Science in Art: Technical Examination of 17th Century Dutch Paintings. While most study abroad opportunities are one term, this particular course is two terms long and requires science students to analyze 17th-century Dutch art using physical, chemical, biological, and geological concepts. The first 12 weeks take place on the W&L campus while students delve into the scientific and technical components of the course before embarking on four weeks of art history, politics, religion, and economics, and then set off for 24 days at the Center for European Studies (CES) Universiteit Maastricht.
Wellesley
The Biochemistry department at Wellesley (fun fact: the department just celebrated its 50th anniversary) is all about making it your own--they encourage students within this Interdepartmental major to decide on their major early so that they can take advantage of study abroad opportunities, summer research fellowships, and double-majors. While Wellesley is a great place to study biochemistry, the unique majors and interdepartmental majors that it offers for those who want to double-major, like American Studies, Health and Society, and French Cultural Studies, are the opportunities that make the beauty of a liberal arts education really shine.
Swarthmore
Students study Biochemistry at Swarthmore because of the numerous and active research community that one can join essentially immediately upon enrollment. Students can apply to join one of the many research groups that are constantly in creation and progressing throughout their time at Swarthmore. In addition, the department holds meetings they call “Colloquium” to introduce students to a diverse range of topics that scientists at Swarthmore and other neighboring institutions are exploring. So, while everyone has their expertise, Swarthmore goes to great lengths to make sure that there a distinct and strong sense of collaboration and community within the sciences.
Please let us know if you want more information about any of the above majors or need our help finding a suitable program for your specific areas of interest. That’s why we’re here and we’d love to help.