Drawing from our interdisciplinary connections with the Chemistry and Biological & Health Sciences departments, this program studies life processes occurring at the molecular level. You will examine biological molecules, structures, and reactions, and learn how biological molecules interact to form cells and organisms. This major will prepare you for a career in the biochemical, biological, or medical sciences.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.
The majority of Wheaton's BHS/Chemistry majors attend graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, or nursing school within 10 years.
Small class sizes mean individualized attention and greater access to faculty.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/chemistry/Biochemistry-and-Molecular-Biology-Students-1-800X1000.jpg)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a major sponsored jointly by the Biological and Health Sciences and Chemistry departments. Studying biochemistry and molecular biology will train you to read, write, produce, and speak about biochemistry and molecular science. You will learn from faculty members who have a wide range of research interests in their fields. With this firm foundation, you will be well-positioned to pursue employment or graduate studies in a range of specialties.
/prod02/channel_1/media/chemistry/Francis-Umesiri-800X1000.jpg)
Learn from caring, accomplished faculty members with expertise in areas such as cell biology, microbiology, molecular mechanisms, genetics, protein biochemistry, membrane biophysics, and cardiovascular physiology.
/prod02/channel_1/media/about/meyer-science-center-photos/Wheaton-College-Meyer-Science-Center-Exterior-with-Students.jpg)
The Meyer Science Center is home to state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces filled with modern equipment and instrumentation including fluorescence microscopy, gel imaging systems, RT-PCR, HPLC chromatography, mammalian tissue culture, mass spectrometry, and UV/VIS, NMR and IR spectroscopies.
/prod02/channel_1/media/magazine/summer-2022-magazine-images/webeditionimages/FEATURE_SCIENCE_wheaton-college-spring-2022-123207.jpg)
Studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Wheaton opens you up to many immersive learning experiences, from collaborative research projects with faculty mentors and internships to mission-driven service work around Chicagoland and abroad.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/biology/Wheaton-Students-in-Biology-Lab-1.jpg)
A major in biochemistry and molecular biology coupled with additional liberal arts courses in Wheaton's innovative Christ at the Core general education curriculum will equip you to form a Christian worldview, engage with current issues, and live as a witness for Christ in your places of influence.
More About Christ at the CoreWheaton BHS students are well-prepared for further professional training to ultimately pursue careers as practitioners, researchers, and educators. Many graduates head right into the workforce, landing roles in a variety of industries.
You can get a job. Examples include:
You can pursue an advanced degree that will lead to careers such as
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/chemistry/Lisa-Burden-Chemistry-Professor.jpg)
Lisa M. Burden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biochemistry"The study of BMB explores the amazing intersection of biology and chemistry. We consider life at the molecular level and investigate biomolecular structures, chemical reactions, and cellular processes. These activities allow us to witness the engines of living systems and contemplate the wonder of God’s creation!”
If you want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources to explore.
Visit the Department of Biological and Health Sciences and Chemistry Department websites for more information about majors, minors, faculty, facilities, and more.
View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.