The coursework for the biochemistry major is designed to prepare students for further study in graduate or professional school, and for entry into other careers in the life and chemical sciences.

Biochemistry, the study of life processes of organisms on a molecular level, is a discipline at the interface between biology and chemistry, focusing on chemical reactions that are important to biological processes.

In keeping with the core of the liberal arts tradition, the biochemistry department strives to invoke critical thinking, imaginative problem solving and reflective decision making through science case studies and by providing students with outstanding state-of-the-art molecular biology and analytical techniques. The program emphasizes the development and use of both written and oral communication skills and information literacy tools in the classroom.