The Biochemistry program consists of classes from chemistry and biology along with significant laboratory experiments, research and summer internship. The degree assures that students are properly trained and prepared for rewarding careers that chemistry has to offer.
Curriculum
All students majoring in biochemistry must write and present to the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics a senior research proposal and maintain a satisfactory cumulative GPA. In addition, honors students must defend their proposal (thesis) in front of his/her thesis committee.
As a Biochemistry major, you'll take courses like the following:
- Biochemistry I & II
- General Chemistry I & II
- Organic Chemistry I & II
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Instrumental Chemistry
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Student Opportunities and Experience
Students majoring in chemistry will be involved in research both during the academic year as well as during the summer months. Those who show initiative and laboratory ability are encouraged to speak with one of the chemistry faculty members who agrees to act as the student’s research advisor. Generally it is recommended that the student become familiar with the research interests of the department faculty as early as possible. This may be done by reading papers written by the faculty, reviewing faculty profiles or by simply speaking with the individual faculty member.
At Claflin, students can take advantage of the funding relationships we have developed with the Experimental Programs to Stimulate Cooperative Research (EPSCoR), NSF-HBCU-UP and NASA’s Undergraduate Student Instrument Project through SC Space grant Consortium. These provide ample opportunities for paid summer research internship as well as academic-year paid research assistantship to our students.
All of Claflin’s chemistry faculties have active research programs that engage students each summer as well during the academic year to participate in their work. Students develop proficiency with modern instrumentation and become accustomed to molecular modeling and research. Chemistry students are also encouraged to take advantage of Claflin’s study abroad opportunities. Students are also encouraged to actively involved in the American Chemical Society’s student chapter at Claflin University and enhance their leadership skills. Students majoring chemistry have the opportunity to attend and present their research at several national and regional meeting, such as, ACS national meeting (convened two times a year), SouthEastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS) and Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS).
Careers and Outcomes
Similar to the chemistry major, students majoring in biochemistry typically go on to
- Graduate study (Master / Ph.D.) in chemistry
- Medical school
- Dentistry school
- Pharmaceutical school
- Occupational Therapy
- A job in a chemical industry (plastic, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bio-fuel, etc.)
- A job in crime/forensic laboratory
- A job in health-related careers
- A job in industrial hygiene
- A job in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of federal agency
- Teaching at the secondary school level