Biochemistry

Studying the compounds that make up living matter and the pathways involved in the life processes, the field of biochemistry is an essential background for medicine. Research in biochemistry includes studies of RNA and DNA, the causes of diseases, and the development of diagnostic tests.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas.

Biochemistry at The University of Scranton

The biochemistry program at The University of Scranton is designed to provide the background necessary for careers in medicine, research or industry.

Program highlights include:

• a teaching faculty of active researchers, all of whom have their doctorate degrees
• state-of-the-art instrumentation which includes a 300 MHz NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared, Atomic Absorption and GC-Mass Spectrometers, Diode-array UV-Visible Spectrophotometers, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis Instrumentation, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. You will receive hands-on experience in using this sophisticated equipment as early as your freshman year.
• a mandatory research project in which you'll work one-on-one with a faculty member. You'll write up and defend your findings before a committee, which is excellent preparation for graduate and/or professional school.
• a five-year program leading to a bachelor and master of science degree. You are also eligible to apply for a graduate assistant at the University in your fourth and fifth years.
• laboratories for upperclass students taught entirely by faculty members
• active participation in research
• summer internships and fellowships
• laboratories with the most up-to-date equipment and computers
  

Outcomes

Recent graduates of the biochemistry program are earning starting salaries of $35,000 to $45,000 at firms such as Wyeth-Ayerst, American Cyanamid and Schering-Plough. A number of other grads have gone on to study at Georgetown University Medical School, Harvard Medical School, Hofstra School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh.

Finding Out More

For more information about chemistry at The University of Scranton, please contact Dr. David Marx, Department Chair, at (570) 941-6356. His e-mail address is marxd1@scranton.edu.