Biochemistry - Albright College Biochemistry Where chemistry meets biology — and innovation meets opportunity. Biochemistry at Albright immerses students in the molecular mechanisms that power life. This interdisciplinary, lab-focused major prepares future scientists for medical school, graduate study, research careers, and biotechnology fields. About the Program The program integrates chemistry and biology through coursework that builds conceptual understanding and technical laboratory expertise. Students engage with national benchmarks, seminar series, and hands-on research opportunities. Hands-On Learning Students participate in independent research, ACRE projects, seminar events with alumni and ACS partners, and laboratory-rich coursework that mirrors professional scientific environments. Program Goals Course Requirements Opportunities Faculty Gain knowledge of theories in the field: They are prepared for graduate degree programs, professional degree programs, and industrial or government employment They possess sufficient foundational knowledge in each of the five core areas of chemistry: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical. Establish proficiency in the laboratory: They exhibit competent laboratory techniques and data collection abilities They manifest proficient analysis and interpretation of results They demonstrate competent written communication in chemistry They have the ability to assess standard text, reference, and literature resources. Apply knowledge in the field: They display competent oral communication in chemistry Full Course Catalogue Course Descriptions Major Requirements CHE 105 General Chemistry I/Lab and 106 General Chemistry II/Lab CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I/Lab and 208 Organic Chemistry II/Lab CHE 321 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab CHE 322 Thermodynamics & Kinetics/Lab CHE 325 Biochemistry I/Lab CHE 326 Biochemistry II/Lab BIO 151 General Biology I: Structure & Function BIO 203 General Biology III: Genetics One of the following BIO 321 Microbiology/Lab BIO 322 Cell Biology BIO 325 Molecular Genetics BIO 327 Histology and Microtechniques/Lab BIO 329 Virology MAT 131 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I MAT 132 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II PHY 201 General I/Lab PHY 202 General II/Lab One of the following CHE 411 Advanced Organic Chemistry/Lab CHE 412 Advanced Topics in Chemistry CHE 420 Environmental/Lab 74 BIO 490 Behavioral Endocrinology BIO 495 Molecular Biology Seminar BIO 496 Scientific and Biomedical Imaging/Lab BIO 498 Immunology A research experience is recommended. Biochemistry majors who wish to receive certification in biochemistry by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society must elect CHE 323 and 324 in addition to the required courses and select either CHE411 or CHE412 as their 400-level course. Students interested in graduate work in biochemistry and related fields may wish to consider additional courses from the 400-level courses (listed above) or from CHE 323 and 324 and BIO 321, 322 and 333. Since biochemistry is already an interdisciplinary program, there is no combined biochemistry major with fewer courses. However, this does not preclude you from adding a combined major to biochemistry. Internships and Career Support Students can connect with the Career Development Center to find internships in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, and industrial research, gaining practical experience with faculty support and professional preparation. Recent internship sites: Innospec, Inc. Johnson & Johnson Rohm & Haas Pottstown Hospital Wyeth Cabot Corporation Schenectady International Legacy Brewery Merck Cryovac ATOFINA Chemicals Lancaster Laboratories Department of Environmental Protection Additionally, we have had student participants in university research settings at Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers University Other experiential learning opportunities for Albright chemistry and biochemistry students: Shadowing at Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline Participation in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Nebraska ACRE Undergraduate Research Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) , partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom. Pamela Artz , Ph.D. '87 Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry Bryce Brylawski , Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Ian Cost , Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Adam Hersperger , Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Erika Jerrahian Adjunct Faculty Tyler Kiwak Adjunct Faculty Brian Pfennig Adjunct Faculty Ian Rhile , Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry Andrew Samuelsen , Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Matthew Sonntag , Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry Erin Ventresca , Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Curriculum Highlights ACS exams and Major Field Test benchmarking Access to NMR-based biochemical research Seminar series featuring alumni and ACS collaborations Updated course rotations improving access to upper-level offerings