Biochemistry is unique among the life sciences inasmuch as it defines itself, not by a particular approach or technique [e.g., genetics, chemical biology] or by a particular object of study [e.g., Microbiology, Weed Science], but by a question: How? Biochemistry is that branch of the life sciences devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which life processes take place. How is food converted to energy? How does a cell know when it is time to divide or differentiate? How do plants produce oxygen? The answers to these questions involve the identification of the proteins, genes, or metabolites involved; the determination of their physical structures; and the analysis of their chemical mechanisms of action. Biochemistry provides a foundation of tools, information, and insights that are applied to improving human health, developing ecologically sound means for producing materials and energy, and improving the nutrient value and resistance to pests, drought, and disease of crops and animals. The department's mission is to conduct research that generates new tools and knowledge, and to utilize this foundation to provide opportunities for quality training for a new generation of scientists.

The Biochemistry Undergraduate Major at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's undergraduate program in Biochemistry is one of the largest and most highly respected programs of its kind in the country. A low professor:student ratio affords ample opportunity for students to interact with a faculty comprised of knowledgeable research scientists imbued with a strong commitment to education. The program of instruction centers upon the development of a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge in chemistry, biology, and mathematics complemented by direct, hands-on experience through both laboratory courses and undergraduate research. Consequently, recipients of a B.S. degree in biochemistry enjoy high rates of success when applying for jobs or entry into graduate or medical schools.

The B.S. in biochemistry is offered through both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Science. The program of study for students enrolling through these colleges differs in only a few minor features; hence choice of college has no effect on either the nature of the training received or the student's future career path. However, biochemistry majors enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences enjoy significantly greater opportunities for scholarship support.

Students majoring in biochemistry can choose an option in biotechnology or and emphasis in genomics - bioinformatics.

Option in Biotechnology - Graduates use biotechnology to improve food and fiber production; develop novel sources of pharmaceuticals; explore and treat diseases; and produce "genetically engineered" products from traditional crops and animals.

Emphasis in Genomics, Bioinformatics - Students explore the new area of genomics to predict the structure and function of plant and animal proteins. As graduates, they apply this knowledge to discover new drugs, develop gene therapies, and create new molecules.

Academic Preparation

All admission offers for this program of study are made through the University's Admissions Office. To be a competitive candidate for freshman admission, follow the guidelines listed on the Admissions homepage. In order to be a competitive candidate, students seeking to transfer after one year of college work should have a 3.0 grade point average and successfully complete transferable course work in English, mathematics, and appropriate lab sciences. Students planning to transfer under the Guaranteed Admissions Articulation Agreement between Virginia community colleges and the College should follow the academic guidelines noted under College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Admissions homepage Articulation Agreements Web page.

Career Opportunities

The curriculum in biochemistry provides excellent preparation for:

  • Employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, foods and consumer products, biotechnology, environmental monitoring and remediation, chemicals, energy, agriculture, forensics, clinical and molecular research, etc.
  • The pursuit of advanced degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, genetics, physiology, genomics, neurobiology, etc.
  • Professional study in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.
  • Careers in the fields of law and public policy, investment, marketing, patents, nutrition and exercise, etc. are open to those with strong backgrounds in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Beyond the Classroom

  • An internship or participation in the Cooperative Education Program (co-op) provides valuable hands-on experience working with a company, government agency, or research institute. Hone their skills while making important career connections.
  • Conduct independent research. They receive experience with research design, experimental techniques, instrumentation, data analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Contribute to project-oriented research goals - great preparation for graduate school or a career in biochemistry.
  • Join the Biochemistry Club to gain leadership skills and networking opportunities.

Facilities

Engel Hall houses the administrative offices, instructional facilities, and a majority of the research laboratories of the Department of Biochemistry. Other research laboratories are located in the adjacent Fralin Center for Biotechnology. The department's teaching labs contain a comprehensive suite of laboratory instruments - affording every student the opportunity to become familiar with their operation. The research laboratories in the department contain facilities for the culture of bacterial and animal cells, rearing mosquitoes and other insect vectors of infectious diseases, and growing plants; as well as instruments such as mass spectrometers, fluorimeters, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, PCR machines, HPLCs, gas chromatographs, liquid scintillation counters, electrophoresis devices, and imagers for radioactivity.

Overview of Course Work

The B.S. degree requires that students take general chemistry, organic chemistry, a semester of analytical chemistry, and a yearlong lecture in physical chemistry. A year of physics and a year of calculus plus one additional math class, either biological statistics or differential equations are also required. Other key courses include freshman biology and a semester of genetics, as well as a semester of microbiology, including lecture and lab.

There is a series of biochemistry classes students are required to take starting with a freshman class called Introduction to Biochemistry. This class introduces students to the field of biochemistry and guest lectures include current topics such as bioterrorism and forensic biochemistry. In the sophomore year, students take Organic Biochemistry that complements second semester Organic Chemistry. This class focuses on functional group chemistry as it relates to biochemistry and the involvement of phosphate. The primary biochemistry courses are taken in the junior year, with an intensive six-credit laboratory, Laboratory Problems in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, in the spring term. Physical Chemistry is typically taken in the senior year, along with various elective classes depending on the students' career goals. The biochemistry program is built upon the twin pillars of 1) a strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and biology; and 2) intensive hands-on instruction in biochemistry and molecular biology through the major's laboratory course and undergraduate research. For additional information about the option or emphasis, refer to the biochemistry website.

For More Information Contact:

Thomas O. Sitz or
David R. Bevan
Department of Biochemistry
111 Engel Hall (0308)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6315
tositz@vt.edu or drbevan@vt.edu

The Department of Biochemistry Homepage

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