Study the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Drawing from our interdisciplinary connections with the Chemistry and Biological & Health Sciences departments, this program studies life processes occurring at the molecular level. You will examine biological molecules, structures, and reactions, and learn how biological molecules interact to form cells and organisms. This major will prepare you for a career in the biochemical, biological, or medical sciences.

Credential Type

  • B.S.

Major Credits Required

  • 54

Offered As

  • Major

98.9% employed or in graduate school

Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.

86% pursue advanced degrees

The majority of Wheaton's BHS/Chemistry majors attend graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, or nursing school within 10 years.

11:1 student-faculty ratio

Small class sizes mean individualized attention and greater access to faculty.

Connect with Admissions

You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Students in the Lab

Program Highlight Benefit From an Integrative Approach

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a major sponsored jointly by the Biological and Health Sciences and Chemistry departments. Studying biochemistry and molecular biology will train you to read, write, produce, and speak about biochemistry and molecular science. You will learn from faculty members who have a wide range of research interests in their fields. With this firm foundation, you will be well-positioned to pursue employment or graduate studies in a range of specialties.

Faces & Spaces Where You’ll Learn, Who You’ll Meet

Francis Umesiri

Our Faculty

Learn from caring, accomplished faculty members with expertise in areas such as cell biology, microbiology, molecular mechanisms, genetics, protein biochemistry, membrane biophysics, and cardiovascular physiology.

Our Facilities & Equipment

The Meyer Science Center is home to state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces filled with modern equipment and instrumentation including fluorescence microscopy, gel imaging systems, RT-PCR, HPLC chromatography, mammalian tissue culture, mass spectrometry, and UV/VIS, NMR and IR spectroscopies.

Wheaton College IL Professor Dr. Jovanka (Vanya) Tepavčević

Our Experiences

Studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Wheaton opens you up to many immersive learning experiences, from collaborative research projects with faculty mentors and internships to mission-driven service work around Chicagoland and abroad. 

WITH Wheaton Opportunities Across Campus & Beyond

Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.

 


Real-World Learning at Wheaton & Beyond

  • Wheaton Summer Research Program
  • Study Abroad in Scandinavia
  • Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR)

Other Opportunities

  • Faculty-mentored student research
  • Internships
  • Teaching and lab assistantships
  • Other international and domestic travel programs

Related Centers, Organizations & Co-Curriculars

  • Society of Women in STEM
  • Wheaton Pre-Dental Society

 

Wheaton College Students Looking in Microscopes in Biology Lab
BIOCHEMISTRY and MOLECULAR BIOLOGY for Christ & His Kingdom

Faith & Learning

A major in biochemistry and molecular biology coupled with additional liberal arts courses in Wheaton's innovative Christ at the Core general education curriculum will equip you to form a Christian worldview, engage with current issues, and live as a witness for Christ in your places of influence. 

More About Christ at the Core

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do with a Biological and Health Sciences Degree?

Wheaton BHS students are well-prepared for further professional training to ultimately pursue careers as practitioners, researchers, and educators. Many graduates head right into the workforce, landing roles in a variety of industries.

You can get a job. Examples include:

  • Agricultural and food scientist
  • Medical laboratory technician
  • National Park Service specialist
  • Research assistant
  • Science writer

You can pursue an advanced degree that will lead to careers such as

  • Bioethicist
  • Biostatistician
  • Computational biologist
  • Conservation ecologist
  • Dentist
  • Environmental lawyer
  • Genetic counselor
  • Health care administrator
  • Marine biologist
  • Medical doctor
  • Natural resource manager
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Physician Assistant
  • Psychologist
  • Professor
  • Public Health professional
  • Teacher
  • Scientist at the CDC or WHO
  • Veterinarian
Lisa Burden Wheaton College IL Chemistry Professor

Faculty Insights

"The study of BMB explores the amazing intersection of biology and chemistry. We consider life at the molecular level and investigate biomolecular structures, chemical reactions, and cellular processes. These activities allow us to witness the engines of living systems and contemplate the wonder of God’s creation!”

Lisa M. Burden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

RESOURCES & LINKS Dig Deeper

If you want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources to explore.

Department Website

Visit the Department of Biological and Health Sciences and Chemistry Department websites for more information about majors, minors, faculty, facilities, and more.

Course Requirements

View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.

Next Steps

Interested in studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.