B.A. in Biochemistry
Investigate the chemistry of the life process.
There are two paths to study biochemistry at the University of Mississippi: Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry or the Bachelor of Science in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry. The B.S. degree provides a more focused and rigorous math and science curriculum, while the B.A. degree allows more flexibility to combine with other academic interests.
Key Benefits
Students learn about the composition, properties, and reactions of biological substances, and gain enhanced reasoning and problem-solving skills thanks to a curriculum that follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). They learn to operate sophisticated instruments, interpret data, work cooperatively with diverse groups of people, and communicate complex concepts in clear language--all skills that are highly desirable to employers.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares students to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in biochemistry include health care, medical research, public health, higher education, STEM, pharmacy, law, business, and policy.
Experiences Offered
The University of Mississippi's chemistry department is ranked among the top 50 chemistry departments in the country for its production of undergraduate degrees because faculty members take a keen interest in the success of their students. They provide expert career advising and plenty of individual attention.
B.A. in Biochemistry Faculty
The faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi have a wide variety of areas of expertise. The biochemists have research interests in stability, calcium binding, dimerization of cadherins; DNA binding protein structure and function; metalloprotein design, enzymatic fuel cells, bio-inspired C-H activation, self-assembly, and foldamers for novel structures & functions.
Course Requirements
A major in biochemistry for the B.A. degree consists of the following 29 hours of courses: Chem 105, 106, 115, 116; 221, 222, 225, 226; 331 or 334; 471, 472, 473, and either 580 or 581. Students must complete Math 261 and Math 262. Phys 211, 212, 221, 222 or Phys 213, 214, 223, 224 are also required.
The following courses may not be used for major credit: Chem 101, 103, 104, 113, 114, 121, 201, 202, 271, 293, 381, 382, 383, or 393.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the program, students must have successfully completed Chem 105 or be eligible to immediately enroll in Chem 105. The pre-requisites for Chem 105 include a minimum ACT mathematics score of 24 (SAT 560 or SATR 580); or math placement test ALEKS PPL 76; or B minimum in Chem 101; or B minimum in college algebra (Math 121) and trigonometry (Math 123); or B minimum in pre-calculus (Math 125) or higher.
Andrew Matrick
Andrew (2013) worked for several years on a novel synthetic compound to treat cancer at the genetic level and presented his research at the American Chemical Society national convention. He was also a researcher in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Department of Surgery (at UMMC), and MS Center for Contextual Psychology. He had wide-ranging interests on campus, including broadcast journalism and choir. After graduating, Andrew enrolled in medical school at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine where he served as Class VP and President, and earned an M.B.A. He is beginning a residency in psychiatry at Northwestern University. Dr. Matrick's goal is to practice psychiatry while taking an increasing administrative role in the healthcare system, especially behavioral health.
Why study biochemistry at UM?
"It is a tightly-knit program with small class sizes that provides the opportunity to have career-shaping relationships with faculty and early undergraduate involvement in research. The B.A. degree offers an incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the world. It allowed me the flexibility to take classes like Baroque and Rococo Art and Architecture, Philosophy of Mind, and Modern American Literature that broadened my worldview and deepened my curiosity around the study of humanity."
Student Organizations
Join the American Chemical Society and/or the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.