Earlham’s biochemistry program will prepare you for a career in medicine, research or biotechnology.
With combined studies in chemistry and biology, biochemistry is particularly well-suited to students who are planning to attend medical school or veterinary school, or who want to enter public health and other health science fields.
The biochemistry major provides students with a solid foundation in cell biology, molecular biology and chemistry with a strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning.
The interdepartmental biochemistry program at Earlham College is accredited by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry, you must complete the following courses.
All of the following chemistry courses:
One of the following in chemistry
Other special courses as offered by prior arrangement with chemistry faculty
Both of the following biology courses:
At least one course from each of the two lists that follow, totaling at least 7 credits:
Choose one from:
And choose one from:
Other special courses as offered by prior arrangement with biology faculty
Additional Requirements
- An independent research project is also required. This may be accomplished as an independent study in biology or chemistry, as a summer research experience on-or off-campus, as an approved Ford/Knight Research Project. Careful early planning with your adviser will determine the best option for your research experience. A presentation of the research in a public forum is expected.
- Comprehensive examinations must also be successfully completed.
Note: Students with AP, IB or transfer credits in chemistry, biology, physics or calculus should be in contact with a faculty member in a related program.
91% of work seekers who majored in the natural sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
97% of biochemistry majors from the classes of 2017-2019 were working or in grad school within six months of graduation.
26%of biochemistry majors from the classes of 2017-2019 were in graduate, medical, or veterinary school within six months of graduation.
Outcomes
Top jobs for 2017-2019 graduates were in research, lab work/science, healthcare services, and environmental/sustainability management.
What kind of internships are available?
Recent biochemistry majors have interned at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and an equine hospital, among other places. The Earlham Center for Global Health also sponsors funded internships in the healthcare field each summer.
Information for first-year students
If you are interested in majoring in biochemistry, you should speak with a faculty member in the biology or chemistry departments early in your undergraduate career.
Faculty will help lay out a four-year plan that includes required courses, elective courses, opportunities for off-campus study, and possible internships. Early consultation is important to the sequencing of several courses so that off-campus study remains an option. In general, you should take CHEM 111 in your first semester, and CHEM 221 and BIOL 112 in your second semester.
Can I do off-campus study?
Biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to plan for an off-campus study semester. Talk to your adviser early in your college career to plan for this. Science faculty frequently lead off-campus study semesters as well as summer research projects in places like Peru, the Dominican Republic and Iceland.