Biochemistry

This interdisciplinary major effectively prepares students for health professional programs or graduate studies by equipping them with essential laboratory skills and a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and advancements at the junction of chemistry and biology. Our chemistry faculty mentor students in independent biochemistry research projects aimed at publishing their results in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additionally, the chemistry department now offers an American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified biochemistry degree, positioning graduates as future leaders in biochemical research and science. Dr. Amanda Hughes, a biochemistry professor, redesigned the biochemistry laboratory to include a semester-long experiment where students create a plasmid containing the gene for a target enzyme and conduct in vitro kinetic assays.

Program Requirements

Degree Options

Major: 60 Total Credit Hours
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Careers

Student Testimonials

“My biochemistry degree helped me get a running start in my career in a lab. The variety of experiments and small class size put me a step ahead.” — Annalisa Strickland ’15

“Biochemistry, being the demanding major that it is, prepared me in terms of time management and prioritizing my responsibilities, in the classroom and in life—period.” — Demetria Quincy ’17

“GC truly prepared me for a career in Medicine, provided me with the opportunity to master a variety of material, and made me a well-rounded student.” — Amber Watts ‘18

“Pursuing a biochemistry degree has been one of the most significant challenges I have faced to date, and I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments. The curriculum is very challenging, and I feel prepared for my future studies and future career.” — Taylor Morris ’19

“The GC chemistry department did such a great job preparing me for certain classes. One class, for example, Molecular Fundamentals of Medicine, was a nine-credit-hour course. I didn’t have to stress about it because I already had a solid chemistry background thanks to Georgetown! Selfishly, I wish all the chemistry professors from GC would transfer to LMU and keep teaching me, because I understood the content much better from them! They put in the work to make sure every individual student is successful! They present the content in a variety of ways, so each learning style can benefit from it. I also miss how personable the chemistry faculty are! It’s so unique to be able to walk up to the chemistry floor and talk to all my favorite professors; that’s one of the biggest things I miss! Haley King ’24 

“I am thankful for my journey with the professors in the Chemistry department!! They taught me profound critical thinking, application-based skills, and an increased drive for success beyond my scholastic education!   Ella Hambrice ’24 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Club performs Chemistry Magic Shows for the local library, local schools, and the Children’s Museum in Lexington.  Faculty also supervise independent research projects with Undergraduate Students, and we have collaborated with the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) through the University of Kentucky and with chemists at the University of Chicago and Eastern Kentucky University.

Faculty & Contact

Connect with the faculty who teach and mentor Biochemistry students.

DavidFraley-WEB2024

David Fraley

Professor of Chemistry

B.S., Carson-Newman College
Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Todd-Hamilton-WEB

Todd Hamilton

Professor of Chemistry

B.S., Cumberland College
M.S., University of California at Berkeley
Ph.D., Indiana University
AmandaHuges

Amanda Hughes

Associate Professor of Chemistry

B.S. Georgia Institute of Technology
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
MeghanKnapp

Meghan Knapp

Professor of Chemistry

B.S., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Ohio State University

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