Life and matter are partners in an endless dance of reaction and interaction. At their intersection, we see the fundamental processes that manifest the living systems and material world around us. The key to understanding the mysteries of what separates health from disease and ecological sustainability from destruction? Biochemistry.
BS MAJOR
Relevant Learning
It's not enough to simply have the technical and scientific knowledge of a biochemist. We believe that critical thinking, teamwork, and ethics are an essential requirement to be a relevant scientist. It's why our curriculum follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which stresses the importance of ethical decision-making, collaborative teamwork, and analytical thinking in addition to scientific knowledge. This philosophy prepares you to apply your degree at work or in graduate school, as a medical doctor or a researcher.
The foundation of your degree begins with core requirements that include:
General and Organic Chemistry
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
You'll then move through our Biochemistry course sequence and supplement your knowledge with courses in Physics and Math. All of these experiences culminate in your independent research through our Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence (NSURS), which you'll present to faculty, staff, and your fellow students at our annual Academic Capstone Carnival.
I am so happy I went to Warren Wilson because of the community there and the science department. I had amazing experiences outside of the academics in service, work and study abroad as well as in health and wellness, outdoor programs and performing arts. As for academics I was always challenged to push myself and was encouraged the whole way through.
Rebecca Truitt, '15, Biochemistry major
Explore Classes in This Program
Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy
In this course you'll explore quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and spectroscopy. The goal of the course will be to interpret and explain the fundamental principles governing the observed spectroscopic behavior of a quantum mechanical system as predicted by statistical mechanics. (We know, right? You'll definitely impress grandma this Thanksgiving.)
PHY 251
This course offers an introduction to physics provided through the study of Newtonian physics, energy, thermodynamics, and statistical thermodynamics. Special emphasis is given to contemporary physics – physics developed during the 20th century.
In this course, you'll learn about the first and second laws of thermodynamics. You'll interpret and apply the thermodynamic functions of internal energy, enthalpy, Gibbs energy, Helmholtz energy, and entropy in studying chemical equilibrium, colligative properties of solutions, phase equilibria in multi-component systems, and ionic equilibria in electrochemical systems. The rates and mechanisms of reactions occurring on surfaces, in solution, and in the gas phase will also be explored from a microscopic perspective.
Still curious? See the Curriculum
I love to teach because I love to learn. It is so rewarding to teach and learn with Warren Wilson students, through interactions in the chemistry classroom, in the chemistry lab, through their myriad work crews, in the community, and as collaborative researchers.
Meet Langdon J. Martin See all Natural Sciences Faculty
Warren Wilson students are the most engaged and curious students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. I feel so fortunate to work with students who challenge me to learn and grow every day.
Meet Kim Borges See all Natural Sciences Faculty
Hands-on, All-in
Warren Wilson integrates your academics with work and community engagement. Engaging all your passions and interests results in an education with meaning and real professional experience.
Get ready for your next step
The Chemistry Crew
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School Science Lab
Volunteer teaching science to middle schoolers
Having It All
Meet Melvis Madrigal, '17. Melivis is the founder of the Warren Wilson College Boxing Club. He integrated his passion for boxing with his community engagement when he started bringing M.A.N.O.S. (Mentoring and Nurturing Our Student) students to train with the boxing club. As the leader of M.A.N.O.S., Melvis watched his students develop discipline and focus as they trained. But perhaps most impressive? Melvis accomplished all this in his last year as a biochemistry major while he completed his Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence (NSURS).
At Warren Wilson, majoring in science doesn't mean never leaving the lab. Instead, we help our students have it all.
Like this program? You might like these too.
Biology Chemistry Conservation Biology Environmental Studies
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