Biochemistry deals with living organisms at their most fundamental level, molecular and atomic. Theory taught in the classroom is applied in undergraduate laboratory classes and individual research projects. A thorough background is provided in the molecular aspects of biology and biochemistry. Our Faculty all have received federal and industrial support for their research projects and all regularly publish in scientific journals. Undergraduates are encouraged to do independent research in a field such as biomaterials, bionanotechnology, drug design, molecular biology, or biomimetic chemistry. The Akron Department of Chemistry maintains: $8.6 million worth of nuclear magnetic resonance instrumentation, cell culture and microbial growth incubators, mass spectrometers, X-ray diffractometers, IR-UV-Vis spectrometers, liquid and gas chromatographs to identify, purify and characterize chemical compounds. Chemistry is an experimental science that seeks to understand the structure and function of molecules. Chemists synthesize new materials, and study their properties and how they interact with other compounds. The BS degree offered by the department prepares students for independent laboratory work and research. The B.S. in Biochemistry bridges the chemistry and biology disciplines and adheres to the standards established by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Career Path
Graduate career path includes Biochemist, Research Scientist (Molecular Biology or Genetics), Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Pharmaceutical Research Assistant, Microbiologist, Forensic Laboratory Analyst, Toxicologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Trials Coordinator, Public Health Analyst, Genetic Counselor (with further study), Medical Science Liaison, Process Development Associate, Biotech Product Developer, Nutrition Scientist, Biomanufacturing Technician, Environmental Biochemist, Quality Control Analyst, Agricultural Biochemist, Bioinformatics Analyst, Pharmacologist, STEM Outreach Coordinator, Science Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Associate.
