The intersection of chemistry and biology provides a creative focus for understanding the molecular processes of life. Kenyon's biology and chemistry departments administer an interdisciplinary program offering two majors: biochemistry and molecular biology. Each major combines courses from both departments.
The biochemistry major provides a chemistry-based curriculum with a significant biology component. The molecular biology major combines a substantial chemistry background with detailed studies in cellular and molecular biology. Both majors prepare students for postgraduate studies in biomedical sciences.
An oversight committee for biochemistry and molecular biology, composed of faculty members from the chemistry and biology departments, administers the program and determines requirements for the Senior Capstone and for the Honors Program. Students interested in these majors should contact either of the program codirectors.
The biochemistry major and the molecular biology major have many requirements in common. In addition, each of the majors has its own set of required courses.
Students majoring in biochemistry perform the Senior Capstone under the supervision of the Department of Chemistry. Students majoring in molecular biology perform the Senior Capstone under the supervision of the Department of Biology. For details, please refer to each department's Senior Capstone requirements listed in the course catalog.
Honors thesis projects may be conducted under the direct supervision of a faculty member in either department (biology or chemistry) for either major (molecular biology or biochemistry). Discussion between the student and research advisor regarding the department in which honors will be conducted should begin by the spring of the junior year, and a preliminary decision should be made by the end of the semester. A final decision will be made in consultation with the program codirectors by the end of the drop-add period in the fall of the senior year. Honors are awarded according to the degree with which the student graduates, regardless of the department under which the honors process is conducted.
Majors planning to take the GRE in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology should consider selecting BIOL 266 as an elective.