Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The area of biochemistry and molecular biology has been one of the most active areas of scientific inquiry in recent decades. Because it provides a detailed theoretical understanding of the chemistry of biomolecules, biochemistry is the most fundamental of the basic biomedical sciences. Molecular biology, which explains the processes of genetics in molecular terms, has served as the framework for the many new exciting advances in biotechnology.
Biochemistry and molecular biology are now and will continue to be active growing areas of scientific research. To help meet the need for scientists in these areas, Lebanon Valley College initiated a B.S degree in biochemistry in 1979.
The biochemistry degree at Lebanon Valley, jointly administered by the departments of biology and chemistry, encourages students to develop strong backgrounds in both biology and chemistry, while still giving them flexibility and choice. The presence of three upper-level elective courses within the LVC biochemistry major allows our students to custom tailor their individual degrees for a variety of career options. Among these career options are medicine, molecular biology, pharmaceutical science, bioanalytical chemistry, and microbiology.
Student Research
Lebanon Valley College is convinced of the importance of research experiences for undergraduate students. It is within the context of individual research projects that students actually begin to assimilate the principles that they learn about in classes. Lebanon Valley has worked diligently to offer its students opportunities to carry out research in biochemistry here at the College. The College has received essential grant support for its initiatives in undergraduate research in biochemistry. During the past 20 years, many students have taken the opportunity to carry out research either during the summer months or during the academic year. Both students and faculty from LVC have presented their work at professional meetings or have published articles in scientific journals.