The Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBBC) offers students an integrated approach to examining life at the macromolecular and cellular levels.

MBBC faculty
MBBC faculty members: Front row, left to right, Susan DeSimone (Biology), Catherine Combelles (Biology), Erin Eggleston (Biology), Back row, left to right, Amanda Crocker (Neuroscience), Bob Cluss (Chemistry/Biochemistry), Grace Spatafora (Biology), Jeremy Ward (Biology), Lindsay Repka (Chemistry/Biochemistry), Greg Pask (Biology), Cole Dovey (Chemistry/Biochemistry) 

We are an intellectual community of students and faculty with a common interest in applying a personal, rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to the examination of life at the macromolecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

The purpose of our program is to provide an excellent molecular biology education grounded in strong fundamentals and finished with advanced opportunities, all within a residential liberal arts setting.

Student in a biochemisry lab.

Our Curriculum

Molecular biology studies the flow and regulation of genomic information as it relates to the development and function of cells and organisms. Majoring in MBBC in a liberal arts setting provides you with an excellent foundation for becoming an informed citizen in an increasingly technological world. 

We value critical independent thought, a multi-disciplinary approach, and effective oral and written communication. We achieve these elements of education through relevant course work and laboratory projects in which students and faculty work together to explore the following:

  • The fundamental concepts of molecular biology and biochemistry and their relationships with other biological, chemical, physical, and informational disciplines.
  • The study of proteins and nucleic acids role in cell structure, replication, development, regulation, and transmission of genetic information.
  • The actual use of experimental methods, analytical tools, and genetic manipulations to discover new knowledge about biological organisms at the molecular level.  

See our learning goals.

Independent Work

In the liberal arts tradition, the historical development of the field and its relevance to current interdisciplinary questions are emphasized. An important program goal is excellence of enquiry and endeavor, which often reach fruition in independent research projects.

A student presents her research at an event in Washington, DC.

Research

Students have numerous opportunities to collaborate on research with faculty and fellow students, often presenting the results of their work at major conferences around the country. See more about Student and Faculty Work.

Our Alumni

Our MBBC majors go onto graduate school programs in molecular biology and biochemistry and related fields, enter professional schools in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions, and gain employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Read more about our alumni.

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