Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
MBIO Homepage


Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Kenyon College:

Course Requirements for BCHM and MBIO Majors

The intersection of chemistry and biology provides a creative focus for understanding the molecular processes of life. In the scientific literature, interdisciplinary research efforts are now commonplace, while in the classroom, biological topics are frequently addressed by chemists and the chemistry of biological processes is often treated by biologists. Kenyon's Chemistry and Biology departments offer an interdisciplinary program including two majors, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, each of which combines aspects of their curricula.
  • The major programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are intended for students whose interests lie at the exciting interface of chemistry and biology. 
  • The Biochemistry (BCHM) major provides a chemistry-based curriculum with a significant biology component. 
  • The Molecular Biology (MBIO) major combines a substantial chemistry background with detailed studies in cellular and molecular biology.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors are encouraged to include undergraduate research as part of their curriculum, especially if they intend to continue in these fields after Kenyon. There are several options for collaborative research with faculty members from the departments of Biology and Chemistry. These include courses on research strategy (BIOL 385, 386; CHEM 375, 376) as well as honors and independent study. Students should refer to the departmental descriptions for details.  For further information, contact the program codirectors, Mo Hunsen (for Biochemistry) or Wade Powell (for Molecular Biology).

Major Requirements
Units
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
CHEM 121 Introductory Chemistry
or
CHEM 122 Honors Introductory Chemistry
plus
CHEM 24 or 125
1 
X 
X 
CHEM 123 and 126 Introductory Chemistry Labs
 1/2
 X
X 
CHEM 231-232 Organic Chemistry
 1
 X
X 
CHEM 233-234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
 1/2
 X
X 
BIOL 113 From Cell to Organism
 1/2
 X
X 
BIOL 114 Genetics and Development
1/2 
 X
X 
BIOL 263 (363)  Molecular Biology and Genomics
 1/2
 X
X 
BIOL 264 Gene Manipulation
 1/4
 X
X
CHEM 256 Biochemistry
 1/2
 X
X 
CHEM 335 Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
 1/2
 X
X 
CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis
 1/2
 X
 
CHEM 371 Biochemistry Advanced Lab
 1/4
 X
 
Two labs from: CHEM 372, 373, 374, 375, 376
 1/2
 X
 
One course from: BIOL 109-110, 109-111, 233, 238, 255, 321, 333, 341, 245, 358, 366
 1/2
 X
 
BIOL 109 and 110 or 111, Introductory Lab in Biology
 1/2
 
 X
Two courses from: BIOL 233, 238, 255, 321, 333, 341, 345, 358, or 366
 1
 
 X
One advanced lab from: BIOL 234, 239, 256, 322, 342, 346, 367, or CHEM 371
1/4
#
X
Senior Exercise under Chemistry (BCHM)
or Biology (MBIO)
 #
X
X

KC HomepageBiology DepartmentChemistry Department
Comments or Suggestions to: Joan Slonczewski at slonczewski@kenyon.edu