organic introductions
Ripon College’s biochemistry program is distinctive in that organic chemistry is the initial course. This provides an accessible introduction to chemistry while also providing new experiences in chemical synthesis for students with advanced high school preparation. This unique curriculum is especially important for biochemistry majors as organic chemistry forms the basis of all understanding of biochemistry.
Department Mission Statement
Modern biochemistry explores life processes at the molecular level and connects experimental data to the bioinformatics space. The biochemistry major presents the theory, concepts and laboratory experiences of biochemistry in an intimate environment that allows for the personal professional development of students through both individual and team-based approaches. The department’s program is framed within the liberal arts model where we consider multiple perspectives to enhance our understanding of phenomena. Throughout the biochemistry curriculum, students advance in their problem-solving, critical thinking, laboratory safety, communication, and ethical skills and become prepared for careers as productive scientists and for lives as responsible citizens.
5
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship or Honorable mention Winners in the last 7 years
>95%
Acceptance Rate into Ph.D Graduate Programs (tuition-free, salary included)
77%
5-YR AVG Acceptance Rate to Medical School
Expect to Experience
Hands-on research with state-of-the-art instrumentation used by students at all levels, including three mass spectrometers for advanced organic and biomedical analysis and characterization. Instrumental characterization of inorganic and physical chemical properties are performed throughout the curriculum.
One-on-one research opportunities with Ripon biochemistry faculty, often resulting in publication and available for interested students regardless of major
Opportunities to travel to National American Chemical Society meetings all over the country to present research and to network
Personal advising and individualized course navigation, including study-abroad opportunities, to ensure your readiness for future career and educational goals
Leave Empowered To
Students who complete the biochemistry program graduate with the skills necessary to:
Thrive in elite graduate programs and medical schools across the country from having experienced intense personal involvement with both science content and scientists
Effectively communicate scientific concepts and results through both oral and written formats
Become a critical reader of scientific journals, prepare and create experiments from this research, and work independently and in teams to effectively advance knowledge
Leverage a vast professional network of alumni across the entire scientific space through personal professional contacts made available by our lifelong relationships with alumni
Faculty
Mark Kainz
Professor of Biology, Patricia and Philip McCullough Class of 1969 Professor in Biology
| Edit Requirements for a Major in Biochemistry | |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | CHM 111 Organic Chemistry I, 112 Structure and Reactivity, 211 Analytical Chemistry: Equilibrium and Quantitative Analysis, 214 Organic Chemistry II, 321 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry, 334 Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, 422 Biochemistry; and BIO 266 Cell and Molecular Biology; Three semesters of BIO 501 and one semester of 502 Senior Studies; Two courses from the following: BIO 219 Genetics, BIO 314 Microbiology, BIO 329 Developmental Biology, or CHM 414 Chemical Instrumentation; and Two semesters of physics (PHY 131 General Physics: Mechanics and 151 Introductory to Physics: Electricity, Magnetism and Waves or 172 General Physics II: Modern Physics, Optics and Thermodynamics) |
| Prerequisites | One semester of MTH 201 Calculus I or a higher calculus course are prerequisites for CHM 334 Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics. BIO 123 Molecules, Cells and Genes is a prerequisite for BIO 266 Cell and Molecular Biology, and BIO 122 Ecology, Evolution and Diversity is a pre- or corequisite for BIO 219 Genetics. CHM 111 Organic Chemistry I, 112 Structure and Reactivity, 211 Analytical Chemistry: Equilibrium and Quantitative Analysis and 214 Organic Chemistry II constitute an introductory core and should be taken in sequence. |
| Additional Criteria | Students majoring in Biochemistry cannot also earn a major or a minor in Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Science. Majors must complete a research project which culminates in a substantial written thesis. Except in unusual circumstances, an experimental project is required. This thesis project can be initiated after the student’s exposure to the introductory core, but must be essentially complete at the end of the fall semester of the senior year. A directed summer research project, either at Ripon, on another campus, or in an industrial laboratory, also could provide the basis for an acceptable thesis. It is expected that the project will be the equivalent of a minimum of four semester hours of credit. Students planning to pursue graduate work should select advanced courses and independent study based on their post-graduation interests and also should seriously consider the potential value of advanced mathematics, advanced physics, and additional advanced biology courses. Students should discuss the possibilities with members of the department before registration. |
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Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
Chemical Oceanography
Immunology
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Science
Molecular Biology
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Physical Chemistry
Polymer Science and Engineering
Unique Opportunities
Collaborative Research Opportunities
Research opportunities and internships, in collaboration with Ripon College professors. Paid summer internships are available through our Summer Opportunities for Advanced Research (SOAR) Program, and often this collaborative work is published.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The purpose of this program is to ensure quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000 for graduate students. Ripon College faculty have a track record of success in working with interested students to secure this and other research grants.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
The Oak Ridge Science Semester enables students to join ongoing investigations at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee in research areas as diverse as astrophysics, cell biology, DNA sequencing, genetic mutagenesis, parallel computing, robotics, toxicology and more.
Career Tracks
Our graduates are enrolled in a variety of graduate programs and medical schools at some of the nation’s most prestigious research universities. Examples of positions occupied by our alumni include principal research investigator, wheat geneticist, physical chemistry professor, experience manager, pharmaceutical sales representative, environmental health specialist, radiation oncologist, project manager, senior scientist, vaccine researcher, chemical engineer, pharmacist, analytical chemist, clinical research specialist, pediatrician, patent litigation lawyer and small business owner.
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