Liberal Arts
& Sciences

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

This interface between chemistry and biology - the understanding of critical life processes at the chemical (molecular) level - is one of the most exciting and rapidly-developing areas of science! It is a frontier in which its practitioners aim to describe the chemical principles underlying life processes. The BMB major will allow you to study in detail the molecules of life, and gather a detailed understanding of biomolecular structure and function in the context of how they ultimately contribute to the life of the cell and the organism. You will also learn modern methods of biochemical analysis, including bioinformatics. BMB majors also carry out original research under the tutelage of a chemistry or biology faculty member, and will present the results of that research at a departmental seminar.


Salaries

  • Median Starting Salary: Approx: $41,000*
  • After 5 Years Experience: Approx: $47,000

Department Homepage

Quick Facts

  • Kansas has 160 biosciences companies employing more than 11,000 people. Projections call for more than 20,000 new jobs to be created with more than $500,000,000 in research funding to be awarded in connection with the exciting new Kansas Biosciences Initiatives.
  • At ESU you will benefit from taking advantage of the many opportunities that will prepare you for your career. You will experience close faculty-student interactions that allow you to know your professors. Small class sizes mean more personal attention and a dynamic learning environment.
  • You will be given the opportunity to work with faculty on original and timely research projects to prepare you for your own career after you graduate. Student research projects can be supported on a competitive basis by the K-INBRE (Kansas Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence) or potentially the NASA Space Grant program.
  • Since the inception of the BMB in 2004, fifty percent of the graduates have gone to medical, pharmacy, or other health-related professional school; twenty-five percent began graduate study in biology, chemistry or forensic science; and twenty-five percent seek employment, often with a pharmaceutical company or an analytical services laboratory.

Career Opportunities

  • Education
  • Research
  • Professional Programs

Major Requirements

  • General Education Program: 48 hours
  • Chemistry Core: 31 hours
  • Biology Core: 22 hours
  • Additional Requirements: 26 hrs

Clubs

  • American Chemical Society (chemistry)
  • Biology Club
  • Beta Beta Beta (biology honorary)
  • Caduceus Society

August 2008: www.payscale.com: Molecular Biologist