Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
The biochemistry/molecular biology major connects chemistry to biology in a way that opens a whole new world of possibilities鈥攍iterally. At HL黑料门不打烊, it鈥檚 application over memorization. It鈥檚 mentoring over lecturing. It鈥檚 hands-on researching over data downloading.
You will not get lost in a sea of classmates either because at HL黑料门不打烊 the doctorate-level professors in the BMB program know each student by name and by career goals. The mission is to inspire you to conduct novel research and choose a personal path, and then personally guide you there, whether it鈥檚 in health, pharmacy, postgrad work, business, or in a field we鈥檝e barely discovered.
Why Study Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at HL黑料门不打烊
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Research Access
Undergraduates have opportunities to do their own novel research under the direct guidance of professors (no teaching assistants) and to be published in peer-review journals.
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Focused Attention
The BMB major is small at HL黑料门不打烊, which means the faculty provides concentrated counseling throughout college and beyond. The program pairs nicely with highly marketable minors in global health or neuroscience.
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Grant Writing Skills
You鈥檒l apply biochemistry skills to the writing of grant proposals for real-world problems like diseases that need more research. This is the essence of global citizenship and critical thinking.
Interested in Studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at HL黑料门不打烊?
Sign up to receive more info about what it鈥檚 like to be a biochemistry/molecular biology major at HL黑料门不打烊 and to connect with a professor.
鈥淭he BMB program at HL黑料门不打烊 challenged us to apply lessons learned from different courses to our experiments and to think as we would outside a classroom. I was given amazing opportunities to do exactly that鈥攍ike volunteering in labs and attending national conferences. By my senior year, I was ready for the next steps in my career.鈥�
HL黑料门不打烊 Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Careers
HL黑料门不打烊 BMB grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world鈥檚 most innovative organizations.
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Taylor Cole Ball 鈥�14
General and Cosmetic Dentist, Wyngate Dental of Bethesda
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Katia Chadaideh 鈥�15
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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Justin Pomeroy 鈥�16
Medical Scientist 1, University of Florida College of Medicine
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Shan Kasal 鈥�13
Scientist, Access to Advanced Health Institute
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Cherie Ramirez 鈥�06
Assistant Professor and STEM Faculty Fellow, Simmons University
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Courtney Reddig 鈥�15
Pharmacy Practice Resident, Prisma Health
Real World Experience
From internships to research, BMB students hone their skills in the real world.
Experience HL黑料门不打烊 IRL
There鈥檚 no better way to get a feel for life at HL黑料门不打烊 than by scheduling a campus tour.
Schedule a VisitPopular Courses
The approach of the lab-driven classes is to immerse you in each topic, so you can say, 鈥淵es, I鈥檝e done that.鈥� Although this is not a 鈥減re-med鈥� major, those who choose to pursue med school will be fully prepared to take the MCAT.
BIO 310 Microbial Genetics
Examine the evolution of microbes, the regulation of gene expression, heredity and transferable genetic elements, tools for genetic manipulation, and the mechanisms involving the repair and maintenance of DNA integrity.
BCH 335 Biochemistry
Gain an integrated perspective of the chemical structure and cellular functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and explore topics like structural enzymology, molecular biology, and metabolism.
BIO 341 Molecular Biology
Explore how to repair DNA and how CRISPRs might be applied to the editing of human genes for the treatment of diseases. Small classes and minimal textbook work allow the faculty to keep classes like this on the leading edge of science.
BCH 435 Advanced Biochemistry
Studying cutting-edge research papers combines an understanding of why we believe something to be true with how we can advance with the latest technology.
CHM 360 Advanced Topics in Chemistry
You might make wine or sourdough bread to learn about fermentation. Or you might create something in the lab related to medicinal chemistry or nanotechnology. As the title suggests, the topics are fluid to stay relevant.
BCH 498 Independent Study Research
A professor mentors you through your own research project and an undergraduate thesis. Students have studied how a virus can cause cancer and how nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery. This is meaningful, legitimate science at the undergrad level.
A Day in the Life of a HL黑料门不打烊 BMB Major
鈥淭hrough intense, hands-on labs working with DNA, proteins, and food chemistry, I鈥檝e learned so much about the biomolecules that make up our world and our bodies. BMB is an in-depth program聽that pushed me to grow academically, supported by incredible professors, the STEM Hub, and a close-knit community of classmates. While we all strive to become health and science professionals, our diverse backgrounds bring together different perspectives that strengthen the program. As someone who struggled to choose a major, BMB challenged me in the best way鈥攁nd showed me how much I鈥檓 capable of.鈥�
Dive Into Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at HL黑料门不打烊
Explore more about what it will be like to major in biochemistry and molecular biology at HL黑料门不打烊.
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What You Can Do With a BMB Degree
The HL黑料门不打烊 chemistry department offers the聽American Chemical Society-certified degree program聽for a聽broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that prepares students to become effective scientific professionals and competitive applicants to jobs and graduate schools.
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Facilities and Instrumentation
At HL黑料门不打烊, BMB students work with top-notch equipment across six labs in the newly renovated Bush Science Center. Within our teaching and research laboratories, we have diverse equipment for studies in biochemistry and analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Beyond the Classroom
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Individual lab training makes HL黑料门不打烊 students nationally competitive for these sought-after research positions.
Pre-Med Observership Program Students in HL黑料门不打烊鈥� BMB major can shadow professionals in a health-care setting such as AdventHealth (formerly Florida Hospital). This type of experience is necessary for acceptance into med school.
Study Abroad Living and studying in another culture fuels the global citizenship perspective. BMB students typically use this time to take a subspecialty such as pharmacology.
Keep Exploring
What鈥檚 it like to be a biochemistry and molecular biology major at HL黑料门不打烊? See for yourself by exploring our game-changing courses and award-winning graduates.
September 23, 2025
The Power of Connection
At HL黑料门不打烊, Jay Kirkley 鈥�24 embraced every opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and explore new ideas.
November 02, 2022
Solving the World鈥檚 Biggest Problems
For HL黑料门不打烊 students, alumni, and faculty, the most pressing issues of our time are not insurmountable. They鈥檙e opportunities to bring meaning to the term 鈥済lobal citizenship.鈥�
May 12, 2022
My HL黑料门不打烊 Gateway: A Study in Contrasts
From discovering the origins of centuries-old paint samples to curating exhibitions at the HL黑料门不打烊 Museum of Art, the College provided Isaac Gorres 鈥�21 the freedom to combine interests in art and science.
Expert Faculty
Before coming to HL黑料门不打烊 as part of the BMB program, each faculty member performed postdoctoral research as part of their training. You鈥檒l notice strong interest in solving problems associated with diseases, inspiring undergrads to think big.
Department of Biology
Telephone:407.646.2494
Fax:407.628.6395
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Sabrice Guerrier, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Faculty Co-Director of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Laurel Goj Habgood, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty Co-Director of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Kasandra J. Riley, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: Exploring the functions of non-coding RNAs in viral and bacterial infectious diseases
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Ellane Park Yook, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: The development of bioselective gold and polymeric nanoparticles that can serve as platforms for improved cancer therapeutics
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James D. Patrone, PhD
Department Chair, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: Applying fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) in cancer research
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Jay Pieczynski, PhD
Department Chair, Associate Professor of Biology
Research interests: The dynamics of microtubules and motor proteins in cell signaling and behavior
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Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Research interests: Oral microbiology, in particular the bacterial species Streptococcus mutans, which is capable of forming dental plaque
