Combine your interests in biology and chemistry into one major with Biochemistry. You’ll learn from core courses in those two departments along with math and physics courses, finishing off with a capstone seminar. Faculty research interests include synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, the chemistry and pharmacology of alcohol, enzyme kinetics, microbiology, pathogenicity, protein interactions, gene expression, and development. Develop your own research interests while joining faculty on a wide range of projects to create anti-cancer compounds, protect crops from infection, replace silicon chips with inorganic molecular wire candidates, and better understand the development of sight, among other topics.
Scholars & Guides
ELANA STENETT, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY & CHARLIE WIDING '22
Beginning his work on water purification in Professor Stennett’s lab at HWS, Charlie earned a scholarship to continue his study in Berlin.
Biochemistry students looking to engage more in their work can pursue Honors and research projects in a chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Alec Robitaille ’21:The Effects of Macromolecular Crowding on Enzyme Kinetics Kristin Slade, Adviser
Brianna M. Hurysz ’20: Assessing Anti-cancer Potential and Mechanism of Action of Novel Staurosporine Analogs Patricia Mowery, Adviser
Charmaine Bing Bing Chung ’19: The Effects of Macromolecular Crowding on Enzyme Kinetics Kristin Slade, Adviser
Get hands on experience that prepares you to work in the health professions or engage in research with environmentalists on the effects of harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes.
At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
Study molecular chemistry in Australia or cellular multiplication in England.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Launched in 2021, the STEM Scholars program offers opportunities for academic support and financial aid for underrepresented students in science and mathematics programs.
Build a foundation in Biochemistry, then pursue your specific interests within the department.
CHEM 240 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
Gain the fundamentals to the study of organic molecules, in addition to structure, mechanism, reactions, synthesis, and practical methods for structure determination.
BIOL 302 IMMUNOLOGY
Explore the complex, multi-disciplinary and evolving field of immunology, including cellular immunology, molecular immunology and the immune system and diseases.
CHEM 348 BIOCHEMISTRY I
As the first of a two-part course, develop your understanding of the structure, function, and physical properties of biological macromolecules.
At HWS, you’ll study biochemistry with some of the best equipment available, and that’s not just our word.
Rosenberg Hall, where the biochemistry department is located, was described “among the best – if not the best-designed undergraduate science teaching-learning, research facilities we have ever seen” by The Council on Undergraduate Research.
Between Rosenberg Hall and adjoining Lansing Hall, there are six instructional labs, five student-faculty research laboratories, three instrument rooms, a prep room, chemical storage rooms and a computer lab to make use of.
Additionally, you can study biochemistry on the water aboard the William Scandling research vessel and take use of equipment like high-resolution sub bottom profiler, side-scan sonar and current meters.
Alum ImpactBuilding the KnowledgeFor Medical School
NAMITA NEERUKONDA ’17
MEDICAL STUDENT, SUNY UPSTATE
As a student, Namita worked as a biology teaching fellow and a chemistry lab teaching assistant, which allowed her to delve further into her science courses. She accomplished all of this on top of majoring in Spanish and Hispanic Studies and studying in Cuba and Spain.
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