Ave Maria University
Biochemistry students at AMU receive a foundation in chemistry and biology, as well as an understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology. As a Biochemistry major, you’ll explore the wonders of modern chemical and biochemical sciences through classroom teaching, lab experiences, scientific literature and independent research.
Careers: Scientist, Biochemist, Biotech, Doctor, Graduate Studies
God is the author of the spiritual and the material worlds. By studying biochemistry at AMU, you’ll wonder at the beauty of His handiwork as you collaborate with peers and professors to develop strong independent thinking and complex problem-solving skills. You’ll also acquire the necessary technical expertise to thrive in the biochemical sciences.
Fast Fact: AMU Biochemistry graduates are strong candidates for positions in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology marketplace.
(All courses are four credits unless otherwise noted.)
CHEM 125 General Chemistry I with laboratory
CHEM 126 General Chemistry II with laboratory
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I with laboratory
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II with laboratory
BICM 305 Biochemistry I: Structure, Mechanism and Metabolism with laboratory
BICM 306 Biochemistry II: Biophysical Chemistry with laboratory
BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology with laboratory
BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology with laboratory
BIOL 303 Genetics with laboratory
BIOL 305 Molecular Biology with laboratory
PHYS 221 University Physics: Mechanics with laboratory
PHYS 222 University Physics: Materials with laboratory
MATH 151 Calculus I
STAT 230 Applied Statistics or MATH 231 Mathematical Statistics and Design of Experiments
BICM 415 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (2 credits)
Possible Topics Include:
BICM 497 Directed Research (Variable credit)
Education: B.S., Chemistry, Providence College; M.S., Organic Chemistry, University of Rochester; Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Rochester Office: Henkels 3050 Phone: (239) 280-1584 Email: tony.barbosa@avemaria.edu
Education: B.A., Biology, Ave Maria University; M.A., Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University Office: Henkels 3052 Email: jacob.blanchard@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7130
Education: B.S., Biochemistry, University of Illinois; Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Illinois Office: Henkels 3027 Email: rodney.burton@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7963
Education: B.S., Marine Science & Biology, University of Miami; Ph.D., Cell & Molecular Biology, University of South Florida Office: Henkels 2053 Email: nicholas.curtis@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7132
Education: B.A., Chemistry Education, University of Northern Iowa; Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, Iowa State University Office: Henkels 3032 Phone: (239) 304-7027
Email: ronald.freeze@avemaria.edu
Education: B.S., Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry, University of Florida Office: Henkels 2049 Email: patrick.hillesheim@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1528
Education: B.A., Mathematics, Ave Maria University; M.A., Philosophy, George Washington University; Ph.D., Physics, George Washington University Office: Henkels 3047A Email: daniel.sadasivan@avemaria.edu Phone: (230) 348-4705
Education: B.Sc., Chemistry, Bowling Green State University; M.Sc., Chemistry, Northwestern University; Ph.D., Chemistry, Northwestern University Office: AB 3048 Email: stephen.thong@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7940
The pre-medicine program is designed to offer a complete academic preparation for medical school. Biochemistry (B.A.) is a recommended major for students interested in pre-medicine, although other academic majors are usually acceptable as long as the appropriate pre-requisites* for a given medical school are completed. Students are encouraged to explore the ethical, moral and social implications of modern medicine and technology from a Catholic perspective and should consider taking THEO 390 Catholic Bioethics.
Multiple upper level Biology and Chemistry classes are strongly recommended. Classes include Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, some BICM 415 Biochemistry modules, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II. In preparation for the MCAT examination, minimal requirements should be completed by the end of the junior year. A variety of other supplementary programs, seminars, and lectures are offered.
Minimal Pre-medicine Requirements
Recommended Pre-medicine Courses
At least 8 upper level credits (300 and above) of Biology courses are required for most medical school admissions. The following course are recommended to fulfill this requirement, and all are recommended to aid in taking the MCAT:
†For those intending to major in Biochemistry, please see the Biochemistry Degree section of the catalogue for a sample pre-med track.
*Admission requirements vary by institution. It is highly recommended that students check the requirements of the schools which they are considering.
The following major equipment is available for research and teaching activities.
Spectroscopy
Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer with 96-well plate reader accessory
Cary 50 UV-Vis spectrophotometer with stopped-flow module accessory
Perkin Elmer RX-I Infrared spectrophotometer
Anasazi FT-NMR spectrometer
Proton and carbon probes
GE Storm Fluorescent Gel Imager and Phosphorimager
Beckman LS 6000SC Liquid Scintillation Counter
Molecular Biology
Syngene GeneFlash and GeneGnome gel documentation stations
UVP Ultraviolet Crosslinker and blot hybridization incubator
New Brunswick Inova and G25 Incubator/shakers
PCR thermocycler (several)
Revco ultra-cold freezer
Motic high-resolution dissecting scopes
VanGuard 1400FL Series fluorescent microscope with high resolution camera
Savant DNA Speedvac
Plant grow carts
Centrifugation
Sorvall RC5C PLUS superspeed refrigerated centrifuge
Beckman L8-80M ultracentrifuge
Chromatography
Varian CP-3800 capillary gas chromatograph
HP-Agilent GC-Mass Spectrometer ***NEW 9/09***
BioRad Biologic chromatography system
Computer Resources
Macintosh computer lab with G5 server
Wavefunction Spartan 06 software for molecular mechanics and quantum chemical modeling
Chemical Abstracts SciFinder Scholar Database access with structure search module
Building Facilities
Dark room
Cold room
Media prep room
Amsco Renaissance Series autoclave
Fully equipped research-dedicated labs for biological and chemical research
In the last couple years, we have placed our Biochemistry majors in several summer research REU/internship programs at:
Our Biochemistry graduates have gone on to advance their careers or professions in a variety of ways:
Charlotte Kunkler (2016, Biochemistry) Ph.D. student, Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame Lexi Hammerquist (2016, Biochemistry/Valedictorian) Medical student, Creighton University Medical School Sarah Downes (2016, Biochemistry, Dentistry student, University of Kentucky John Robert Griswold (2015, Biochemistry and Physics) Graduate student, University of South Alabama, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Dominic Buckley (2015, Biochemistry) Ph.D. student, Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City Megan Rivera (2015, Biochemistry) Medical student, Florida State University College of Medicine Trevor Sasserath (2015, Biochemistry) Research associate, University of Central Florida NanoScience Technology Center; cell biologist, Hesperos
Even before we introduced the Biochemistry major, several students participated in extensive research in our labs and have continued their pursuit of Biochemistry:
Joseph Embry, veterinary medicine, Texas A&M David Hallenbeck, dental school, University of Buffalo Levi Embry, veterinary medicine, Oklahoma State University Duy Nguyen, medical school, St. George’s University School of Medicine Phillip Buckley, graduate of the University of Kansas School of Dentistry and recipient of the Army Dental Health Scholarship Dr. Andrew Mullally, graduate of the Michigan State School of Human Medicine (Michigan State University) Dan Ade, Indiana University School of Dentistry Anthony Jay, granted Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Boston University
Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.
The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.
With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.
Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.
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