Biochemistry Student Learning Goals

Learning Goals and Expected Outcomes Biochemistry

Students can pursue a track of their choice (American Chemical Society track) or the
General track. The B.S. Degree in Biochemistry provides students with a solid foundation
to pursue a career in medicine or dental school; top notch graduate school, pharmacology, nursing, clinical research, forensic science, cosmetic chemistry and beyond.

1. Learn about the structure, and function of biological building blocks such as amino acids, lipids and fats; carbohydrates and their implications in metabolism and disease.
2. Students should be able to decipher how biomolecules interact chemically and biologically; and understand their key role in molecular interactions at the cellular level.
3. Understand basic concepts of drug design.
4. Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to elucidate molecular driving forces in biochemical reactions and mechanisms of enzymes.
5. Learn about biological pathways implicated in diseases including cancer, diabetes and obesity; and neurodegenerative diseases.
6. Be able to work on a research plan/ proposal, conduct investigations and perform analyses. Students will learn to analyze and interpret data, including critically analyze
   experimental design and data interpretation in the biochemical literature
7. Develop effective biochemical laboratory skills and design experiments that entail the use of biochemical / biophysical and bioanalytical methods.
8. Become familiar with the use of instrumentation in modern biochemistry.
9. Be able to demonstrate quantitative analysis and biocomputational skills.
10. Effectively communicate the language of biochemistry through written and oral communication skills.