students conducting alzheimer's research

Academics
Majors, Minors, and Programs
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Explore how life works at the molecular level – study cells, DNA, and diseases such as cancer and diabetes with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major at Centre College.

Overview

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program prepares students for a range of paths, including graduate study in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics, as well as careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research. The program also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or allied health fields.

Hands-on lab experience is a cornerstone of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Program. Students work directly with professors to gain the technical skills and research experience needed to thrive in advanced study or the biotech industry.

Your Major Took You Where?

BMB majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

Physician
Industrial pharmacologist
Veterinarian
Dentist
Research Scientist

Postgraduate Study

Johns Hopkins University
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
University of North Carolina
Duke University
Belmont University

Round graphic with burgundy ring and flask icon representing a career exploration community

Curriculum

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology curriculum builds from a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics during your first two years. As a junior or senior, you'll move into more advanced, integrated coursework—exploring macromolecules, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics, and cell biology—while gaining hands-on experience with the tools that drive modern molecular research.

Throughout the program, you'll engage directly with cutting-edge science. In addition to advanced lab work, you'll explore current research in the field through your senior seminar and have the opportunity to participate in independent or faculty-led research projects that prepare you for graduate study or careers in the life sciences.

Major Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, you’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world lab techniques—purifying proteins, examining enzyme activity, observing beating heart cells in culture, engaging in genetic engineering, inducing and studying apoptosis, and using advanced tools like fluorescence microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. These immersive experiences bring molecular biology to life and prepare you for research, graduate study, or careers in the biomedical sciences.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internships offer Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges in research, healthcare, and industry. Centre students have interned at leading institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Copenhagen—gaining valuable experience and building connections that support their future goals.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

A Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree equips students for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, and beyond. Graduates are also well prepared for roles in biomedical research, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry.