Biochemistry at Vassar
Vassar College's interdepartmental program in Biochemistry provides a study of biochemistry and molecular biology built upon a solid foundation in chemistry and biology. The major engages students in courses in biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, genetics, protein chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry. Experimental approaches to problems in biochemistry are emphasized throughout the program, with laboratory classes and opportunities for students to engage in intensive work related to biochemistry.
Major requirements (10 classes plus 0.5 intensive)
Chemistry (3 credits)
- General Chemistry CHEM 125
- Organic Chemistry CHEM 244 and 245
Biology (4 credits)
- Energy Flow in Biological Systems BIOL 107
- Information Flow in Biological Systems BIOL 108
- One genetics course BIOL 238, 244, or 248
- One cell biology course BIOL 202, 205, 218, 232, 323, 324, 370, 386, or 388
Cross-listed course (1 credits)
- Biochemistry BIOL/CHEM 272
Advanced coursework (2 credits)
- Biophysical Chemistry or Thermodynamics BIOC 326 or CHEM 350
- Biochemistry Senior Seminar BIOC 356
Biochemistry Intensive (at least 0.5 credit)
Students must elect at least 0.5 unit of Intensive credit (graded or ungraded) from a list of Biochemistry-related intensives offered within the natural sciences or Math, chosen in consultation with their adviser.
Recommended (but not required) courses, especially for those planning to continue in graduate or medical school:
- Math (single variable calculus and statistics)
- Physics (111/112 or 113/114)
Planning Advice
By the end of your first year, you should aim to complete CHEM 125 and BIOL 107. If you plan to study a semester abroad in your junior year (which we encourage!), you should complete CHEM 125 by the end of your first year so you can take CHEM 244/245 your second year.
By the end of your second year, you should have completed BIOL 108 and ideally you will have also completed CHEM 244 and 245 and possibly BIOL/CHEM 272 or genetics.
By the end of your third year, you should have completed BIOL/CHEM 272 and ideally also the genetics and cell biology requirements. Recommended classes (physics and math) could be completed by this point as well.
Your senior year you will likely take BIOC 326, BIOC 356, and your senior BIOC intensive along with any other remaining requirements for the major that you haven’t yet taken (e.g. cell biology requirement).
See the Vassar Biochemistry website for more information on how to declare a major
Biochemistry Program Faculty
In recognition of the different and complementary perspectives underlying the interdisciplinary study of Biochemistry, the Biochemistry program includes faculty from both the Chemistry and Biology departments, who teach and conduct research in different areas of biochemistry (http://biochemistry.vassar.edu/).
David Esteban, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Biochemistry
Hayley Affronti, Lecturer in Biology
Colin Echeverría Aitken, Associate Professor of Biology
Zachary Donhauser, Professor of Chemistry
Eric Eberhardt, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Jennifer Herrera, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry
Sarjit Kaur, Professor and Chair of Chemistry
Jennifer Kennell, Professor of Biology
Krystle McLaughlin, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Rebecca Pollet, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Jodi Schwarz, Professor of Biology
Christopher Smart, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Joseph Tanski, Professor of Chemistry on the Matthew Vassar, Jr. Chair
Any of the faculty listed can answer questions about the program and/or serve as major advisers