Download Department of Biochemistry - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department of
Biochemistry
What is biochemistry?
Biochemistry at
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s undergraduate
program in biochemistry is
one of the largest and most
highly respected programs of
its kind in the country, with
over 600 students currently
enrolled. Meeting the degree
requirements for a B.S. in
biochemistry simultaneously
meets the requirements for a
minor in chemistry.
For more information:
Department of Biochemistry
(0308)
111A Engel, Virginia Tech
340 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Biochemistry is the branch of chemistry that
deals with living systems. As a biochemistry
major, you will receive a solid foundation
in chemistry and biology and gain an
appreciation of how these sciences are
integrated. Emphasis is placed on course
work in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry.
We also encourage students to participate in
undergraduate research. Faculty members in
the biochemistry department have research
interests in:
¾¾New drug targets to fight malaria, tuberculosis, and Chagas disease.
¾¾Genetic engineering of plants and insects.
¾¾Proteins, genes, and metabolites involved in disease.
¾¾Regulation of gene expression.
¾¾Mapping out metabolic pathways in microorganisms.
Careers in biochemistry
A B.S. degree in biochemistry can lead to challenging and rewarding careers in industry,
academia, and government. Graduates of our program attend graduate, medical,
veterinary, nursing, and pharmacy schools, among others. Some of our graduates also
go directly to work and find positions in medicine and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology,
agriculture, food and consumer products, chemicals and energy, environmental
analysis and remediation, and forensics.
540-231-6315
In these careers, you may:
www.biochem.vt.edu/contact
¾¾Develop a drought-resistant crop through genetic
www.biochem.vt.edu
engineering.
¾¾Design better drugs using computerized models of
proteins that are associated with disease.
¾¾Create methods to mass-produce chemicals using
environmentally friendly technologies.
¾¾Engineer enzymes to enhance the production of biofuels.
¾¾Mine genomes ranging from microoganisms to humans
to reveal undiscovered secrets of the genetic code.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees,
students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability,
gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin,
political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
VT/1014/CALS-592NP
Biochemistry is that
branch of the life
sciences devoted to
understanding the
molecular mechanisms
by which life processes
take place. Recent
advances in treating
diseases such as cancer,
developing genetically
engineered crops that are
resistant to pests, and
sequencing the human
genome all involve
scientists with training in
biochemistry.