Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (BCMB) represents a rapidly growing discipline that bridges the chemical and biological sciences.
It focuses on how cells solve various biological problems and the role of the chemical components. Knowledge of this field was always necessary for those interested in various professions in the medical field and it has become increasingly important for those interested in the pharmaceutical and forensics fields.
About the Program
The program offerings as well as the faculty expertise reflect the combined chemical and biological basis for this field. Since it is such an experimental science, the program emphasizes laboratory skills, use of instruments and research skills to prepare students for employment or for study toward a variety of advanced degrees. In addition, an articulation agreement with the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers allows students the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in pharmacy combined with a baccalaureate degree from Stockton. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has accredited BCMB and graduating seniors have the opportunity to earn certification by this organization.
Associate Program Chair
Kelly Keenan
Professor of Chemistry/BCMB
USC-217 | 609.652.4548
Kelly.Keenan@stockton.edu
Program Features
- Emphasis on the development of laboratory skills.
- All upper level labs are taught by program faculty.
- All undergraduate program which allows for extensive interaction between faculty member and student.
- All students who graduate will have experience with a variety of laboratory techniques, as well as instruments commonly used.
- Students will be able to analyze data, write comprehensively about it and prepare
oral presentations.
Program Overview & Alumni Highlights
Additional Information
Curriculum
The program offerings as well as the faculty expertise reflect the combined chemical and biological basis for this field. Since it is such an experimental science, the program emphasizes laboratory skills, use of instruments and research skills to prepare students for employment or for study toward a variety of advanced degrees. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has accredited the BCMB major in 2016.
Worksheet
To see the curriculum for your area of interest you’ll use the web program, Degree Works. This program is accessible even if you are not currently a student with Stockton University.
If you are a current student at Stockton University, access Degree Works through the portal, then choose the “what if” option to explore the various paths towards degree completion.
Prospective freshman or transfer students, can use the Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency Tool below. In addition, the program degree map below provides valuable degree information and is a guide to assist in planning academic coursework, but should not substitute academic advisement.
Instructions on How to Use Curriculum Tool
- At the next page you are prompted with three (3) options. Select the one that says “continue without signing in.”
- Respond to each prompt using the pull-down menu in the center of the page. [Please be patient. It may take a few seconds for the system to process your request. If you see a NO symbol, you need to wait a moment!]
Prompts include:
- Enrollment dates (Choose intended semester attending)
- Intended level (Choose“undergraduate”)
- What degree you will pursue? (Choose “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelor of Arts”)
- What is your intended major? (Choose “Biochemistry Molecular Biology”)
- What is your intended concentration? (Choose “General”)
- What is your intended minor? (Choose “none” or select one - it is not required)
- For prospective students, choose “I’m all done" button.
- For transfer students, use the “class” button to see how courses already taken fit into the Stockton degree path.
- You will see an overview of the degree you have selected, including all requirements.
- At the bottom of the screen, you could save or print worksheet.
Faculty
Opportunities
For the senior research project, students have the opportunity to carry out research on campus in the laboratory of a faculty member. This might result in publication of work as well as presentation at a conference. There are several sources of financial support for students to attend conferences. For the senior internship, students may choose to perform off-campus work in government, university or industrial laboratories. Examples of these have included regional internships at the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center and State Police Crime Lab as well as research projects carried out by students through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Students can apply for this program and be paid a stipend to carry out a research project at a university. In addition, Stockton’s Washington Internship program offers opportunities for placement in institutions such as National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. Academic credit will be granted for such experience, provided it contributes significantly to the student’s intellectual development. An outstanding opportunity is participation in Stockton’s International Education experience. Stockton also has an articulation agreement with the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University so that students can complete courses in the BCMB major for two or three years and then transfer to Rutgers. Students apply and are accepted into this program directly from high school and earn a B.S. degree in BCMB from Stockton and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers.
The Biochemistry Program also offers opportunities for students to get involved in various areas of interest outside of the classroom.
Careers
Students who earn degrees in this field have a variety of options for employment or higher education. They can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, forensics, or biotechnology industries. Other graduates have also gone on to become teachers. Students with a degree in this field could also pursue advanced study in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or complete graduate degrees in Microbiology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology.
Explore information in:
There is a wide variety of jobs within biochemistry and molecular biology.
Sample list of careers:
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Career Guide
Exploring careers in biochemistry and molecular biology. A resource for undergraduates.
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Biochemists and biophysicists
will continue to be needed to do basic research that increases scientific knowledge
and to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people’s
lives. Techniques, tools, and applications of biochemistry and biophysics are expanding
as technology and knowledge progress.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn more:
The Office of Institutional Research collects information on where our alumni land
within six months of graduation. To learn more about Biochemistry/Molecular Biology alumni, use the Graduate Outcomes tool.
- Using the down arrow, uncheck 'All' and select 'Biochemistry/Molecular Biology'
The connections you made with your professors and preceptors are invaluable resources for your career planning. Beyond providing assistance on coursework and scheduling, they can give you guidance in planning for your post-college career.
In addition, we have a student Career Center that is available to guide you through your career development journey - from CV writing, interview prep or general guidance.
