Program Overview
Virginia Wesleyan University's Biochemistry major equips students with a comprehensive understanding of biochemical principles, practical laboratory skills, and analytical abilities. It prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, science, research, and other fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Biochemistry major offered at Virginia Wesleyan University is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of biochemical and chemical analysis, synthesis, and theory. It emphasizes the development of practical laboratory skills, proficiency in using chemical instrumentation, computer skills, and effective communication, both written and oral.
- Objectives: The program aims to cultivate students' understanding of empirical principles in biochemistry and chemistry. It also focuses on developing their analytical and problem-solving abilities, honing their experimental design, execution, and evaluation skills, and fostering their proficiency in organizing, evaluating, and presenting biochemical and chemical concepts.
- Program Description: This major is suitable for students with diverse interests, including those planning to pursue careers in medicine, veterinary science, health and allied health professions, secondary education, or research.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of careers in various fields:
- Healthcare: Physicians, nurses, and veterinarians.
- Science and Research: Chemists, environmental researchers, and public health professionals.
- Other: Scientific journalists, policymakers, and educators.
- Additional Study: Further graduate or professional school programs are often required for certain career paths.
Other:
- Accelerated Degree Options:
- Early Assurance Program with Eastern Virginia Medical School: Provides admission preference to VWU students interested in pursuing advanced degrees.
- Joint Program in Medicine with Eastern Virginia Medical School: Guarantees admission to Eastern Virginia Medical School upon completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree at VWU.
- Pre-admittance and Joint Degree Options in Pharmacy with Shenandoah University: Offers priority status to Virginia Wesleyan University students for Shenandoah University's Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy.
- Pre-Engineering Program at ODU: Enables students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master's degree in various engineering fields from Old Dominion University.
- Equipment and Facilities:
- Greer Environmental Sciences Center: This state-of-the-art facility provides opportunities for students and fosters collaborations with organizations like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS).
- Scanning Electron Microscope: Equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, this microscope allows for determining the chemical composition of specimens.
- Internships/Undergraduate Research:
- Biochemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct original scientific research in their area of interest.
- They work closely with faculty members to develop and conduct research projects.
- They present their findings at undergraduate research symposiums and conferences.
- Internships provide hands-on learning opportunities relevant to the chosen field.
