Frequently Asked Questions about the Biological Chemistry Program
- What can I do with a degree in biological chemistry?
- How can I declare a major in biological chemistry?
- Who are the faculty and what are their research interests?
- Do students have access to any significant facilities, technology and equipment?
- What classes are required for the major?
- Can I minor in Biological Chemistry?
1. What can I do with a degree in biological chemistry?
Many students attend medical school or graduate school after completing their degree in biological chemistry. The university also provides excellent information on job opportunities for graduates.
2. How can I declare a major in biological chemistry?
Major Declaration forms can be obtained in the Cell and Molecular Biology office (2000 Percival Stern Hall), the Chemistry office (2015 Percival Stern Hall) or the Dean's office (201 Lindy Boggs Center). Fill in the form and see Dr Byers or Dr Mullin for a signature, then turn the completed form in to the Dean’s office.
3. Who are the faculty and what are their research interests?
The faculty consists of members of the Chemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology Departments who teach some of the courses required for those students majoring in Biological Chemistry:
| Faculty member |
Dept. |
Research |
| Alex Burin |
CHEM |
Theoretical investigations of DNA |
| Larry Byers |
CHEM |
Enzyme mechanisms and regulation |
| Peter Cserjesi |
CMB |
Regulation of transcription in development of the peripheral nervous and cardiovascular systems |
| James Donahue |
CMB |
Bioinorganic chemistry |
| Harry Ensley |
CHEM |
Organic synthesis of natural products |
| W.T. Godbey |
CENG |
Gene therapy techniques for tissue and cellular engineering |
| Scott M. Grayson |
CHEM |
Bio-organic chemistry |
| Nancy Hopkins |
CMB |
Interactions between xenobiotics and cytochrome P450 enzymes and the nuclear steroid hormone receptor superfamily |
| Fiona Inglis |
CMB |
Developmental neurobiology and neuronal plasticity |
| Janarthanan Jayawickramarajah |
CHEM |
Molecular recognition of bio-inspired systems |
| David Mullin |
CMB |
Microbiology |
| Kim O’Connor |
CENG |
Cell and tissue engineering, stem cell technology |
| Wayne Reed |
PHYS |
Polymer reaction kinetics and mechanisms |
| Igor V. Rubtsov |
CHEM |
Physical chemistry of biopolymers |
| Laura Schrader |
CMB |
Molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory |
4. Do students have access to any significant facilities, technology and equipment?
Yes. Among the recently acquired equipment are: several superconducting NMR spectrophotometers, x-ray diffractometers, high volume fermentors, French press for cell disruptions, PCR machines, ultracentrifuges, Silicon Graphics Computer for molecular modeling, stopped-flow spectrophotometers for monitoring fast kinetics, calorimeters and other instrumentation common to all active chemistry and molecular biology departments.
5. What classes are required for the major?
The major requirements are listed in table format on a separate web page. Students majoring in the program in Biological Chemistry are required to take the following Cell and Molecular Biology courses : general biology (CELL 101), genetics (CELL 205), cell biology (CELL 301), molecular biology (CELL 311), molecular biology lab (CELL 312) microbiology (CELL 422) plus two additional electives. In addition, the following Chemistry courses: general chemistry (CHEM 107-108), general chemistry lab (CHEM 117-118), organic chemistry (CHEM 241-242), organic chemistry lab (CHEM 243-244), physical chemistry (thermodynamics) plus lab (CHEM 312, 314), introductory biochemistry (biomolecules) and intermediary metabolism (CHEM 383-384) and biochemistry lab (CHEM 385) are required. One year of research (either BMEN 490, 491, CELL 495, 496, CENG 481, 482, 491, 492 or CHEM 401-402) or an honor's thesis project (CELL or CHEM H499-H500) is also required. Two semesters of physics: classical mechanics (PHYS 131) and electricity & magnetism (PHYS 132) and three semesters of calculus (MATH 121, 122 and 221) are also required.
6. Can I minor in Biological Chemistry?
Yes, the course requirements for the minor are provided in table format on a separate web page. Majors in either Chemistry or Cell and Molecular Biology cannot minor in Biological Chemistry. The courses required for the minor are genetics (CELL 205), introduction to biochemistry (CHEM 383), intermediate biochemistry (CHEM 384), biochemistry lab (CHEM 385) and either cell biology (CELL 301) or molecular biology (CELL 311). The courses that are prerequisites for the above courses insure that students who minor in Biological Chemistry will have a significant introduction to biochemistry and have at least 33 credit hours in courses outside their major. In accordance with Tulane's undergraduate catalog, students completing a minor must complete at least 24 credits in their major which do not overlap with the minor. |
