Biochemistry
Like all empirical sciences, biochemistry is, at its heart, a search for truth in the natural world and in humanity. But before finding that truth—as Hillsdale biochemistry students do, in enzymes, acids, proteins, and lipids, for example—you must learn the process of being a problem solver. That means learning to experiment, to observe, to question, to conclude, and to defend your findings. Those skills will make you a more curious, critical thinker in the realm of science and in the professional world. And because all aspects of the biochemistry program are dedicated to the education of undergraduates, you’ll get the attention and resources you need to excel in this demanding major. As part of your studies, you will also engage in extensive research alongside Hillsdale’s faculty, and have the opportunity to publish as well. Biochemistry is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Chemistry
Courtney Meyet
Chemistry
Lee Baron
Chemistry
Christopher VanOrman
"In my opinion, there is a definite need to reestablish a positive image of chemistry, and the one-on-one interaction at a liberal arts institution makes this possible."
Christopher VanOrman, Chemistry
Chemistry
Mark Nussbaum
Higher education is about helping students become logical, clear thinkers and communicators and instilling a humble sense of wonder at the amazing universe we live in.Mark A. Nussbaum, Chemistry
Featured Courses
A descriptive study of the chemistry of nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, hormones and enzymes.
Read More about "Biochemistry"Students will learn techniques in protein purification, enzyme assays and molecular biology in the laboratory portion of the class.
Read More about "Advanced Biochemistry"Featured Course
Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
Read More about "Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences"A study of thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on biological applications.
Read More about "Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences"Mission
The chemistry faculty seeks to prepare students:
- for graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry or for training in professional schools
- for teaching in educational institutions
- for positions in industry or government service
- for application of chemistry in medicine, biology, physics and other fields
The introductory courses may be taken by students desiring acquaintance with chemistry as a part of a liberal arts education. The purpose of the courses is not so much to train specialists as to equip the student to undertake intelligently any work of a chemical nature. Students will find a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry to be the best basis for future specialization in any branch of the subject.
Hillsdale College’s chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society for the training of undergraduate chemists and, therefore, allows for awarding ACS-certified degrees.
Facilities
The chemistry department occupies the third floors of the adjoining Strosacker Science and Dow Science buildings. Chemistry faculty and students have access to several state-of-the-art labs equipped with advanced chemical instrumentation.
American Chemical Society
The College’s chapter of the American Chemical Society is a student-run organization dedicated to increasing the appreciation for chemistry.
Iota Sigma Pi
Iota Sigma Pi is a national honorary society for women in chemistry.