BS MAJOR

Relevant Learning

It’s not enough to simply have the technical and scientific knowledge of a biochemist. We believe that critical thinking, teamwork, and ethics are an essential requirement to be a relevant scientist. It’s why our curriculum follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which stresses the importance of ethical decision-making, collaborative teamwork, and analytical thinking in addition to scientific knowledge. This philosophy prepares you to apply your degree at work or in graduate school, as a medical doctor or a researcher.

What You’ll Study

The foundation of your degree begins with core requirements that include:

  • General and Organic Chemistry
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Thermodynamics and Kinetics

You’ll then move through our Biochemistry course sequence and supplement your knowledge with courses in Physics and Math. All of these experiences culminate in your independent research through our Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence (NSURS), which you’ll present to faculty, staff, and your fellow students at our annual Academic Capstone Carnival.

I am so happy I went to Warren Wilson because of the community there and the science department. I had amazing experiences outside of the academics in service, work and study abroad as well as in health and wellness, outdoor programs and performing arts. As for academics I was always challenged to push myself and was encouraged the whole way through.

Rebecca Truitt, '15, Biochemistry major

Explore Classes in This Program

CHM 4070

Biochemistry

In this course, you’ll explore the molecular logic of living things and the life processes encountered in veterinary science, medicine, biotechnology, ecology, animal behavior, and botany. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the structure, chemistry, function, and metabolism of the major classes of biological macromolecules. You’ll also complete an extensive study of enzyme systems in bioenergetics and metabolism.

PHY 2510

Physics I

This course offers an introduction to physics provided through the study of Newtonian physics, energy, thermodynamics, and statistical thermodynamics. Special emphasis is given to contemporary physics – physics developed during the 20th century.

CHM 3310

Thermodynamics and Kinetics

In this course, you’ll learn about the first and second laws of thermodynamics. You’ll interpret and apply the thermodynamic functions of internal energy, enthalpy, Gibbs energy, Helmholtz energy, and entropy in studying chemical equilibrium, colligative properties of solutions, phase equilibria in multi-component systems, and ionic equilibria in electrochemical systems. The rates and mechanisms of reactions occurring on surfaces, in solution, and in the gas phase will also be explored from a microscopic perspective.

Still curious? See the Curriculum
Meet Our Faculty

Warren Wilson students are the most engaged and curious students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. I feel so fortunate to work with students who challenge me to learn and grow every day.

Kim Borges, Ph.D.
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Kim Borges, Ph.D.
Langdon Martin

In the classroom, I have two jobs as a professor. My first job is to confuse you. My second job is to un-confuse you: because that's how the learning happens!

Langdon J. Martin, Ph.D.
Meet Langdon J. Martin See all Natural Sciences Faculty
Langdon Martin
Langdon J. Martin, Ph.D.

Warren Wilson students are curious and engaging. I am inspired by their questions and enthusiasm during class discussions. I love to teach them and learn with them.

Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
Meet Yuemei Zhang See all Natural Sciences Faculty
Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
David Coffey teaching

I appreciate how the small class sizes at Wilson allow me to break a class from a physics problem and have a full class discussion on the beauty or application in our world.

David Coffey, Ph.D.
Meet David Coffey See all Natural Sciences Faculty
David Coffey teaching
David Coffey, Ph.D.

Hands-on, All-in

Warren Wilson integrates your academics with work and community engagement. Engaging all your passions and interests results in an education with meaning and real professional experience.
doctor
Pre-Med 
Get ready for your next step
chemistry students
The Chemistry Crew 
Get professional lab experience now
science for kids
School Science Lab
Volunteer teaching science to high schoolers
Inventing with Compassion 
Rebecca Rudicell '05 designed potential vaccines and helped develop an anti-HIV antibody.
Tour Facilities 
On a tour of Oak and Grist Distilling Company with her Organic Chemistry class, Denia Carlton ’22 looks into the still as it separates alcohol from water during an active distillation.
portrait of melvis madrigal nava
Meet Our Students

Having It All

Meet Melvis Madrigal, ’17. Melivis is the founder of the Warren Wilson College Boxing Club. He integrated his passion for boxing with his community engagement when he started bringing M.A.N.O.S. (Mentoring and Nurturing Our Student) students to train with the boxing club. As the leader of M.A.N.O.S., Melvis watched his students develop discipline and focus as they trained. But perhaps most impressive? Melvis accomplished all this in his last year as a biochemistry major while he completed his Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence (NSURS).

At Warren Wilson, majoring in science doesn’t mean never leaving the lab. Instead, we help our students have it all.

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