Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
The biochemistry/molecular biology major connects chemistry to biology in a way that opens a whole new world of possibilities—literally. At Rollins, it’s application over memorization. It’s mentoring over lecturing. It’s hands-on researching over data downloading.
You will not get lost in a sea of classmates either because at Rollins the doctorate-level professors in the BMB program know each student by name and by career goals. The mission is to inspire you to conduct novel research and choose a personal path, and then personally guide you there, whether it’s in health, pharmacy, postgrad work, business, or in a field we’ve barely discovered.
Why Study Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Rollins
Research Access
Undergraduates have opportunities to do their own novel research under the direct guidance of professors (no teaching assistants) and to be published in peer-review journals.
Focused Attention
The BMB major is small at Rollins, which means the faculty provides concentrated counseling throughout college and beyond. The program pairs nicely with highly marketable minors in global health or neuroscience.
Grant Writing Skills
You’ll apply biochemistry skills to the writing of grant proposals for real-world problems like diseases that need more research. This is the essence of global citizenship and critical thinking.
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“The BMB program at Rollins challenged us to apply lessons learned from different courses to our experiments and to think as we would outside a classroom. I was given amazing opportunities to do exactly that—like volunteering in labs and attending national conferences. By my senior year, I was ready for the next steps in my career.”
Rollins Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Careers
Rollins BMB grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.
Taylor Cole Ball ’14
General and Cosmetic Dentist, Wyngate Dental of Bethesda
Katia Chadaideh ’15
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Justin Pomeroy ’16
Medical Scientist 1, University of Florida College of Medicine
Shan Kasal ’13
Scientist, Access to Advanced Health Institute
Cherie Ramirez ’06
Assistant Professor and STEM Faculty Fellow, Simmons University
Courtney Reddig ’15
Pharmacy Practice Resident, Prisma Health
Real World Experience
From internships to research, BMB students hone their skills in the real world.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
The approach of the lab-driven classes is to immerse you in each topic, so you can say, “Yes, I’ve done that.” Although this is not a “pre-med” major, those who choose to pursue med school will be fully prepared to take the MCAT.
BIO 310 Microbial Genetics
Examine the evolution of microbes, the regulation of gene expression, heredity and transferable genetic elements, tools for genetic manipulation, and the mechanisms involving the repair and maintenance of DNA integrity.
BCH 335 Biochemistry
Gain an integrated perspective of the chemical structure and cellular functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and explore topics like structural enzymology, molecular biology, and metabolism.
BIO 341 Molecular Biology
Explore how to repair DNA and how CRISPRs might be applied to the editing of human genes for the treatment of diseases. Small classes and minimal textbook work allow the faculty to keep classes like this on the leading edge of science.
BCH 435 Advanced Biochemistry
Studying cutting-edge research papers combines an understanding of why we believe something to be true with how we can advance with the latest technology.
CHM 360 Advanced Topics in Chemistry
You might make wine or sourdough bread to learn about fermentation. Or you might create something in the lab related to medicinal chemistry or nanotechnology. As the title suggests, the topics are fluid to stay relevant.
BCH 498 Independent Study Research
A professor mentors you through your own research project and an undergraduate thesis. Students have studied how a virus can cause cancer and how nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery. This is meaningful, legitimate science at the undergrad level.
Dive Into Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rollins
Explore more about what it will be like to major in biochemistry and molecular biology at Rollins.
What You Can Do With a BMB Degree
The Rollins chemistry department offers the American Chemical Society-certified degree program for a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that prepares students to become effective scientific professionals and competitive applicants to jobs and graduate schools.
Facilities and Instrumentation
At Rollins, BMB students work with top-notch equipment across six labs in the newly renovated Bush Science Center. Within our teaching and research laboratories, we have diverse equipment for studies in biochemistry and analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Beyond the Classroom
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Individual lab training makes Rollins students nationally competitive for these sought-after research positions.
Pre-Med Observership Program Students in Rollins’ BMB major can shadow professionals in a health-care setting such as AdventHealth (formerly Florida Hospital). This type of experience is necessary for acceptance into med school.
Study Abroad Living and studying in another culture fuels the global citizenship perspective. BMB students typically use this time to take a subspecialty such as pharmacology.
Expert Faculty
Before coming to Rollins as part of the BMB program, each faculty member performed postdoctoral research as part of their training. You’ll notice strong interest in solving problems associated with diseases, inspiring undergrads to think big.
Department of Biology
Telephone: 407.646.2494
Fax: 407.628.6395
Kasandra J. Riley, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: Exploring the functions of non-coding RNAs in viral and bacterial infectious diseases
Ellane J. Park, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: The development of bioselective gold and polymeric nanoparticles that can serve as platforms for improved cancer therapeutics
James D. Patrone, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research interests: Applying fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) in cancer research
Jay Pieczynski, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Research interests: The dynamics of microtubules and motor proteins in cell signaling and behavior
Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Research interests: Oral microbiology, in particular the bacterial species Streptococcus mutans, which is capable of forming dental plaque