Program Summary
A. Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition, structure, and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. It is often called the "central science" because it connects physics, biology, and environmental sciences.
A Chemistry course typically covers:
- General Chemistry – Fundamental principles such as atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry.
- Organic Chemistry – Study of carbon-containing compounds and their reactions.
- Inorganic Chemistry – Study of non-organic compounds, including metals, minerals, and coordination chemistry.
- Physical Chemistry– Examines the physical principles governing chemical behavior, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum chemistry.
- Analytical Chemistry – Techniques for identifying and quantifying chemical substances.
- Environmental/Industrial Chemistry – Applications of chemistry in environmental science, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
B. Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the branch of chemistry that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It is a bridge between chemistry and biology.
A Biochemistry course typically includes:
- Biomolecules – Structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
- Enzymology – Enzyme structure, function, kinetics, and regulation.
- Metabolism– Study of energy production, biochemical pathways, and their regulation.
- Molecular Genetics – DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.
- Cell Signaling & Communication– Mechanisms of how cells interact and respond to signals.
- Biochemical Techniques – Laboratory methods like chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectroscopy.
C. Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular mechanisms that control the functions of living cells, especially at the level of DNA, RNA, and proteins. It is closely related to biochemistry and genetics.
A Molecular Biology course covers:
- DNA & RNA Structure and Function – How genetic information is stored and expressed.
- Gene Expression & Regulation– Mechanisms that control how genes are turned on or off.
- Recombinant DNA Technology– Genetic engineering, cloning, and CRISPR gene editing.
- Protein Synthesis & Function – How proteins are made and their roles in cellular processes.
- Genomics & Bioinformatics– The study of entire genomes and computational biology.
- Cell Cycle & Cancer Biology – Regulation of cell division and how it relates to diseases.
Career and Research Opportunities
Graduates of Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology can work in:
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries
- Medical and Clinical Research
- Forensic Science
- Agricultural and Environmental Science
- Academia and Education
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Healthcare (Medical Laboratory, Biomedical Research, Genetic Counseling)
Each of these courses offers a strong foundation for understanding life at the molecular level and provides pathways into research, medicine, and industry.