Biochemistry is a fast-changing and dynamic field of study that applies the fundamental laws and techniques of chemistry to understanding the chemical structure and reactions of living organisms. The Bachelor of Science degree is an interdisciplinary 46-semester hour program including courses in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. A core sequence of two 3-semester hour lecture courses covers the essential elements of biochemistry.
A two-hour biochemistry laboratory course provides a thorough introduction to essential techniques and methods used in modern biochemical research. Independent research is emphasized in a 3-semester hour research project.

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Biochemistry is an experimental science where one learns by working in the laboratory as well as in the classroom. Roberts Wesleyan College provides small classes, excellent equipment and resources, and a dedicated faculty that can provide both challenge and support in completing a rigorous curriculum. The college has been the recipient of three National Science Foundation matching grants providing approximately $86,000 in total funds for the purchase of equipment used in the biochemistry, cell biology, and organic chemistry laboratories. As a result, students are given a variety of “hands on” experiences with laboratory equipment including automated column chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, tissue culture work, fluorescence microscopy, and high pressure liquid chromatography.

An important component of the biochemistry major is a 3-semester hour research laboratory experience. This work gives students an understanding of what is involved in independent research and an opportunity to utilize their own creativity and hard work to make new discoveries and learn and develop new experimental techniques. At the end of this endeavor, students have the opportunity to present their research findings at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium sponsored by the Rochester section of the American Chemical Society.

Students have the opportunity to help manage grading papers, tutor other students, prepare experiments and become experts with specific chemical instruments as laboratory assistants in the Smith Science Center. Each year three students are selected as Smith Scholars to take a leadership role in these activities.

Graduates in biochemistry have gone on to pursue degrees in medicine and other professional programs as well as careers in industry. Eighty-nine percent of Roberts graduates who apply to professional schools after completing their undergraduate programs in the sciences are accepted. Students have entered a variety of professional schools including medical schools such as Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, University of Buffalo School of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine Hershey, and University of Michigan Medical School, as well as medical schools in Canada. Students pursuing careers in industry are provided excellent compensation and career growth opportunities. Students have pursued careers locally at Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Wyeth Lederle Praxis, and in various research laboratories at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

In the science programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, Christian faith and scholarship go hand in hand. Scholarship and education are both avenues by which students and faculty can offer their gifts and talents to the glory of God. Students have the opportunity to worship together with faculty and staff in chapel and to interact together in the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics at progressive dinners, pizza parties, and dinners with a variety of seminar speakers from outside the college. Invited speakers have included Dr. Frank Young, former Dean of the University of Rochester Medical School and former Director of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Russ White, former RWC graduate and surgeon at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

Donna Alder, M.S., Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Bethany Nazarene; M.S., University of Rochester. Specialties: general biology, human and animal anatomy, and physiology. At RWC since 1983.
E-mail: alderd@roberts.edu

Cynthia Davis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy Advisor. PhD., Dartmouth College. Specialty: molecular genetics. At Roberts since 2004.
Email: davis_cynthia@roberts.edu

David E. Roll, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Chemistry, Pre-Professional Health Advisor. Ph.D., University of Illinois. Specialties: Organic and biological chemistry. In 1996 Dr. Roll received a 3-year, $94,000 NIH AREA grant investigating new chemotherapeutic targets against Chlamydia bacteria. At Roberts since 1978.
E-mail: rolld@roberts.edu

Jason Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy Advisor. PhD., Indiana University. Specialties: bioanalytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental science. At Roberts since 2003.
Email: taylor_jason@roberts.edu