Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Major in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
All foundation courses in chemistry and biology include a strong laboratory component. The laboratory experience in advanced courses is experiment based and builds on the prior laboratory experience in foundational courses. General laboratory procedures include centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, enzyme assays/kinetics, isolation or proteins, HPLC, and use of radioactive tracers. Specific laboratory methods and techniques include isolation of plasmids, viruses, RNA, and DNA: restriction digests and mapping: electrophoresis of DNA and RNA: genomic and cDNA cloning: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): DNA sequencing, and hybridization using specific labeled probes (Southern, Northern and Western blotting). Computers are used for design and analysis of PCR primers and products: analysis of DNA sequences and database searching of DNA and protein sequences. Research uses and builds on these techniques and experiments within the context of a specific research problem.
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Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Bethel: Special Opportunities
The excellent facilities and equipment of the biology and chemistry departments at Bethel offer biochemistry/molecular biology students significant research opportunities at Bethel with faculty members. Research experiences are available both during the academic year and summer months. Summer and academic year off-campus sites for research include national laboratories, University of Minnesota, Mayo Medical School, or local industries such as Medtronic, 3M, and General Mills.
Recent national surveys suggest that as we enter the 21st century, the field of biochemistry/molecular biology in general, and the biotechnology industry, specifically, will provide a high percentage of the job opportunities in the sciences. At Bethel, graduates of the biochemistry/molecular biology program are able to pursue a variety of career options, a few of which are mentioned here. Some students will enter medical and health related programs. Others will continue their education in graduate programs of biochemistry/molecular biology or related fields. Those seeking employment immediately upon degree completion may find positions in the biotechnology industry or government. With further training, others may pursue a career in education.