Biochemistry studies the chemistry of life. It examines proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and the many reactions in the cell that mediate the cells ability to produce energy, communicate with other cells and reproduce. These studies form the basis of research into the chemical basis for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes.
The Biochemistry Studies AA degree prepares students for transferring to a four-year college Biochemistry or Molecular Biology Bachelor of Science program. It will also open up opportunities for summer internships. There are many paid internships that require completion of the first two years of a degree program for eligibility.
According to the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, www.asbmb.org, and the American Chemical society, www.acs.org, following a degree course in biochemistry provides for a solid foundation for a myriad of career paths including: medicine and health, pharmaceutical industry, agriculture and related industries, forensic science, personal care products, biotechnology, nuclear chemistry, and education. Additionally, a degree in biochemistry allows for student to transition into more traditional chemistry and biology programs.
Biochemists study the chemistry of life: the complex molecules of which cells are constructed; the chemical reactions that provide the cell with energy; the proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids that orchestrate cellular reproduction, that control myriad processes, that allow cells to communicate with each other. Biochemists seek to understand the chemical basis for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s that disrupt the ability of cells to function and to cooperate. As a biochemist, you can conduct basic research, to understand how life works. You can study the genetic basis of disease, or how viruses and microorganisms cause sickness and death.
For students who plan to transfer to complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry at one of the Connecticut state universities (chemistry at SCSU), enrolling in the college’s Biochemistry Studies Transfer Ticket degree pathway program is a good choice. By entering this program, students are able to start their course work at MCC and take advantage of its high quality instruction and more affordable community college tuition and fees. Upon completion of the CSCU Pathway Transfer: Biochemistry Studies associate degree, students are guaranteed full junior status and can complete a bachelor’s degree in their major without losing any credits or being required to take extra credits or incur additional expenses.
Those who are interested in biology or who are considering transferring to a college outside the CSCU system should consider the Liberal Arts and Science associate in science degree program.
Students who are thinking of transferring are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to discuss their plans and how MCC courses transfer to other institutions. More information on the transfer options available at MCC can be found in the Transfer Planning portion of the website.
Lab Safety Video
If you are taking a biology lab class, you will need to review the science department lab safety policies and procedures in this video (0:7:46). The chemistry lab safety video can be viewed on the Chemistry program page.
Contact
Michael Pence
Assistant Professor
Department Chair, Physical Sciences
860-512-2727