The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) offers undergraduate study in Biochemistry and Biophysics. Biochemistry majors can study in either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). Biophysics majors fall within LAS.
What do biochemists and biophysicists do?
Biochemists and biophysicists seek to understand life processes in terms of chemical and physical principles. They conduct research in the frontiers of biology such as metabolic networking; structure and function of enzymes, membranes, and hormones; computational approaches; genomic and proteomic technology; protein engineering; plant biotechnology; muscle structure and function; and the design and evaluation of drugs for the treatment of disease. Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology provide the basis for much of modern biotechnology. Graduates have opportunities in industry, especially the biotechnology sector, in universities, veterinary medical, and medical schools, and government laboratories. Students who meet the necessary high scholastic standards have the opportunity to continue their studies in graduate school, medical school, or veterinary medical school.
What can I do with a B.S. degree from BBMB?
Graduates of biochemistry and biophysics understand the chemical principles of biological systems including molecular biology. They have developed laboratory expertise in modern biochemical techniques, including the ability to analyze data and prepare scientific reports. Most have participated in undergraduate research and have developed the skills necessary for both written and oral presentations at a level that will serve the student both within the university and in postgraduate professional life. Graduates have the experience of interacting with persons of different disciplines and cultures. Students have the training in mathematics and physics to solve problems of broad scope in biological, biomedical and environmental sciences and to provide leadership in diverse scientific and technological arenas.
Graduates of BBMB often move on to graduate study, medical school, and industry careers.
Why should I consider BBMB?
BBMB students are engaged, supported, and successful.
- Our students do research: BBMB Undergraduate Publications
- Our students get involved: BBMB Undergraduate Club
- Our students are supported: Scholarships & Awards
- Our students run their own symposium: Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium
How can I learn more?
Check out these links:
Prospective Students
Curriculum
- Biochemistry B.S. (LAS)
- Biochemistry B.S. (CALS)
- Biophysics B.S.
- Concurrent B.S./M.S. Degree Program
- Interdepartmental Majors
Current students
- Advising Resources
- BBMB Undergraduate Club
- BBMB Undergraduate Publications
- Scholarships & Awards
- Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium
Who can I talk to?
- Prospective students: Contact Claire Kruesel (kruesel@iastate.edu), BBMB Undergraduate Program Coordinator.
- Current students: Contact Claire Kruesel, your Academic Advisor, or your Faculty Mentor.
- To find out who your Academic Advisor is, go to Access Plus, click the "Student" tab, and then select "Current Student Info" from the left-hand navigation bar.
- To connect with your Faculty Mentor, stay tuned! The Biochemistry Mentoring Program is new as of Fall 2021.