4-year Degree

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life. There is currently much excitement and interest in Biochemistry for a number of reasons:

The chemical basis of many biological processes are now understood. The discovery of DNA, the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein, and the elucidation of metabolic pathways have all been accomplished in the last several decades.
Common principles underlies the variety of living organisms. Bacteria, plants, and animals all use essentially identical building blocks to construct biomolecules for their energy requirements.
Biochemistry is crucial to an understanding of modern medicine. The molecular and endocrinological mechanisms of many diseases have recently been determined, allowing specific therapies to be developed. Clinical diagnosis of genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers rely on biochemical techniques.
Agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry are being transformed by recent advances in recombinant DNA technology. Rapid advances in the manipulation of genetic material has led to the ability to alter the genetic endowment of organisms.
Basic biological questions are being addressed at the molecular level. Development of powerful biochemical techniques has allowed researchers to obtain answers to some aspects of the following questions: How does a fertilized egg differentiate into muscle, liver, and brain cells? How does cancer occur? What is the molecular basis of memory? How do plants convert sunlight into biochemical energy?

Have more questions?
E-mail Rick Cote, Undergraduate Coordinator, at Rick.Cote@unh.edu