USI Adds Degree Program in Biochemistry
A bachelor's degree program in biochemistry is now available at the
University of Southern Indiana.
The interdisciplinary program will provide a strong combination of
chemistry and biology experiences to prepare students for scientific
careers in industries such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and
environmental chemistry and for graduate study or professional schools
in medicine, pharmacy, and related fields. With advancing knowledge,
biochemistry has become a major field of science offering expanded
employment opportunities.
Dr. Scott A. Gordon, dean of the Pott College of Science and
Engineering and professor of biology, said, "Students will have the
opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences for a wide range of
high-skill and high-wage careers that exist in the state and region."
Gordon expects the biochemistry program to become a popular choice among
students. A recent analysis indicated that high school students taking
the Preliminary SAT exam listed biology and chemistry as their top two
intended majors.
"A number of students enter the University wanting to learn about the
intersection of these two disciplines," he said. "The biochemistry
program helps students gain a better understanding of living systems and
how their components work, react, and interact."
The new degree program offers two course plans. One focuses more on
chemistry content and meets guidelines specified by the American
Chemistry Society. Dr. Jeffrey W. Seyler, chair of the Department
of Chemistry and professor of chemistry, said this track is ideally
suited for students interested in graduate and industrial biochemistry
research programs.
The other track is a more symmetrical split between chemistry and
biology content. Seyler said, "It may be more appealing to students
interested in professional programs such as medical or pharmacy school."
Both tracks include an undergraduate research component. Students can
select from chemistry- or biology-related research projects conducted
under the supervision of Pott College faculty.
The University also offers a minor in biochemistry. Seyler said it is an
excellent choice for students in other University programs, such as
business and communications, who are interested in careers in
health-related businesses.
USI has a long track record of preparing students for success in
graduate and professional schools. Dr. Henri R. Maurice, chair of
the Department of Biology and associate professor of biology, said, "Our
alumni report that the coursework they completed at USI was sufficiently
challenging and contained appropriate content for success in medical
programs. Medical school faculty have told us that USI students are well
prepared."
The new program at USI is the only biochemistry program at a public
institution of higher education within 120 miles of Evansville. The
program is designed to attract entering freshmen as well as transfer
students from community colleges.
The Pott College established a concentration in biochemistry within the
existing chemistry program five years ago as a foundation for a
biochemistry major. Due to the existing courses, the new degree program
may have its first graduates as early as spring 2011.
Need for the new program was determined by the increased number of
students in the biochemistry concentration, inquiries from prospective
students, and anticipated increases in employment opportunities in
biochemistry-related fields.
A listing of the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs prepared by Indiana Workforce
Development indicates 16 percent growth is expected for medical and
clinical lab technicians in Southwest Indiana over the decade from
2006-16. Over the same time period, other occupational projections show
an increased need in the state and nationally for individuals in fields
that employ biochemistry graduates.
The biochemistry degree program required the development of one new
course: CHEMISTRY 361, Survey of Physical Chemistry. The departments of
chemistry and biology have qualified faculty for all required courses.
Two tenure-track positions were added to the chemistry faculty in 2008.
The University provides state-of-the art classrooms, research
laboratories, computer labs, and equipment for the study of science.
The program was approved in December by the Indiana Commission for
Higher Education.
USI Home |
Academics
| Calendar
| Athletics
| Visitors
| Events and News
| Administration
8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600
Copyright © 2012 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
