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University Communications

University of Richmond is Model for Colleges Wanting to Launch Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Programs

May 23, 2003

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will recognize the University of Richmond's biochemistry and molecular biology program as a national model.

In the upcoming edition of ASBMB Today, the society's magazine, Richmond will be featured as a model in setting up a biochemistry and molecular biology program. The Richmond program is the university's newest major.

The interdisciplinary program, which leads to either a B.A. or B.S. degree, is based in the biology and chemistry departments. Its curriculum fulfills the suggested requirements for degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology suggested by ASBMB.

The program is designed to prepare students for future graduate or medical study in biochemistry and molecular biology or for employment in the biotechnology industry.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty. The program also encourages and supports students to engage in summer research either on campus or other campus sites around the country.

Ellis Bell, the program's coordinator, says Richmond is fortunate in having three biochemists on the faculty. Most institutions of Richmond's size, Bell says, might have one or none. The quality of students also makes Richmond's program outstanding, he says. Bell is the Southeast director of the undergraduate program affiliation and chair of the education and professional development committee for ASBMB.