Careers

A biochemistry degree is excellent career preparation for a host of areas such as: Biomedical Sciences

• Biotechnology
• Cosmetics
• Dentistry
• Environmental Sciences
• Fermentation Production
• Forensics
• Genetic Engineering of Microbes, Plants, and Animals
• Graduate School
• High School Teaching (with Certification)
• Medicine
• Nutrition Research
• Optometry
• Pharmaceutical Drug Design and Discovery
• Pharmacy
• Research
• Technical Research Assistant
• Technical Writing
• Toxicology
• Veterinary medicine

"In the future attention undoubtedly will be centered on the genome, and with greater appreciation of its significance as a highly sensitive organ of the cell, monitoring genome activities and connecting common errors, sensing the unusual and unexpected events, and responding to them, often by restructuring the genome. We know about the components of genomes that could be made available for such restructuring. We know nothing, however, about how the cell senses danger and instigates responses to it that often are truly remarkable."

Nobel lecture 8, December 1983 Barbara McClintock

Biochemistry is a field of study that attempts to describe the structures and processes of life in chemical and molecular terms. How do viruses replicate in eukaryotic cells? How do DNA molecules move in and out of chromosomes? How are genes regulated by the environment? How do plants and cyanobacteria survive droughts and flooding? What internal changes occur when a bacterium or fungus forms a spore? How can a bacterium convert nitrogen from the air into ammonia? These are some of the kinds of fundamental questions that biochemists at New Mexico State University are studying. If these questions sound intriguing to you, Biochemistry is a field you should consider.

Course of Study

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is approved by both the American Chemistry Society and the American Society of Biochemistry an Molecular Biology. Working toward a Bachelor of Science degree involves building a basic foundation in biology, physics, math, and chemistry. The degree program allows juniors and seniors to tailor their degrees in a variety of biochemistry subdiciplines such as biotechnology, cell biology, plant genetic engineering, genetics, and exzymology. This experience is gained through course work as well as pratical laboratory experience. Students participate in Biochemistry seminars in the sophomore and senior years to enhance understanding of current work in the many diverse biochemistry disciplines. All formal courses are taught by faculty members holding doctorates in their fields.



Financial support and special programs

In addition to general financial aid available through the university offices, several opportunities exist for qualified students in chemistry and biochemistry.


Crimson Scholars - support for research work.

Minority Access to Research Careers - tuition and support for research work.

Minority Biomedical Research Support Program - support for research work.

Honors Programs in Plant Genetic Engineering.

Cooperative arrangements with National Laboratories.

For information on the Biochemistry curriculum, financial aid or admissions, call any biochemistry faculty member at:

Dept. of Chemitry & Biochemistry
New Mexico State University Dept. 3C
Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-0001

Telephone: (505) 646-2505
Fax: (505) 646-2649

or by E-mail: dbenson@nmsu.edu