Biochemistry

Biochemistry: Concentration

Offered jointly by the departments of biology and chemistry, and drawing upon the expertise of faculty in both disciplines, the biochemistry concentration encourages and fosters learning about the chemistry that underlies biological structure and function.

Open to biology and chemistry majors, the competitive concentration expands upon the foundations of these traditional fields of study, preparing you for graduate and medical studies, careers in the biopharmaceutical industry, and other post-graduate endeavors.

The biochemistry concentration offers an interdisciplinary perspective that will place you at the cutting edge of modern science. In addition to the requirements of your major, biochemistry concentrators complete laboratory-based courses from both the biology and the chemistry departments. The concentration culminates in a yearlong, independent biochemistry research project in the fourth year, where you will gain valuable experience working across disciplines, just as you would in a real-world research setting. Biology and chemistry majors may apply to this competitive concentration in the spring of their second year.

Program Highlights

The biochemistry concentration is intimately intertwined with modern avenues of research. Through one-on-one pursuits with faculty in the chemistry and biology departments, students can pursue research in a variety of fields, including:

  • Physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Molecular and cellular biology
  • Human health and disease
  • Immunology
  • Neurobiology
  • Microbiology
  • Developmental biology 

Biochemistry News

Professor Robert Bellin, Jason Cunha '21 and Anh Phan '21 meet virtually to discuss research.
Student STEM Research Aims to Discover More About Breast Cancer Tumors
When biology major Anh Phan ’21 was a sophomore at the College of the Holy Cross, she was looking for “a way to apply my knowledge to real-life science,” and Professor Robert Bellin’s breast cancer research lab proved to be …
A student stands in a dark lab with a professor
At Holy Cross, Professors Become Mentors
With small class sizes and faculty members committed to their success, Holy Cross students develop close bonds with professors, both in and out of the classroom — a cornerstone of the Holy Cross experience. From guiding students in independent lab work to fueling their passion for a new field, Holy Cross professors inspire students to reach far and support them along their journey.
Matthew Cummings '20 works with a scanning tunneling microscope in the physical chemistry lab of Gaby Avila-Bront, assistant professor of chemistry.
Over 100 Students Spend Their Summer Conducting Research Around the World
For 113 Holy Cross students, summer has been a time to dive deep into innovative research through the Weiss Summer Research Program. Sixty-eight students conducted research in the natural sciences; 37 in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; and …