Biological Chemistry

Are you into biology and chemistry? Want to learn more about the chemical processes going on in cells? As a biological chemistry major you’ll dive deep into research through classes, labs, and independent projects to discover answers and even more questions. You’ll examine the structure and function of nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates and their interactions with cells. You’ll learn research techniques and methods of inquiry specific to the interrelated topics at the heart of biological chemistry with faculty mentors, experts in biology and chemistry, at your side. Whether you’re off to graduate school, medical school, or straight to a career in health sciences, research, or education, you’ll be thoroughly prepared.

Erick Leggans and Ariel Richards '23 sit on limestone benches outside the Humanities and Social Studies Complex.

Ariel Richards ’23 Receives Fellowship from American Society of Pharmacognosy

Ariel Richards ’23 has been selected for a competitive American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) Summer Research Fellowship (SRF). She is synthesizing molecules and evaluating their biological activity in the lab of Erick Leggans, assistant professor of chemistry at Grinnell College and member of the ASP. ASP members investigate plants and other natural products for drug discovery.

Leslie Gregg-Jolly Receives Distinguished Faculty Award

Biology professor Leslie Gregg-Jolly honored for advancing educational equity in Iowa.

Goyal, Bailey, and Gubner at poster session

Digging into Cancer Research

Students collaborate with a faculty mentor on health-related science.

Collaborating on Research

Ashley Kang ’19 came to Grinnell intending to major in biology, but classes she took in her second year unlocked an interest in chemistry as well. “I figured biological chemistry would give me the best of both worlds,” she says.

Passionate About Bio Chem

Phillip An ’19 loves biological chemistry. “We have this thing called DNA, this chain of instructions made of carbons and nitrogens and hydrogens, that quite frankly, affects nearly every aspect of ourselves. Isn’t that crazy?”

Bio Chem + English = Powerful Double Major

Emily Mesev ’15, molecular biology Ph.D. student at Princeton University, says that when she first visited Grinnell, “it felt like the best place for me.”

Collin Kramer works with younger students

Well Prepared for Med School with Space for Other Interests

Collin Kramer ’15, a third-year medical student at the University of Iowa, came to Grinnell knowing that he wanted to study medicine. Thanks to the small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and abundant research opportunities offered by Grinnell’s biological chemistry program, Kramer graduated feeling well-prepared for medical school.

Motivated by Research Opportunities

Bao Ying Chen ’14, biomedical physics graduate student at UCLA, was drawn to Grinnell by its commitment to diversity, the financial resources offered to students, and the flexibility of its individually advised curriculum. “Without Grinnell’s help, I do not think I would have been able to pursue a higher education degree,” says Chen, a first-generation college student.

Department Chair

Heriberto Hernandez

hernandh@grinnell.edu

Department Information

Phone

(641) 269-3172

Fax

(641) 269-4984

Noyce Science Center
1116 Eighth Ave
Grinnell, IA 50112
United States