Biochemistry
major
At Saint Michael’s, biochemistry students dive into hands-on research early in their academic journey. Small class sizes and dedicated, research-active faculty mean you’ll get personalized mentorship and support.
Students can join faculty-led projects or pursue their own ideas — with guidance and funding from national sources like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Our faculty are committed to helping you grow, challenge yourself, and achieve your goals.
Inside Look
Curriculum
Students in the biochemistry program will learn about everything from the four macromolecules that make up biological systems to biological membranes, enzymes, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and several health-related topics.
All Biochemistry students take a two-semester Senior Seminar, where you either prepare a comprehensive report on your topic or develop a research proposal modeled after the process scientists use to secure research funding. Students will present their research at the annual academic symposium.
Sample Courses
- Ecology and Evolution
- Molecular Genetics
- Cell Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Experiential Learning
At Saint Michael’s, you won’t have to wait to get into the lab. From your first year, you’ll have access to equipment and research opportunities that build real-world skills — the kind that lead directly to job offers. You’ll learn how to use lab tools and understand research methods through hands-on experience.
All of our professors are actively involved in research and work closely with students. Whether you’re looking for academic credit or a paid position, we’ll help you find a project that matches your interests and goals.
Recent student projects include:
- Comparative Biomarker Analysis of Male and Female Breast Cancer for Improved Combined Diagnosis and Treatment
- Phenylcinnamides Coupled to a Peptide Vector as a Novel Therapeutic for Brain Tumors
- Male Birth Control through Small Molecule Inhibition of BRDT
- Epigenetic Plasticity of Arabidopsis in a Changing Environment Through the Regulation of Flowering Locus C (FLC)
- An Investigation of the Morphine Transport in Malpighian Tubules of Calliphora stygia and its Implications in Forensic Entomotoxicology
- The Effect of Post Mortem Index (PMI) and Temperature on eNOS mRNA in Mouse Heart Tissue
- Antiangiogenic Effects of Sunitinib and Cyclophosphamide Combination Treatments on Mouse 9L Gliosarcoma
- Laboratory-directed Protein Evolution of Butyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase (BCD) from Clostridium Acetobutylicum
Highlight
Student Profile
Ayla Frenkiewich ’26
Careers
Careers in healthcare, research science, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals are in high demand and have a very high earning potential. Saint Michael’s also boasts a strong, active alumni network to help you find the perfect match for your career goals.
Our students also have a wealth of opportunities for graduate schools, including being accepted into medical school at a much higher rate than average — 84%!
In addition to medical school, our graduates pursue advanced degrees in subjects including biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and science education.
Some recent graduates include:
- A PhD student at Cal Tech
- A research scientist at Cornell
- A medical student at University of Vermont
- A resident physician at Loyola University
Faculty
Contact
Shane Lamos
Director and Professor of Chemistry
Cheray Hall 216, Box 352
slamos@smcvt.edu
802.654.2842
Ready to take the next step?
Learning and exciting opportunities await you at Saint Michael’s College.