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.

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY

Ask questions and seek answers in a collaborative program.

Through the study of biological chemistry at Grinnell, you’ll discover a unique, multifaceted, and interdisciplinary program that fosters inquiry and rewards curiosity. You’ll search for answers and discover more questions in courses developed through close collaboration among faculty in biology and chemistry, ensuring your access to a broad range of knowledge.
CAREER PREPARATION

Gain knowledge needed for a wide range of professions or postgraduate study.

You’ll find that majoring in biological chemistry prepares you for your future, whatever you have in mind. Whether you’re off to graduate school or medical school; headed straight to a career in health sciences, research, or education; or exploring other fields, you’ll be thoroughly prepared for success. You’ll join alumni who have successful careers as physicians and researchers, or in law, education, business, biotech, and numerous other fields.
HANDS-ON EDUCATION

Learn science by doing science.

You’ll put classroom knowledge into action as you dive deep into research through classes, labs, and independent projects. You’ll learn research techniques and hone your skills in a significant laboratory component that will put you in the driver’s seat, directing and conducting experiments that you’ve designed.

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.

Student works in the biological chemistry lab

Taking Biological Chemistry to the Next Level

Introduction to Biological Chemistry (BCM 262) will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as you further your studies in the field.

Professor Trimmer and 2 students in biochem lab

Tiny Enzymes, Huge Potential

Bioorganic Chemistry (CHM 330) focuses on enzymes, proteins that are catalysts within cells. This in-depth study of enzymes allows you to explore advanced biochemistry, applying principles and techniques you learned in organic chemistry to the study of biological reactions.

Students and professor examine water sample

More than Just a Class About Water

Aquatic Geochemistry (CHM 340) is a thought-provoking combination of readings, classroom discussion, and hands-on learning. The course explores the chemical processes that control freshwater and marine systems.

Tom Cech ’70

1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of the catalytic properties of RNA

When Tom Cech ’70 enrolled as a student at Grinnell College, he made discoveries — many of them about himself — that would shape his entire life.

Cech realized that as much as he liked chemistry, his interests did not begin and end there. He also loved exploring the ways that the humanities, social sciences, and sciences converge and intersect.

Learn More About Tom Cech

A black man with glasses resting atop his head peers through a microscope in a dark room.

Academics

Lafontant Wins Fulbright Scholar Grant to Sri Lanka

Pascal Lafontant, professor of biology, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar Grant to conduct developmental biology research in Sri Lanka during the 2024-25 academic year.

A professor and a male student discuss fluorescent microscopy images pulled up on a laboratory computer.

Academics

Team Effort: Five Grinnellians Co-Author Paper on the Zebrafish Liver

What began as a summer side project in 2020 grew into a yearslong collaborative study in the Lafontant laboratory. Now, Lafontant, professor of biology, is proud to have his name listed after not one, but four, Grinnell alums on a paper published in Zebrafish.

In a dark laboratory, a professor with long blond hair points inside a protected hood, while a student reaches inside the hood to manipulate an experiment.

Academics

MacInnes Explores Greener Frontiers with Electrochemistry

Molly MacInnes, assistant professor of chemistry, is developing an innovative silicon purification process for a cleaner, healthier Earth.