CCSU Offers a New Interdisciplinary Program in Biochemistry

The State’s Board of Governors for Higher Education has approved for licensure and accreditation a new undergraduate program in Biochemistry, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. This new program is based on the faculty, facilities and research resources of both the Department of Biomolecular Sciences and the Department of Chemistry. “This new program is designed for students who desire both a strong foundation in all facets of the chemical sciences (particularly the analytical and synthetic tools as applied to biologically relevant systems) as well as a firm grounding in the principles and practice of modern cell and molecular biology” says Associate Dean of Technology, Dr. Timothy Shine. Until his recent appointment in the School of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Shine was the Chair of both departments, and spent much of the last year working with both groups to develop the interdisciplinary program and to gain University and State approval for the new curriculum.

“Every biochemistry major will have two advisors: one from Chemistry and one from Biomolecular Sciences. In essence, every major will be considered a student in both departments” says Chemistry Chair Dr. Guy Crundwell. “The mission of this new program is to prepare students for careers or advanced study in biochemistry, molecular biology, or health-related fields.”

Dr. Neil Glagovich, professor of Chemistry points out that “the program offers extensive hands-on experience in biochemical, cellular and molecular techniques. In addition to in-class laboratory instruction, the program emphasizes independent student research by requiring no less than one full year of research.”

Glagovich and Dr. Michael Davis, professor of Biomolecular Sciences, were instrumental in developing the shared program and have a long track record of research collaboration as well. Glagovich and Davis are co-principle investigators on an NIH-funded project that aims to identify and characterize antibiotics isolated from soil micro-organisms. “Undergraduates carryout the bulk of the real work in our laboratories” says Davis. “Biochemistry majors may especially benefit from conducting their independent research under the guidance of both a microbiologist and an organic chemist.” Both departments are also preparing to welcome new full-time faculty to their ranks this fall, who are expected to expand opportunities both for undergraduate research and for collaborative projects that span the two departments.

Dr. Kathy Martin-Troy, professor of Biomolecular Sciences and Director of the Biotechnology Institute at CCSU is particularly pleased to see the new Biochemistry curriculum join existing B.S. and M.A. programs in Biomolecular Sciences which were licensed by the State last year. “The Biotechnology Institute was formed in 2003 to facilitate productive interactions between molecular life sciences faculty and area biotechnology companies in order to enhance academic, research and outreach activities at CCSU. These three new programs will go far to provide the kind of directed curricula the B.I. Advisory Board has recommended. In Connecticut, bioscience-based industries represent an important and growing sector of the state’s economy, and the need for higher education in the molecular life sciences is particularly acute.”

To learn more about this Interdisciplinary Program in Biochemistry contact Dr. Thomas R King, professor and Chair of Biomolecular Sciences (832-3560, kingt@ccsu.edu), or Dr. Guy Crundwell, professor and Chair of Chemistry (832-2675, crundwellg@ccsu.edu).