The field of biochemistry seeks to understand the relationship between chemical structure and biological function, chemical reactions that occur in living things (metabolism), and the chemistry involved in storing and transmitting biological information (the last topic is also intimately connected with molecular biology/genetics).

Studying biochemistry helps to prepare a student for future endeavors in many areas of science. As examples, in addition to basic and applied research, biochemistry students also find themselves well-equipped for work in health care fields, particularly as our understanding of human health and medicine at the molecular and chemical level continues to increase.

The mission of the Biochemistry Program at Muhlenberg College is to offer a challenging curriculum that integrates classroom and laboratory based learning in the interdisciplinary study of living systems at the molecular level. Students explore the interface of chemistry and biology while negotiating distinct yet complementary modes of inquiry traditionally employed by biologists and chemists. Our program requires that students confront the implicit responsibilities as well as the societal and ethical implications of research, critically engage with scientific information, and develop the reasoning skill necessary to navigate rapidly changing landscape of knowledge. We value student-faculty collaborative research, and we encourage the publication and presentation of student work. Our curriculum offers students the opportunity for ACS-certification and prepares students for a variety of careers, graduate research, or professional study post graduation while allowing students the flexibility to participate fully in the broader goals of a liberal arts education.