The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Chapman University conforms to the guidelines provided by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). In addition, students in the program have a wide variety of options regarding specialization into topics and areas of interest.

Research Opportunities and Capstone Experience

Students graduating with a BMB degree conduct independent research projects (the capstone experience) under the mentorship of research active Faculty members at Chapman University who are funded internally by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity or have secured extramural support from reputable foundations, including:

  • National Science Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Department of Defense
  • American Chemical Society

Students can also assume internship positions at local companies, or work at other academic institutions (upon approval from Chapman Faculty) towards fulfilling their capstone requirement. Through these connections and collaborations, Faculty scientists and students are currently researching fascinating topics such as:

  • How pomegranate juice extract and caffeine inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth
  • How synthetic analogs of curcumin suppress prostate and pancreatic cancer cells
  • What signal transduction pathways define pre-malignant prostate cancer cells
  • What biomarkers of prostate cancer can be used for better diagnosis
  • How nanoparticles and cell-penetrating peptides can be used as drug-delivery systems
  • How molecules and extracellular vesicles released from muscle affect cancer cells
  • What genetic, biochemical, and structural mechanisms regulate the catalysis of biological nitrogen fixation and the bacterial conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia by the enzyme nitrogenase