Table of Contents - Hartwick College

Biochemistry
Biochemistry, the interface between chemistry and biology, is concerned
with the chemistry of biological reactions, and the regulation of these
reactions. This rapidly growing field of study includes the investigation of
chemical changes in disease, drug action, and other aspects of medicine as
well as in nutrition, genetics and agriculture. The work being done in
biochemistry in terms of medical, pharmaceutical and genetic engineering
research will have increasing impact on our society. It is imperative,
therefore, that people involved in research and businesses in these areas
not only are capable scientists, but are educated to deal with moral and
ethical questions arising from the advance of biochemical knowledge. The
study of biochemistry as part of a liberal arts and sciences education
fosters the development of the broad perspective and analytical abilities
necessary to deal with such questions. Biochemistry functions under the
direction of the departments of biology and chemistry, and students
seeking additional information should contact the chair of either
department.
Requirements for a major in biochemistry include courses in biology,
chemistry, and biochemistry as well as auxiliary courses in mathematics
and physics. A required senior research project involves laboratory and
library work, interpretation of data, and oral and written reports of the
results.
In addition to the independent research required for their senior project,
biochemistry majors often assist with faculty research or do collaborative
research with a professor.
Biochemical advances in the knowledge of the action of natural hormones
and antibiotics promise to aid in the further development of
pharmaceuticals. In addition, discoveries resulting from biochemical
research, including work being done in medical, pharmaceutical and
genetic engineering, continue to open up new frontiers. Hartwick’s major
in biochemistry offers excellent preparation for entry-level positions in
biochemistry research or for graduate work in the field. Students
interested in attending medical school also obtain an exceptionally good
science background through a major in biochemistry.
Faculty/Coordinator
Walter O. Nagel
Courses
405, 406 Biochemistry I, II (3 credits) An in-depth study of the
organic chemistry of the molecular components of cells including
proteins, enzymes (kinetics and mechanisms), coenzymes, nucleic acids,
lipids and carbohydrates. The metabolism and biosynthesis of these
constituents including glycolysis, Krebs cycle, pentose shunt, electron
transport, glycogen synthesis, and lipid oxidation and synthesis will be
studied. The energy transformation involved in and the regulation of
these pathways will also be discussed. Special topics to be included are
hormone biochemistry, biochemical genetics (replication, transcription
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