Research Opportunities
Biochemistry majors have the opportunity to carry out research projects under the supervision of a faculty member. Students who elect to do a research project have an opportunity to experience what the science of Biochemistry is really about. Even though research is not required, most majors elect to participate and find the experience very stimulating. Those students who participate find that this experience makes them appear particularly attractive when applying to postgraduate programs or for employment
Class Size
The introductory classes for biology and chemistry generally enroll about 100 students. All laboratory sections are taught by faculty members rather than teaching assistants. Once you finish your freshman year, typical class size is small. Many classes have no more than 16 students and the senior year required biochemistry courses have never enrolled more than 13 students. Why is this important? As a student, you gain the most from your educational experiences when you have the opportunity to interact closely and often with those who are providing your education, the faculty. Because the class sizes are small, everyone in the program knows your name, is aware of your abilities, both strengths and weaknesses, and can provide the kind of assistance that will be of the most benefit to you. Faculty make a special effort to be available to you and to provide the help and encouragement that you need.
Sense of Community
In addition to the educational opportunities available in Biochemistry at Ithaca College, one of the most important special things about being in the program is the strong sense of community. Because most students are involved in research in the departments, or work in the departments, or both, students know each other and their faculty very well. Students work together on class projects and the general attitude is one of cooperation rather than competition. This provides an atmosphere in which students can gain confidence in their abilities and their talents. It prepares students well for their future once they leave Ithaca College.
Facilities
Ithaca College has the facilities to carry out sophisticated experiments in the teaching laboratories and to provide outstanding research opportunities for students. We have competed successfully for federal funds to update our plant growth facilities and to modernize the laboratory portion of our required genetics course. We received a corporate donation of $150,000 to purchase equipment to completely update instruction in biochemistry and cell and molecular biology. Our students routinely have access to equipment normally available only to graduate students and faculty members, for example, our state‑of‑the‑art tissue culture facilities. Each faculty member has a personal laboratory where students work while carrying out their research projects. Some faculty members hold individual grants supporting their research with students. Faculty in the departments have recently been awarded more than $1,000,000 in grant funding.
Success of our Students
Biochemistry graduates have an outstanding success record. Many of our graduates eventually complete graduate school or post‑baccalaureate training in one of the health science fields. Recent graduates have received fellowship awards to attend graduate school. Our students have competed successfully for admission to programs at Cornell, Harvard, Michigan, Penn State, Rochester, UCLA, Yale, and other institutions of similar stature.
Opportunities Working with Departments
Each year the departments hire approximately 20 students who work within the departments. These students are paid for their work and assist both individual faculty members and the laboratory coordinator. Students are involved in helping to set up freshman laboratories, in general assistance within the departments, and as assistants in the introductory laboratory courses.