Why study Biochemistry at MC?
The curriculum in Biochemistry affords the student sound training in the principles and techniques of modern biochemical theory and experimentation. The program integrates laboratory, theoretical, and research skills to provide the range of abilities needed by the practicing biochemist. Opportunity for research through the Oak Ridge Associated Universities and National Laboratories such as Argonne, Brookhaven, Jefferson, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge complement the curriculum.
The Major in Biochemistry provides a comprehensive curriculum for students planning careers in which biochemical knowledge plays a central role. With careful elective choice students may pursue careers as professional biochemists and enter graduate school programs that lead to a variety of research-oriented careers, or they may enter medical school or other health-related programs. In addition, students interested in teaching at the middle- or high-school level can continue their studies at MC after graduation and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Secondary STEM degree in only one year.
Meet a Current Scot
James McGhee
Hometown: Madisonville, Tennessee
After exiting the Army, James wanted to attend a small college close to home where he could commute. He found MC and chose Biochemistry as he loves “understanding the mechanics and processes running within chemistry and the human body.” Also serving as a STEM Success Mentor, he is impressed by how dedicated the MC STEM programs are to ensuring student success.
James also will be working with a Distributed Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory (DPAL) and Chemistry Professor Dr. Mary Turner to evaluate pharmaceuticals for appropriate quantities of active ingredients. As for his long-term goals, James said: “I plan to attend medical school, and I have a passion for emergency medicine and trauma response.”
Meet a Recent Grad
Autumn Seeders ’20
Currently: Histology Technician at Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Maryville, TN
Autumn came to MC to study genetics; however, “the more time I spent in the lab, the more I found myself enjoying the hands-on lab work,” she said. This experience led to her interest in becoming a histotechnician. She recently completed a year of on-the-job training and is preparing to take the Histotechnology (HTL) certification exam.
Instrumental in her collegiate success and career path was her Senior Study. “It helped build my confidence in the lab, taught me how to take ownership of a project and allowed me to work more independently,” she said, adding that while MC is known for its academic rigor, “the community at Maryville College is very supportive, pushing you to grow and achieve more than you thought you could.”
