Bachelor [Biochemistry] From Smith College

All graduating biochemistry majors should be able to:

• Summarize, explain and critically evaluate published scientific literature. This includes being able to identify the “big picture” ideas, what was known in the field prior to the work being described, and what new information the experiments contribute to the field.
• Write and orally present biochemical content clearly.
• Interpret and analyze data, employing rigorous quantitative skills when necessary.
• Describe the process of scientific research. Be able to recognize and implement critical elements of experimental design (such as proper control experiments), recognize what conclusions can (and cannot) be reasonably be drawn from a given set of experimental results, and understand how to conduct research responsibly.
• Locate and use valid, peer-reviewed sources when doing research.
• Demonstrate a command of essential biochemistry content including knowledge of:
  • The structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids
  • Enzyme kinetics and inhibition
  • Metabolic pathways, including their chemical reactions, regulation and energetic driving forces
  • Replication, transcription, translation, gene expression and DNA repair mechanisms
  • The different levels of biological organization from single cells to whole organisms
  • How to carry out and explain the basis of important biochemical techniques