New Biophysical Chemistry Major

JMU is the only university in the state of Virginia to offer the Biophysical Chemistry major. This rigorous new major, which was spear-headed by Professor Gina MacDonald, allows the exceptional student to focus on a solid foundation in chemistry with a study of biological systems, emphasizing hands-on learning, and leading to a career in biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, and interfaces with other areas such as materials science and engineering. Students take foundational lecture and laboratory courses in all sub-disciplines of chemistry – analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical – as well as biology, calculus and physics. New interdisciplinary courses will also be developed (e.g., biophysical chemistry). Thus far, 14 students have declared the new major.