This major is interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on the interface between biology and chemistry, specifically examining the composition, structure, properties and reactions of biologically relevant molecules. Biochemistry students use research, labs and observation to explore complex questions about the world around us. What happens chemically to “turn on” a gene or “knock it out?” Why are certain chemical signals chosen in a protein or a cell? How do DNA, protein and/or ligand binding work at the chemical level? What are the chemical details of how a protein is degraded or targeted for degradation? Students draw on information learned in biology courses and apply detailed chemical analysis to explain how and why biological molecules interact.