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The biochemistry/molecular biology major connects chemistry to biology in a way that opens a whole new world of possibilities—literally. At Rollins, it’s application over memorization. It’s mentoring over lecturing. It’s hands-on researching over data downloading.

You will not get lost in a sea of classmates either because at Rollins the doctorate-level professors in the BMB program know each student by name and by career goals. The mission is to inspire you to conduct novel research and choose a personal path, and then personally guide you there, whether it’s in health, pharmacy, postgrad work, business, or in a field we’ve barely discovered.


Why Study Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Rollins

  1. 1

    Research Access

    Undergraduates have opportunities to do their own novel research under the direct guidance of professors (no teaching assistants) and to be published in peer-review journals.

  2. 2

    Focused Attention

    The BMB major is small at Rollins, which means the faculty provides concentrated counseling throughout college and beyond. The program pairs nicely with highly marketable minors in global health or neuroscience.

  3. 3

    Grant Writing Skills

    You’ll apply biochemistry skills to the writing of grant proposals for real-world problems like diseases that need more research. This is the essence of global citizenship and critical thinking.

Interested in Studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Rollins?

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A biochemistry student poses for a portrait in a lab.

“The BMB program at Rollins challenged us to apply lessons learned from different courses to our experiments and to think as we would outside a classroom. I was given amazing opportunities to do exactly that—like volunteering in labs and attending national conferences. By my senior year, I was ready for the next steps in my career.”

Tonya Aaron ’13

MD/PhD Candidate, Albert Einstein College of Medicine


Rollins Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Careers

Rollins BMB grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.

  • Self portrait of Taylor Ball

    Taylor Cole Ball ’14

    General and Cosmetic Dentist, Wyngate Dental of Bethesda

  • Self portrait of Katia Chadaideh

    Katia Chadaideh ’15

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Brigham and Women's Hospital

  • Self portrait of Justin Pomeroy

    Justin Pomeroy ’16

    Medical Scientist 1, University of Florida College of Medicine

  • Self portrait of Shan Kasal

    Shan Kasal ’13

    Scientist, Access to Advanced Health Institute

  • Self portrait of Cherie Ramirez

    Cherie Ramirez ’06

    Assistant Professor and STEM Faculty Fellow, Simmons University

  • Self portrait of Courtney Reddig

    Courtney Reddig ’15

    Pharmacy Practice Resident, Prisma Health


Real World Experience

From internships to research, BMB students hone their skills in the real world.

  • Brigham and Women's Hosptial
  • Global Brigades
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Sandoz
Rollins College students enjoying lunch by the Lakeside pool.

Apply By November 15

It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. No app fee, formal essay, or test scores required. Apply by November 15 to receive priority consideration for admission and academic scholarships that range from $15,000 per year to full ride.

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Popular Courses

The approach of the lab-driven classes is to immerse you in each topic, so you can say, “Yes, I’ve done that.” Although this is not a “pre-med” major, those who choose to pursue med school will be fully prepared to take the MCAT.


Dive Into Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rollins

Explore more about what it will be like to major in biochemistry and molecular biology at Rollins.

  • What You Can Do With a BMB Degree

    The Rollins chemistry department offers the American Chemical Society-certified degree program for a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that prepares students to become effective scientific professionals and competitive applicants to jobs and graduate schools.

  • Facilities and Instrumentation

    At Rollins, BMB students work with top-notch equipment across six labs in the newly renovated Bush Science Center. Within our teaching and research laboratories, we have diverse equipment for studies in biochemistry and analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.

A student and professor collaborate on biochemistry research.

Beyond the Classroom

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Individual lab training makes Rollins students nationally competitive for these sought-after research positions.

Pre-Med Observership Program Students in Rollins’ BMB major can shadow professionals in a health-care setting such as AdventHealth (formerly Florida Hospital). This type of experience is necessary for acceptance into med school.

Study Abroad Living and studying in another culture fuels the global citizenship perspective. BMB students typically use this time to take a subspecialty such as pharmacology.



Keep Exploring

What’s it like to be a biochemistry and molecular biology major at Rollins? See for yourself by exploring our game-changing courses and award-winning graduates.

collage of students working in various communities

November 02, 2022

Solving the World’s Biggest Problems

For Rollins students, alumni, and faculty, the most pressing issues of our time are not insurmountable. They’re opportunities to bring meaning to the term “global citizenship.”

Solving the World’s Biggest Problems
Image of image-e4d5310a58927d5dedd7c609497ae43978e24b48-2000x1333-jpg

May 12, 2022

My Rollins Gateway: A Study in Contrasts

From discovering the origins of centuries-old paint samples to curating exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art, the College provided Isaac Gorres ’21 the freedom to combine interests in art and science.

My Rollins Gateway: A Study in Contrasts
Brandon McNichol ’19 and chemistry professor Kasandra Riley conduct an experiment in the lab.

June 16, 2021

Rollins Faculty Receive Inclusivity in STEM Learning Grant

The grant will go toward funding a variety of interdisciplinary programs focused on better serving marginalized students who wish to pursue STEM degrees, both at Rollins and beyond.

Rollins Faculty Receive Inclusivity in STEM Learning Grant

Expert Faculty

Before coming to Rollins as part of the BMB program, each faculty member performed postdoctoral research as part of their training. You’ll notice strong interest in solving problems associated with diseases, inspiring undergrads to think big.

Department of Biology

Bush Science Center
1000 Holt Ave. – 2743
Winter Park, FL32789

Telephone:407.646.2494

Fax:407.628.6395

Visit the Chemistry Website
  • Self portrait of Kasandra Riley.

    Kasandra J. Riley, PhD

    Associate Professor of Chemistry

    Research interests: Exploring the functions of non-coding RNAs in viral and bacterial infectious diseases

  • Ellane Park portrait

    Ellane J. Park, PhD

    Associate Professor of Chemistry

    Research interests: The development of bioselective gold and polymeric nanoparticles that can serve as platforms for improved cancer therapeutics

  • James Patrone portrait

    James D. Patrone, PhD

    Department Chair, Associate Professor of Chemistry

    Research interests: Applying fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) in cancer research

  • Jay Pieczynski portrait

    Jay Pieczynski, PhD

    Department Chair, Assistant Professor of Biology

    Research interests: The dynamics of microtubules and motor proteins in cell signaling and behavior

  • Brandaliz Santiago-Narvaez portrait

    Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Oral microbiology, in particular the bacterial species Streptococcus mutans, which is capable of forming dental plaque

Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

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