Explore life at the molecular level

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB)

Catalyze your first career steps with Otterbein’s Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology!  Whether your career interests are in medicine, research and development, human health, or you are just interested in how cells function and medications work, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is for you. Our program is one of only 100 programs nationally that have been accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  In BMB, students can get involved in research as soon as their freshman year, undertake shadowing and internship experiences at area hospitals and biotech companies, and have opportunities to travel or activities with our numerous student organizations.

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Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights

Nina Patel

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Otterbein is a place you wish you had more time. This is the place I’ve matured, called home, and made amazing friends and connections. It is a central place of endless opportunities and unique experiences.

Nina Patel ’22

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major

Nina says her admission into Otterbein’s Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program was her greatest achievement. She will be attending medical school at Ohio University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine this fall.

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Considering research? Students at Otterbein can get involved in research as early as their freshman year. Many are published authors on papers and present data at national scientific conferences.​

Our student organization (the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Chapter) has won national chapter of the year three times!

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John Peck

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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Dr. Bennett has been very important in shaping my academic experience — the opportunity to join her lab, help with the path to medical school and she helped me get a poster presentation accepted at the ASM Microbe conference.

John Peck ’21

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
John’s learned that “no task is too great if you’re willing to work hard and surround yourself with the right people.”

I love the freedom Otterbein offers. This is a place where I can authentically be myself. I have found my best friends and formed great relationships.

Adriane Weininger '22 BMB Major

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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Dr. John Tansey recently authored a new textbook “Biochemistry: An Integrative Approach”. In addition to the text, online resources include videos of Dr. Tansey solving problems from the text, electronic homework, and Dynamic Figures; an interactive, web-based tool for exploring biological molecules. Dr. Tansey says that writing the book was a lot of fun.

Dr. John Tansey

Professor, Chemistry
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John Tansey

Pre-Professional Health Studies at Otterbein

At Otterbein University, you will work with your academic and pre-professional health advisors to form an individualized 4 year-schedule of classes which will allow you to complete both the requirements for your chosen major (which can include BMB or other science majors) and the necessary pre-requisites for your chosen professional school:

Pre Professional Health Studies
  • Pre-Dental​
  • Pre-Medical​
  • Pre-Nurse Practitioner
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Optometry​
  • Pre-Osteopathic Medicine​
  • Pre-Pharmacy​
  • Pre-Physician’s Assistant​
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine​
  • And more!

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Program Features & Student Opportunities

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Internships and Professional Experiences

We partner with leaders in biomedical research and health care to find individualized professional experiences.

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Student Research

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors at Otterbein can get involved in research as early as their freshman year.

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Scholarships

We believe in investing in talent-from from research funding to travel support to scholarships that will fuel your discovery and learning.

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Teaching and Mentoring

Get to know faculty mentors who will help you develop professionally and personally.

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Student Organizations

From professional networking, to scientific outreach, to socializing we have an organization for you!

Engineering Internship Opportunities

Travel Experiences

ASBMB Award

Professor John Tansey Named Fellow of National Scientific Society


Otterbein University congratulates Professor John Tansey, director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, for being named a fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). The ASBMB will induct Tansey and 16 other members into the 2024 class at its annual meeting, Discover BMB, in San Antonio in March. ASBMB selects fellows based on their outstanding commitment to the ASBMB through participation in the society, as well as accomplishments in research, education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, advocacy,…

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How to run an ASBMB Student Chapter


A conversation with John Tansey, a professor at Otterbein University and adviser to the winner of the 2023 ASBMB Outstanding Chapter Award. https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/education/092723/how-to-run-an-asbmb-student-chapter

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Otterbein senior Amanda Marchi

Biochemistry student finds true passion in student research


By: Isabelle Fisher ’23 Columbus native and rising Otterbein senior Amanda Marchi stays rooted in the Shear-McFadden Science Center, where she conducts research in the chemistry lab. Otterbein senior Amanda Marchi With a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry, Marchi even presented her own research at the American Chemical Society Spring 2023 conference in March at Indianapolis, Indiana. “Right now, I’m doing research under Dr. Robin Grote in the chemistry department,” Marchi said. “I’ve been…

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Otterbein’s program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It is one of only three programs in Ohio and 101 programs nationally with this level of accreditation. Visit the ASBMB website for more information.

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Contact Us

Science Center 236​
155 W. Main St. ​
Westerville, Ohio 43081​

Administrative Assistant

Donna Rhodeback​
614-823-1517​
drhodeback@otterbein.edu​