Biochemistry is fundamental and essential to the life sciences, especially the health professions, and is one of the frontier areas for the physical sciences and engineering.

As a discipline, biochemistry and molecular biology evolved from the application of the principles of organic and physical chemistry to the characterization of the metabolites and macromolecules that are found throughout the biological world. This approach has led to an understanding of the structural components of cells, of metabolic and regulatory processes, of the mechanism of enzymatic catalysis, and energy transduction and of the molecular events associated with gene expression and cellular replication.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has developed faculty expertise and the supporting resource facilities to instruct students in three major areas of biochemistry and molecular biology: the structure and function of macromolecules, cellular biochemistry, and molecular gene expression. Such training develops the skills necessary to pursue careers in biological and biomedical research or in biotechnology.

The undergraduate major provides students with a strong and well-balanced background in the biological, physical and mathematical sciences. It is ideally suited for undergraduates who wish to pursue advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related life sciences; for pre-professional students; and for students wishing to obtain technical employment in biotechnology following completion of a bachelor's degree.

Detailed descriptions of Biochemistry degree requirements:

B.S. Major Degree Requirements
B.S. Major Degree Requirements Checksheet (pdf)
B.S. Major Sample Curriculum (pdf)

B.S. Minor Degree Requirements (pdf)

B.S./M.S. Combined Degree Program

Biochemistry majors are now required to take either BC499A or BC499B:

BC499A Research-based Thesis Guidelines and forms (pdf)
BC499B Literature-based Thesis Guidelines and forms (pdf) Revised Spring 2008

Apply to CSU

Online Coursework (Webct)

Undergraduate Resource Room (computers) MRB 103

Poster Printer

Reading Room MRB 312

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program