Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science that involves the application of methods and theories of chemistry to the study of biological phenomena. An undergraduate major in biochemistry prepares you for a variety of careers in industry, education, public service, and the health professions, or for graduate study and research in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and many related fields. Students have training opportunities in a wide range of research areas including protein biochemistry, membrane structure and function, molecular biology of gene regulation in animals, plants, and microorganisms, enzymatic reaction mechanisms, signal transduction, DNA repair, reproductive biology, protein-DNA interactions, plant and natural product biochemistry, and structural biology including NMR spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography.
The program offers two curricular options leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. The biochemistry/biophysics option provides increased emphasis on chemistry, physics, mathematics, and physical biochemistry, and yields a minor in chemistry. The biochemistry/molecular biology option provides increased emphasis on molecular and cell biology, and yields a minor in molecular biology.
A student can declare a Biochemistry Major if they have:
i. a GPA of at least 2.5
ii. earned a "C" or better in each of Chemistry 105&106 and Biology 106&107
Suggested Schedule of Courses
The links below will refer you to suggested course schedules for each Biochemistry degree option. A grade of C or better is required in all MBioS courses taken to meet graduation requirements. None of the courses may be taken pass/fail.
General Biochemistry w/Biophysics Option
General Biochemistry w/Molecular Biology Option
Honors Students
Honors students complete Honors Requirements in place of General Education Requirements.
For more information on Academic Program:
E-mail: smbugrad@wsu.edu
Phone Number: 509-335-1276
Office: Biotechnology/Life Sciences 102