Biochemistry, B.S.
Uncover the chemistry of life and prepare for impactful careers in medicine, research and biotechnology.
Biochemistry sits at the cutting edge of science, where curiosity meets discovery. As a biochemistry major at Â鶹¹ÙÍø, you’ll explore the molecular foundations of life while building the knowledge and skills to solve real-world challenges in health, the environment and industry. This dynamic, interdisciplinary program empowers you to think critically, work collaboratively and make a lasting impact through science.
Major Requirements
Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Biochemistry major offers students a dynamic and interdisciplinary education at the intersection of chemistry and biology. Designed to develop both creative insight and analytical skills, the curriculum emphasizes the molecular principles underlying living systems and their real-world applications. This Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree provides a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in the life sciences, healthcare, or research. It also prepares graduates for advanced study in graduate or professional schools, including medical, dentalÌýand pharmacy programs. With its rigorous, hands-on coursework, the biochemistry major prepares students to enter one of the nation's largest and most impactful scientific fields, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to solve complex biological and chemical challenges.
Honors
Students majoring in Chemistry and judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in Biochemistry. To graduate ''With Honors in Biochemistry,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5, with no Chemistry grade lower than a B-/2.7. They must present their research in a setting outside the chemistry and biology departments.
-
General Education Requirements (37 hours)
ÌýGraduation Requirements (4 hours)
-
Major Requirements (59 hours)
- BIO 121Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology I
- BIO 122Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology II
- BIO 240Ìý-ÌýCell and Molecular Biology
- BIO 305Ìý-ÌýGenetics
- CHE 103Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 201LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 202LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 271Ìý-ÌýCaring for Chemicals
- CHE 272Ìý-ÌýReading Chemical Research
- CHE 321Ìý-ÌýAnalytical Chemistry I
- CHE 321LÌý-ÌýAnalytical Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHE 371Ìý-ÌýCreating Research Plans
- CHE 372Ìý-ÌýPrototyping Chemical Research
- CHE 411Ìý-ÌýBiochemistry I
- CHE 411LÌý-ÌýBiochemistry I Laboratory
- CHE 412Ìý-ÌýBiochemistry II
- CHE 412LÌý-ÌýBiochemistry Laboratory
- CHE 471Ìý-ÌýConducting Research
- CHE 472Ìý-ÌýCommunicating Research
Ìý
Choose one 8-hour PHY sequence:
- PHY 121Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics I
- PHY 122Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics II
- or
- PHY 211Ìý-ÌýAnalytical Physics I
- PHY 212Ìý-ÌýAnalytical Physics II
-
General Elective Credits
General Electives (20Ìýhours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.Ìý
Recommended electives:Ìý
- CHE 351 -Ìý Thermodynamics and Kinetics Theory Hours: 3
- CHE 351L -Ìý Thermodynamics and Kinetics Theory Lab Hours: 1
- MAT 165 - Calculus IÌýHours:Ìý4
- PSY 100 - Introduction to PsychologyÌýHours:Ìý3
- Upper Division Biology ElectivesÌýHours: 4+
-
Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General EducationÌýrequirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Â鶹¹ÙÍø require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120Ìýhours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120Ìýhours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
-
Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
-
Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan will visit Â鶹¹ÙÍø in March 2027 to deliver the inaugural Huffman Lecture on Social Justice, focused on democracy and civic responsibility.
View More
After immigrating from Korea to Hawaii, Agnes Park crossed a continent to attend Â鶹¹ÙÍø. She graduated in 1924, and in 2025, her granddaughter traced the journey of one of the first international Bears.
View More