Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oklahoma State University

Program Overview

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BSAG at Oklahoma State University combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and molecular biology to help students understand how biological systems work at the molecular level and address challenges in biomedicine and agriculture. It is a strong fit for students interested in scientific research, biotechnology and health professions, including medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, while allowing students to tailor related coursework to their interests.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their scientific foundation with courses such as CHEM 1515 Chemistry II, MATH 2144 Calculus I, and BIOL 1113/BIOL 1111 Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory. They also have the opportunity to begin research early through BIOC 1990 Freshman Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, introducing them to scientific investigation alongside their core science studies.

Second Year: The curriculum moves into more specialized chemistry and microbiology through CHEM 3053 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 3153 Organic Chemistry II, CHEM 3112 Organic Chemistry Laboratory, MICR 2123 Introduction to Microbiology and MICR 2132 Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory. Students also study MICR 3033 Cell and Molecular Biology, building the molecular and laboratory foundation needed for advanced biochemistry.

Third Year: Students enter the core biochemistry sequence with BIOC 3713 Biochemistry I and BIOC 3813 Biochemistry II, studying biomolecules, biochemical reactions, metabolism and related molecular processes. Courses such as BIOL 3023 General Genetics and PHYS 1214 College Physics II broaden their understanding of genetics, physical science and biological systems.

Fourth Year: The final year emphasizes advanced scientific study, research and career preparation through BIOC 3223 Physical Chemistry for Biologists, CHEM 2113 Principles of Analytical Chemistry, and BIOC 4990 Undergraduate Research. Students can also select specialized subjects such as BIOC 3153 Synthetic Biology, BIOC 4113 Molecular Biology, BIOC 4213 Disease and Metabolism, BIOC 4723 Introduction to Bioinformatics or BIOC 3523 Biochemistry of Disease at the Cellular Level.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, synthetic biology, disease and metabolism, bioinformatics, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedical science and agricultural molecular science.

Learning outcomes

Students develop an integrated understanding of chemistry, biology and molecular science while building practical laboratory, research and scientific problem-solving skills. The program specifically develops experience with areas such as recombinant DNA technology, biotechnology, protein and genetic engineering, while undergraduate research helps students learn to approach problems like practicing scientists.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Oklahoma State University has been accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) since 2016. OSU states that it is the only ASBMB-accredited undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program in Oklahoma and one of only a handful in the United States.

Reputation (employability rankings)

OSU reports that up to 40% of graduates are accepted to postgraduate health programs such as medical school. The department also reports that its students pursue graduate and professional education alongside careers in biotechnology, research, pharmaceutical and other scientific fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Oklahoma State University's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program gives students the opportunity to enter research laboratories as early as their freshman year, with faculty mentoring and support for research internships. The curriculum also includes dedicated laboratory courses, while OSU's specialized core facilities provide access to technologies used in DNA sequencing, proteomics, microscopy, NMR and molecular analysis.

Students can develop practical scientific experience through:

Freshman research: Through BIOC 1990 Freshman Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, students can receive an early introduction to biochemical research and guided experimental work.
Undergraduate research: Students are encouraged to join research laboratories as early as their freshman year, working with faculty mentors and gaining research training.
Research internships: Department advisors help students apply for summer research internships nationwide, giving students opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory: BIOC 3723 provides dedicated laboratory training in biochemistry and molecular biology techniques. The course covers practical areas including mass spectrometry, DNA analysis, metabolic assays, kinetic assays and protein purification.
Teaching internship: BIOC 4990 Biochemistry Teaching Internship allows qualified students to assist with BIOC 3653 Survey of Biochemistry, including office hours, grading, review sessions and demonstrations while developing scientific communication skills.
DNA sequencing and proteomics: The Proteomics and DNA Sequencing Core provides sequencing, proteomics, fragment-analysis and related molecular research capabilities.
PCR and qPCR equipment: The department's analytical equipment includes a Roche LightCycler 96, ABI 7500 RT PCR system and MJ Research thermocyclers.
HPLC and analytical tools: Students involved in research can work in an environment containing Dionex Ultimate 3000 HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, gel-imaging equipment and other analytical instruments.
Bioinformatics and computational genetics: Department research includes bioinformatics and computational genetics, supported by OSU's research infrastructure and core facilities.
Research areas: Faculty research spans cancer biology and drug discovery, infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, structural biology, metabolism and obesity, plant biology and genetics, epigenetics, proteomics and mass spectrometry.
Undergraduate research presentations: OSU provides opportunities for undergraduate researchers to present their work at the university's annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Research and learning environment: The Noble Research Center houses classrooms, offices and research laboratories and is the home of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The degree prepares students for careers across biomedical research, biotechnology, clinical chemistry, environmental research, food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as professional health programs. OSU's official career resources identify roles ranging from clinical biochemist and biomedical scientist to molecular biologist, biotechnologist, forensic scientist and bioinformatician.

Typical career directions include biomedical researcher, biotechnologist, clinical biochemist and molecular biologist.

Students can build toward these opportunities through:

Career services: OSU Career Services provides opportunities for students to connect with employers through career fairs, connection sessions, campus interviews and its job and internship portal.
Career fields: OSU identifies biomedical research, biotechnology, clinical chemistry, environmental research, food industry, forensics, nutrition, science education, veterinary medicine and pharmaceutical industry among the relevant career areas.
Specific career roles: OSU's career resources list clinical biochemist, pharmacologist, biomedical scientist, research scientist, molecular biologist, biochemist, pharmaceutical scientist, biotechnologist, regulatory affairs specialist, food scientist, agricultural biochemist, nutritional biochemist, environmental scientist, toxicologist, geneticist, genomics technician, bioinformatician, forensic scientist and DNA analyst.
Graduate and professional outcomes: OSU's department reports that approximately one-third of students attend graduate school, one-third attend professional school and one-third pursue other directions such as employment, law school or sales.
Postgraduate health pathways: The current major page reports that up to 40% of graduates are accepted to postgraduate health programs such as medical school.
Research-to-career preparation: Students can enter research laboratories from their freshman year and receive mentoring from faculty, while research internships can provide additional professional experience.
Industry and professional environment: OSU's official career material identifies pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, hospitals and clinical laboratories, diagnostic companies, food and beverage companies, agricultural research organizations, government agencies, forensic laboratories and regulatory agencies as relevant employment sectors.
University-industry engagement: OSU maintains a university-wide research partnership framework connecting companies with university resources and subject-matter experts; the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department also provides research infrastructure relevant to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical work.
Professional accreditation value: ASBMB accreditation provides professional alignment with recognized standards in biochemistry and molecular biology education and supports the program's preparation for scientific and postgraduate pathways.
Salary information: I could not verify a current, program-specific graduate salary figure on the official OSU Biochemistry and Molecular Biology pages, so salary: NA rather than using an unrelated occupation-wide estimate.
Graduation outcomes: OSU's department reports that about one-third of students continue to graduate school, one-third attend professional school and another third pursue employment or other pathways.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in biochemistry, molecular biology and related biomedical sciences. The department itself offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs, while the B.S. also provides preparation for medical, dental and veterinary programs and other professional schools.