Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Biophysics

Oregon State places substantial emphasis on learning science by doing science. Biochemistry and Biophysics students can participate in undergraduate research, professional internships and study-abroad experiences, while the curriculum itself includes laboratory-intensive courses and training in computational methods such as Python for Molecular Biologists. The department also provides access to advanced research infrastructure, including electron microscopy, electrophysiology, macromolecular-interaction analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance facilities.

Students can gain practical experience through:

• Undergraduate research: Students can work alongside faculty on research involving molecular biophysics and structural biology, protein engineering, cellular and molecular biology, computational biology and bioinformatics.
• Professional internships: The program encourages students to gain professional experience through internships, and faculty advisors help Advanced Biophysics students identify research opportunities and professional internships aligned with their interests.
• Laboratory training: Students complete General Chemistry Laboratories, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Experimental Chemistry I and Biochemistry Laboratory Molecular Techniques, developing hands-on experimental skills.
• Computational skills: Python for Molecular Biologists gives students direct exposure to programming and computational approaches relevant to molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Electron Microscopy Facility: Students and researchers have access to advanced electron microscopes, including an FEI Titan with ChemiSTEM technology, with undergraduate training and education supported by the facility.
• Electrophysiology Facility: The facility provides access to a MED64 multielectrode array and Axon Instruments systems for whole-cell patch-clamp and sharp-electrode recordings.
• Macromolecular Interactions Core Facility: Students and researchers can work with advanced tools for biomolecular structure, stability and interaction analysis, including spectroscopy, calorimetry and binding analysis.
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility: OSU's NMR facility houses the highest-field NMR spectrometers in Oregon and supports biomolecular and small-molecule NMR analysis.
• GCE4All Research Center: The center uses genetic-code-expansion technology to engineer cells capable of producing proteins with precisely positioned designer chemical groups, supporting biomedical research and therapeutic development.
• Study abroad: Students can take their science education internationally through OSU's study-abroad opportunities, gaining experience in another academic and cultural environment.
• Collaborative learning: OSU's Learning Assistant Program uses small-group, active-learning approaches to help students engage more deeply with STEM coursework. 

Graduates of Oregon State's Biochemistry and Biophysics major can pursue pathways across biological and biomedical research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, computing and health-related fields. OSU reports alumni outcomes including research scientists, genomics researchers, computational biologists, biotechnology scientists, analytical chemists and medical professionals, with graduates continuing their education at institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, OHSU and the University of Washington.

Typical job roles include: Research Scientist, Genomics Researcher, Computational Biologist, Biotechnology Scientist

• Career development: OSU provides career development services, career advising, career planning and career-readiness resources, alongside dedicated internship-search support for science students.
• Research and professional experience: Undergraduate research and internships allow students to develop practical experience before graduation; the university specifically encourages BB students to work with faculty researchers and pursue professional internships.
• Industry connections: OSU alumni have worked at organizations including Pfizer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Foundation Medicine, Codexis, GSK and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, demonstrating pathways from the degree into biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and applied bioscience.
• Graduate and professional outcomes: OSU reports graduates progressing to institutions including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Baylor College of Medicine, OHSU, UT Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Washington.
• Salary information: OSU's official career page explains that earnings vary substantially according to occupation, education, experience, industry and location; it does not provide a single program-specific graduate salary figure.
• Employment pathways: Official OSU career information identifies opportunities in biological and biomedical research, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, computing and data, engineering and applied technology, public health, education, business and consulting.
• Professional value: The program's ASBMB accreditation provides external professional recognition for the undergraduate biochemistry and biophysics curriculum.
• Long-term progression: Students pursuing research-intensive careers can continue to master's or Ph.D. study, while the Pre-Medicine option prepares students for medical and related health-profession programs.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue into master's and doctoral programs in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, microbiology, neurobiology, cancer biology, genetics, toxicology, pharmacology, neuroscience, immunology, chemistry, epidemiology and biostatistics. The degree also supports progression into professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine, and Oregon State's Biochemistry and Biophysics program participates in the university's Accelerated Master's Platform.