Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of California Irvine

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UC Irvine gives students a strong understanding of biology at the chemical and molecular level, with opportunities to explore areas such as gene expression, development, immunology, disease, virology and evolution. It is particularly suited to students interested in biotechnology, biological or medical research, and advanced study in biological and medical sciences, while also providing flexibility for interests in chemistry, business, education, law and public affairs.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman Year:
Students establish their foundation in biological and chemical sciences through BIO SCI 93 – From DNA to Organisms, BIO SCI 90L – Introduction to Biology Research, and CHEM 1A – General Chemistry. They continue with BIO SCI 94, CHEM 1B/1C and associated laboratories, while completing statistics and lower-division writing requirements.

Sophomore Year:
The second year develops core knowledge through BIO SCI 97 – Genetics, BIO SCI 98 – Biochemistry, and BIO SCI 99 – Molecular Biology. Students simultaneously progress through organic chemistry, including CHEM 51A, CHEM 51B with CHEM 51LB, and CHEM 51C with CHEM 51LC, alongside mathematics requirements.

Junior Year:
Students move into advanced biochemistry and molecular biology with BIO SCI M114 – Advanced Biochemistry and BIO SCI M116 – Advanced Molecular Biology, supported by physics and upper-division Biochemistry/Molecular Biology electives. BIO SCI 100 – Scientific Writing also strengthens students’ ability to communicate scientific research and findings.

Senior Year:
The final year emphasizes advanced laboratory and research experience through BIO SCI M114L – Biochemistry Laboratory and BIO SCI M116L – Molecular Biology Laboratory, together with research/elective coursework. Students can also select options such as BIO SCI M118L – Experimental Microbiology Laboratory, BIO SCI M121L – Advanced Immunology Laboratory, BIO SCI M128L – Introductory Bioinformatics Lab, or approved BIO SCI 199 – Study in Biological Science Research.

Focus Areas:
Biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, chemical biology, genomics, development, medicine, immunology, virology, bioinformatics, molecular pharmacology, physical biochemistry and independent biological research.

Learning Outcomes:
Students develop an understanding of biology from the molecular level through organisms and ecosystems, master key concepts in molecular biology and biochemistry, apply quantitative and scientific reasoning to experimental design and scientific literature, and communicate scientific data using standard scientific formats.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The official UCI program and catalogue pages do not list a separate professional accreditation for the B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The curriculum instead provides rigorous laboratory and research preparation designed to support entry into graduate and professional programs in medical and biological sciences.

Reputation (Employability/Academic Standing):
UC Irvine’s Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry states that it ranks in the top 15% of life-science programs nationwide, based on National Research Council data. The Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences also states that its departments rank in the top 20% or higher of national institutions according to National Research Council data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Practical experience is a major part of the B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The curriculum integrates advanced theory with dedicated biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, advanced research-oriented laboratory options and independent faculty-supervised research, allowing students to develop laboratory skills alongside their scientific knowledge.

Students can take advantage of BIO SCI 199, where undergraduates conduct experimental laboratory, field or clinical research with faculty mentors. The Charlie Dunlop School reports more than 250 laboratories across Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine, while its research programs provide opportunities to present research, develop scientific communication skills and, through the Excellence in Research program, publish undergraduate work.

Students can build practical experience through:

BIO SCI M114L – Biochemistry Laboratory: hands-on laboratory training connected to advanced biochemistry.
BIO SCI M116L – Molecular Biology Laboratory: practical molecular biology techniques and experimental work.
BIO SCI M118L – Experimental Microbiology Laboratory: an optional advanced laboratory pathway.
BIO SCI M121L – Advanced Immunology Laboratory: an advanced research-oriented laboratory option.
BIO SCI M128L – Introductory Bioinformatics Lab: introduces students to bioinformatics laboratory work.
BIO SCI 199 – Study in Biological Science Research: supervised research with a faculty mentor for academic credit.
Excellence in Research Program: eligible students can complete four quarters of Bio Sci 199, prepare a scientific paper, present a research poster and potentially have their research published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences.
Biomolecular Spectrometry Facility: part of the School’s research core facilities, providing access to advanced instrumentation used for biological research and training.
Research centers and institutes: students are situated within a broader research environment that includes facilities and centers such as the Cancer Research Institute and Beckman Laser Institute.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to prepare students for advanced study and careers connected with biological science, biotechnology and healthcare. UCI specifically identifies graduate and professional pathways including M.S., Ph.D. and combined M.D./Ph.D. programs, while also noting opportunities in business, education, law and public affairs.

Typical Career Roles:
Laboratory Technologist, Research Assistant, Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist

Career development is supported through:

Career advising: the Dunlop Student Affairs Office provides career and pre-professional advising, while UCI’s Division of Career Pathways offers career counseling, job opportunities, workshops, resume preparation and interview support.
Internships and employment: UCI’s BioSci Careers platform helps students explore careers, locate internships and research opportunities, develop professional skills and connect with employers and professionals.
Career networking: the BioSci Career Conversations Series connects students with alumni and professionals through panels, networking and mentoring.
Graduate outcomes: UCI reports an average estimated salary of $50,984 for bachelor's graduates from the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, based on SteppingBlocks data for graduates up to three years after graduation; this is an estimated alumni figure and is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Employer connections: UCI’s Career Pathways platform enables employers to recruit students for internships and full-time roles through Handshake, career fairs, information sessions and campus interviews.
Industry engagement: the Charlie Dunlop School reports partnerships with companies including Allergan, Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, alongside its work with UCI Beall Applied Innovation to translate research into real-world applications.
Research outcomes: students participating in the Excellence in Research program can earn an “Excellence in Research” designation and have their research published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences.
Long-term academic preparation: the program's advanced laboratory and research emphasis provides preparation for graduate and professional programs in biological and medical sciences.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can pursue M.S. or Ph.D. programs in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology and related biological sciences. UCI also identifies combined M.D./Ph.D. pathways and other advanced professional programs in the medical and biological sciences; within the Charlie Dunlop School, students may also pursue the 4+1 B.S./M.S. pathway, which allows eligible UCI undergraduates to begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year and complete the M.S. with one additional year of study.