Bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nevada Reno

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology explores how chemical processes control cells and living organisms, connecting chemistry, biology and physics to areas such as human health, disease treatment and agriculture. It suits students interested in laboratory science, medicine, biotechnology or scientific research, with the programme combining classroom learning with modern laboratory research and a two-semester senior thesis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their foundation in the biological and chemical sciences, preparing for the molecular-level study of life that defines the major. Early study leads into subjects such as Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology and supporting chemistry, mathematics and physics coursework.

Year 2: Students develop a stronger understanding of how biological information is inherited and how chemical reactions operate within living systems. Core subjects include Principles of Genetics and Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers, building the foundation needed for advanced biochemistry and molecular biology.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced biochemical processes and the relationship between molecular structure and biological function. Students study areas including Metabolic Regulation, Biophysical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis, while gaining increasing exposure to laboratory-based scientific investigation.

Year 4: Students bring their knowledge together through advanced laboratory research and independent investigation. All seniors spend two semesters working in a research laboratory on a senior thesis project, culminating in a written report and an end-of-year poster presentation.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, metabolic regulation, biophysical chemistry, biochemical analysis, recombinant DNA technology, protein chemistry, structural biology and laboratory research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of molecular processes in living organisms, laboratory research skills, scientific problem-solving, experimental design and data interpretation, with the ability to apply biochemical and molecular biology knowledge to areas such as disease, agriculture and biotechnology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official University of Nevada, Reno programme pages do not identify a separate professional accreditation for the B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The programme is instead positioned as preparation for medical, dental and pharmacy schools, graduate study, biotechnology and science-related careers.

Reputation (Employability)

The department reports that its courses are taught by full-time faculty who receive an average 9.4/10 rating in student evaluations on national surveys, and it highlights close faculty and senior-student mentorship. University-wide, the Class of 2025 reported a 91% positive career outcome rate, with an average salary of $66,868 across all degree levels; these figures are university-wide rather than specific to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The programme places strong emphasis on learning by doing. Students receive hands-on laboratory training, faculty mentorship and opportunities to become involved in research before their final year, while every senior completes a two-semester research thesis and presents the work at an end-of-year poster exhibition. The department also provides opportunities to participate in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition, giving students experience working as undergraduate researchers on an international scientific project.

Students can also connect their scientific education with biotechnology industry experience through university-supported internships and research opportunities, while the department's research programme covers areas including molecular biology, biochemistry and biotechnology. Key opportunities include:

Two-semester senior research thesis: Every senior works in a research laboratory on an independent thesis project and presents the results through an end-of-year poster exhibition.
Faculty research laboratories: Students can become active members of research laboratories before their senior year, gaining experience with modern biochemical and molecular biology research.
iGEM competition: Undergraduate students can participate in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition and work alongside other undergraduate researchers from national and international institutions.
Biotechnology internships: UNR's biotechnology internship programme provides research and technology-based placements with affiliated startups and businesses, including experience in experimental design, execution, troubleshooting and data interpretation.
Nevada Center for Applied Research: Biotechnology students can receive industry-oriented training and work-placement opportunities supported through affiliated businesses and the Nevada Center for Applied Research.
Specialized research environment: Departmental research spans biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology, giving students opportunities to engage with current research questions rather than relying only on classroom learning.
Faculty mentorship: Students receive close mentorship from faculty advisers and senior students, while faculty advisers provide career guidance about graduate school, employment and internships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology can lead directly toward science-related employment or provide preparation for professional and graduate education. The University specifically identifies pathways into medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, forensic science, agriculture, toxicology, science education and research, while noting that graduates also pursue graduate degrees and careers in industrial, academic and research settings.

Typical career directions include Biotechnician, Forensic Scientist, Toxicologist, Agricultural Scientist.

Career advising: CABNR Student Center advisers support freshman and sophomore students with course planning, degree progress and academic planning, while faculty advisers provide juniors and seniors with guidance on careers, graduate education, employers and obtaining relevant internships.
Career Studio: The Nevada Career Studio provides assistance with résumés, cover letters, interview preparation, graduate-school applications and post-graduation planning. Students can also use Handshake to find jobs and internships and connect with employers.
Employment outcomes: For the University-wide Class of 2025, 91% of graduates reported a positive career outcome, while the reported average salary across all degree levels was $66,868. These statistics are not specific to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.
Industry experience: The department's biotechnology internship programme connects students with affiliated startups and businesses and provides research and technology-based training designed for industry employment.
Research progression: Students interested in scientific research can continue into UNR's graduate programmes in Biochemistry, including M.S. and Ph.D. pathways. The graduate programme includes laboratory research, advanced biochemical and molecular biology training, and preparation for research and teaching careers.
Professional-school preparation: The department states that the bachelor's programme is designed to meet the needs of students pursuing medical, dental and pharmacy schools and is also suitable for students considering M.D./Ph.D. pathways.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can pursue the University of Nevada, Reno's M.S. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, or progress to professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. The department also offers graduate-level opportunities in related molecular biosciences, providing a route from undergraduate laboratory experience into advanced research and specialized scientific training.