BS/BA Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The University of Washington’s Biochemistry program explores how chemical processes operate within living organisms, combining biology with organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. It is well suited to students interested in biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare professions or further graduate study, with the B.A. offering broader preparation and the B.S. providing more extensive advanced laboratory training.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a strong scientific foundation through courses such as MATH 124, MATH 125 and MATH 126 alongside CHEM 142, CHEM 152 and CHEM 162, developing the mathematical and general chemistry knowledge needed for advanced biochemical study. The B.S. sample schedule also incorporates general education and language coursework during this stage.

Second Year: The focus moves further into biological and organic chemistry through BIOL 180, BIOL 200, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241 and CHEM 242. Students develop a deeper understanding of biological systems while building the organic chemistry background required for later biochemistry courses.

Third Year: Students begin the core advanced biochemistry sequence with BIOC 440, BIOC 441 and BIOC 442, while also studying physics through PHYS 121, PHYS 122 and PHYS 123. This stage strengthens students’ understanding of biochemical principles, quantitative analysis and the physical concepts underlying biological processes.

Fourth Year: Advanced study continues through courses such as BIOC 426, CHEM 452 and CHEM 453, with GENOME 361 also appearing in the B.S. sample schedule. Students can complement these subjects with science electives and are strongly encouraged to incorporate undergraduate research into their curriculum.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, biological systems, biomedical science, laboratory science, biochemical research

Learning outcomes

Students develop laboratory skills, scientific problem-solving abilities, knowledge of modern instrumentation and computation, experimental design and data analysis skills, scientific communication, scientific literature analysis, teamwork and experience with biochemical research projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The University of Washington is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The UW's official specialized-accreditation listing identifies Chemistry as accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS); the listing does not identify a separate ACS accreditation for the Biochemistry degree itself.

Reputation (employability/research environment)

The University of Washington describes itself as an international center for innovation and commercialization, including bioscience and bioengineering. Its official figures report that 80% of undergraduates participated in UW research, while the university reports more than 280 specialized research centers and more than 300 UW spinoff companies, providing a substantial research and innovation environment for students interested in scientific careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Biochemistry can gain practical experience through undergraduate research, laboratory-based coursework and interaction with research groups across the University of Washington. The department strongly encourages undergraduate research, including opportunities through BIOC 499 and CHEM 499, where students can work alongside faculty researchers or graduate students, conduct experiments, analyze data, read scientific literature and prepare research reports.

The program is supported by research facilities in the Biochemistry-Genetics Building, which includes approximately 52,000 square feet of research space, conference rooms and a departmental library. Students also benefit from the university's broader research environment, with nearby programs and departments including Immunology, Genome Sciences, Microbiology, Pharmacology, biomolecular structure, molecular medicine, neurobiology and molecular and cellular biology.

Key practical and research opportunities include:

Undergraduate research: Students can pursue faculty-supervised research through BIOC 499 or CHEM 499. Research can involve developing hypotheses, performing experiments, analyzing results and communicating findings.
Advanced laboratory training: The B.S. pathway is specifically designed to provide in-depth preparation including advanced laboratory work.
Research project experience: Students may work alongside faculty researchers or graduate students on ongoing projects, with more advanced students potentially developing their own research projects.
Scientific instrumentation and computation: Learning outcomes include experience with modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design and data analysis.
Biochemistry-Genetics Building: The department's research environment includes dedicated research space, conference facilities and a departmental library.
Interdisciplinary research: Biochemistry students can participate in research beyond their own department, including projects in microbiology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, neurology and pathology.
Career and internship support: The department provides access to the UW Career & Internship Center, summer research and internship information, health-profession resources and physical/life-sciences career resources.
Research ecosystem: UW reports more than 280 specialized research centers and provides opportunities for companies to engage with students through internships, recruitment, research collaborations and other activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Washington states that Biochemistry graduates can pursue careers in biomedical research, healthcare professions and biotechnology, while the degree also provides preparation for graduate study in biochemical and biomedical research. Depending on their interests and the B.A. or B.S. pathway they choose, graduates can build careers across laboratory science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and related scientific fields.

Typical career directions include: Biochemist, Biotechnology Professional, Biomedical Researcher, Pharmaceutical Scientist

Key progression and career-support opportunities include:

Career and Internship Center: The Department of Chemistry directs students to the UW Career & Internship Center and career-readiness resources, including the Career Launch Readiness Assessment.
Research experience: Students can pursue undergraduate research through BIOC 499 or CHEM 499, with research potentially counting toward the biochemistry science-elective requirement.
Internships and summer research: The department provides resources for finding summer research and internship opportunities, although the official catalog notes that Biochemistry does not have a formal departmental internship program.
Industry connections: UW provides pathways for companies to recruit students, offer internships, participate in research, and collaborate with university researchers. The university reports more than 280 specialized research centers and more than 300 UW spinoff companies.
Biotechnology and biomedical ecosystem: UW identifies bioscience and bioengineering as part of Seattle's innovation ecosystem and highlights partnerships connecting university research with companies and innovation activities.
Graduation outcomes: Official program learning outcomes emphasize laboratory competence, scientific problem-solving, modern instrumentation, computation, data analysis, scientific communication, teamwork and research experience, providing a foundation for scientific employment or further study.
Employment and salary figures: The official Biochemistry pages reviewed do not provide a current program-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure, so a salary or employment percentage should not be inserted without another authoritative source.
Long-term accreditation value: The University of Washington holds institutional accreditation through NWCCU. The university's official specialized-accreditation page separately lists ACS accreditation for Chemistry; it does not identify the Biochemistry degree as separately ACS-accredited.

Further Academic Progression: Biochemistry graduates can continue into graduate study in biochemical or biomedical research and can also use the degree as preparation for professional healthcare programs such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. The B.S. is particularly suited to students seeking deeper laboratory and research preparation, while the B.A. provides broader preparation for students interested in professional health programs and related fields.