Undergraduate Admissions: Biochemistry | Department of Chemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemistry involving living organisms. Degrees in Biochemistry involve training in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry as well as in biology, genetics, and biochemistry. Elective coursework is also available to pursue interests in a variety of advanced topics involving the chemistry of biological systems.

BA in Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students whose career interests require a strong background in Chemistry or Biochemistry, but are also interested in acquiring expertise in other disciplines. The coursework for this degree provides a broad training, and does not include extensive advanced laboratory training. The degree is appropriate for students interested in applying to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health allied fields.

Entrance Pathway	Prerequisites
Direct	One year of high-school chemistry. Students indicate interest using the UW admission process
Research/Honors	Honors Chem 145 and 155 (10 credits) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 Math 124 and 125 or 134 and 135 (10 credits) Research Chem 1/299 or higher (6 credits) Letter of recommendation from research advisor *All courses require a grade >= 1.7 to be counted towards the admission requirements.
Early	Chem 142, 152, 162 or Chem 143, 153, or Chem 145, 155, 165 Math 124, 125 or 134, 135 (10 credits) Biol 180 (5 credits) *All courses require a grade >= 1.7 to be counted towards the admission requirements.
Regular	Chem 142, 152, 162 or Chem 143, 153, or Chem 145, 155, 165 Chem 237, 238 or Chem 335, 336 (8 credits) Math 124, 125 or 134, 135 (10 credits) Biol 180, 200 (10 credits) *All courses require a grade >= 1.7 to be counted towards the admission requirements.

Completion of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision.

With exception of Direct Admission, applications will be considered twice a year during Autumn and Spring quarters.

For the Autumn cycle (entering the major in winter quarter), applications are due October 5th.
For the Spring cycle (entering the major in autumn quarter), applications are due April 5th.

BS in Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in an in-depth preparation, including advanced lab work. This degree is an excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing Chemistry or Biochemistry as a career. It also serves as excellent preparation for students applying to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health allied fields.

Entrance Pathway	Prerequisites
Direct	One year of high-school chemistry. Students indicate interest using the UW admission process.
Research/Honors	Honors Chem 145 and 155 (10 credits) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 Math 124 and 125 or 134 and 135 (10 credits) Research Chem 1/299 or higher (6 credits) Letter of recommendation from research advisor *All courses require a grade >= 2.0 to be counted towards the admission requirements.
Early	Chem 142, 152, 162 or Chem 143, 153, or Chem 145, 155, 165 Math 124, 125 or 134, 135 (10 credits) Biol 180 (5 credits) *All courses require a grade >= 2.0 to be counted towards the admission requirements.
Regular	Chem 142, 152, 162 or Chem 143, 153, or Chem 145, 155, 165 Chem 237, 238 or Chem 335, 336 (8 credits) Math 124, 125 or 134, 135 (10 credits) Biol 180, 200 (10 credits) *All courses require a grade >= 2.0 to be counted towards the admission requirements.

Completion of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision.

With exception of Direct Admission, applications will be considered twice a year during Autumn and Spring quarters.

For the Autumn cycle (entering the major in winter quarter), applications are due October 5th.
For the Spring cycle (entering the major in autumn quarter), applications are due April 5th.