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.
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.
Application pathways
Applicants are considered in the following groups: direct first-year admission, regular admission, and direct transfer admission.
Direct First-Year Admission
- Open to first-year students formally admitted to the UW.
- Indication on the UW first-year application of biochemistry as the student's first choice of major.
- Direct admission decisions are made in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and are based on holistic review of applicants.
- Admission is for autumn quarter only.
Regular Admission
- Course requirements*
- General Chemistry: one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; (2) CHEM 143, CHEM 153; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165
- Biology: BIOL 180
- Mathematics: one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135
- Grade requirements
- BS biochemistry program: Minimum 2.0 grade for each course required for admission; minimum 2.80 cumulative GPA in courses required for admission
- BA biochemistry program: Minimum 1.7 grade for each course required for admission; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for admission
- Factors included in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
*Students who are not admitted via the regular admission pathway may reapply after completing additional course requirements:
- Organic Chemistry: one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258
- Biology: BIOL 200
Direct Transfer Admission
- Open to transfer students who submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.
- Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; BIOL 180; MATH 124, MATH 125
- Factors included in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
- Successful applicants for the BS biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.20 in courses listed above under course requirements. Successful applicants for the BA biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements.
With the exception of Direct First-Year Admission, applications will be considered twice per 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.