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Biochemistry

College of Arts & Sciences

Minor available

Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. The department offers BA and BS degree programs. Graduates pursue careers in biomedical research, the health care professions or biotechnology. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.

Major category: Capacity-constrained

Curricular options: B.A., B.S.

Topic(s): Engineering option, Health, Natural and environmental sciences

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Degree requirements

Applicant type

Applicant type

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).

Biochemistry is a capacity-constrained major. While the vast majority of students enter this major by submitting an additional application once they are enrolled at the UW, you may be considered for direct admission as a freshman by listing Biochemistry as your first-choice major on the freshman application. Admission may be competitive. Visit the department website for more information.

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

  • Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
  • Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
  • Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
  • UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

Please contact the department for details about the application process.

The BA and BS degree programs are capacity-constrained. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
  • Transfer students may apply to the biochemistry major through Direct Transfer Admission. For more information, visit the department’s website.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses required for the major:

Regular Admission

  • BIOL 180 NSc – Introductory Biology
  • BIOL 200 NSc – Introductory Biology

One of the following CHEM series:

  • CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
  • CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
  • CHEM 162 NSc RSN – General Chemistry

OR

  • CHEM 143 NSc RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry
  • CHEM 153 NSc RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry

OR

  • CHEM 145 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry
  • CHEM 155 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry
  • CHEM 165 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry

One of the following CHEM series:

  • CHEM 237 NSc – Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 238 NSc – Organic Chemistry

OR

  • CHEM 335 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 336 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry

One of the following MATH series:

  • MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II

OR

  • MATH 134 NSc RSN – Accelerated [Honors]
  • Calculus MATH 135 NSc– Accelerated [Honors] Calculus

Direct Transfer Admission

Open to transfer students who submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.

  • BIOL 180 NSc – Introductory Biology
  • CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
  • CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
  • CHEM 162 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
  • MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 781
Total from Washington community colleges: 48

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 20
3.50 – 3.74: 7
3.25 – 3.49: 11
3.00 – 3.24: 5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5

Career outcomes

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