Biochemistry
Answer scientific questions at the interface of biology and chemistry as you master the practical skills used by chemists and biologists
Discover the chemistry of life
Bridging Biology & Chemistry
Our Biochemistry program teaches you a combination of theory and practical skills at the intersection of biology and chemistry.
- Solve biochemical problems
- Conduct experiments
- Explore chemistry and biology
- Answer scientific questions
- Use our extensive lab facilities
Biochemistry Major Requirements
Program Overview
The Biochemistry major provides students the tools to answer scientific questions at the intersection of biology and chemistry.
Pitzer Biochemistry Major Requirements
Pitzer College students can view specific major requirements and learning outcomes for the Biochemistry major in the Pitzer course catalog.
Scripps Biochemistry Major Requirements
Scripps College students can view specific major requirements for the Biochemistry major in the Scripps course catalog.
Biochemistry Faculty
Biochemistry Resources
EXPLORE
We offer a wide range of resources to help you dig deeper at the interface of biology and chemistry.
Research Opportunities
As a Biochemistry major, you’ll be able to participate in labs doing cutting-edge research in biology and chemistry.
Faculty Advisors
As a Natural Sciences student, you’ll work with a faculty advisor to help find your path — no matter where you plan to go.
The Nucleus
The Nucleus, our 165,000-square-foot science building, is the perfect place to dig deep in biology and chemistry.
Pre-Health Advising
Our Pre-Health Advising office provides resources and advice to help you bring your biochemical skills to a career in health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More
View frequently asked questions about our Biochemistry program
The Department of Natural Sciences’ Biochemistry major offers a strong background in chemistry and biology suitable for graduate-level work in biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemistry is also a strong choice for health fields such as medicine and dentistry, as its required coursework covers many of the prerequisite courses for these fields.
Our Biochemistry major aims to provide coverage of core courses in Biology and Chemistry. As a Biochemistry major, you’ll develop an understanding of relevant chemistry fields (such as organic, physical, and biochemistry) as well as genetics, molecular biology, and cellular biology. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to design experiments, read and understand original research, and solve complex biochemical problems.
Our Biology and Chemistry programs offer broad-based studies in their respective fields. A major in these fields allows you to pick from a variety of areas of specialization once you have completed your core courses.
By contrast, Biochemistry offers a more specialized focus on the areas where biology and chemistry intersect, making it more appropriate for those who are interested in the way chemical processes occur in living organisms. This focus also makes biochemistry particularly useful if you are interested in attending professional school in medicine, dentistry, or another health field.