<a href="/live/image/gid/62/width/650/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86681"><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/62/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/62/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/62/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/62/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg" alt="Students who study BCMB gain a deep understanding of many of science's most fundamental questions. " width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/62/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86681_DIV-B2-0417-0027.rev.1610668160.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="3200" loading="lazy" data-optimized="true"/></picture></a> <div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption">Students who study BCMB gain a deep understanding of many of science’s most fundamental questions. </div>

/ Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

We provide a rigorous foundation of coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, all brought together in the expanding fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Our major is all about “doing science.”

Why Choose a Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology?

Our interdisciplinary curriculum will prepare you for careers in biochemical and biomedical research, biotechnology, and genetic engineering, and is ideal for those planning to go on to graduate programs in biochemistry or cell/molecular biology as well as medical, dental, or veterinary schools. We help you develop critical-thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, and a deep understanding of science’s most fundamental questions, all of which is necessary for whatever comes after graduating with your bachelor of arts degree.

Apply

Visit

What You’ll Study

Our interdisciplinary program provides students with rigorous training in biology and chemistry. The curriculum is built around a core series of courses covering structural and metabolic biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and organic chemistry. These courses provide hands-on training in posing hypotheses, designing experiments to test them, and data analysis. A diversity of elective courses are offered—including medicinal organic chemistry, developmental biology, neurobiology, and behavioral genetics—to let students specialize and pursue their individual interests.

Many of our students earn course credit toward their degree while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, the Berlin program offers an optional chemistry emphasis with an upper-level biochemistry course as part of the curriculum.

Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in research during the academic year with a faculty member through the Independent Study and/or Senior Research classes. Students may also apply to join a research team and get paid through the Rogers Summer Science Program. Our program also hosts a seminar series that brings scientists to campus to discuss their cutting-edge research.

Curriculum

Connect With Lewis & Clark!

<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry with Professor Louis Kuo</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This course, while certainly challenging, has been extremely rewarding and engaging. I love dissecting the interactions between molecules and observing how they can affect what we observe in the real world. I have also formed a solid network of other STEM students in this class.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18343-brynn-doty"> <a href="/live/profiles/18343-brynn-doty">Brynn Doty BA ’25</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Calculus 2 with Associate Professor Paul Allen</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Even though I didn’t come to L&C to study math specifically, Paul’s enthusiasm for math is infectious. He is an engaging lecturer, effortlessly funny, and makes the content accessible. I always looked forward to his class and absolutely recommend students take a course he teaches.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18340-avi-strok"> <a href="/live/profiles/18340-avi-strok">Avi Strok BA ’25</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry II with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Casey Jones</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Many people are afraid of organic chemistry because it is so different from what they are used to in their general chemistry classes. However, Professor Jones and the rest of the chemistry department make this knowledge very accessible and interesting to students by connecting theoretical principles to real problems in the life sciences and medicine.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/13069-luca-sax"> <a href="/live/profiles/13069-luca-sax">Luca Sax BA ’22</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and International Affairs (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Metabolic Biochemistry with Visiting Assistant Professor JP Gourdine</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Dr. Gourdine does an amazing job at articulating several metabolic pathways that are the backbone of a functioning living system, and he always brings a level of enthusiasm that helps the learning process. Metabolic biochemistry is an intense class that has challenged me in many ways, but I have grown tremendously from it.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18352-luke-bass"> <a href="/live/profiles/18352-luke-bass">Luke Bass BA ’24</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry with Professor Louis Kuo</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> The class is challenging, but navigating the course material with a supportive group of students and professors creates a fun environment to study a fascinating subject.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18351-bryn-romig"> <a href="/live/profiles/18351-bryn-romig">Bryn Romig BA ’25</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Art and Art History </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> My favorite class at the moment would be Organic Chemistry, taught by Louis Kuo. Being in this class for two semesters, I have always appreciated the level of effort the professor and relevant faculty members have put in to ensure every kind of student is well-supported and encouraged.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/22810-alister-ng"> <a href="/live/profiles/22810-alister-ng">Alister “Jia” Ng BA ’27</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Inside-Out Prison Exchange</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> In the Inside-Out course I have felt challenged not only as an actress, but also as a person, in the best ways. </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/21523-evelyn-gore"> <a href="/live/profiles/21523-evelyn-gore">Evelyn Gore BA ’26</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theatre </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Neurobiology with Associate Professor Tamily Weissman-Unni</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> No class has been as illuminating, fascinating, and downright fun as this one. This course fully delved into the mechanics and properties of neurons and the nervous system, and it brought me into a group of enthusiastic students with a fervor to discuss, learn, and grow in the field of neuroscience.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18325-katya-schwieterman"> <a href="/live/profiles/18325-katya-schwieterman">Katya Schwieterman BA ’24</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Neuroscience </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Biology 202 with Dr. Sharon Torigoe</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> I loved this class because Dr. Torigoe emphasizes the connections between biology and chemistry. For me, this helps concepts click. Dr. Torigoe uses the team-based learning pedagogy, which means we spend a lot of time in group settings, working together to understand hard problems.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/21551-ella-radvany"> <a href="/live/profiles/21551-ella-radvany">Ella Radvany BA ’26</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Fundamentals of Movement with Eric Nordstrom</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> The course focused on exploring how human bodies move and connecting to your own body’s sensations and desires to move. It was much like an interactive anatomy class. It helped me identify and work with areas of tension and pain within my body, dramatically changing how I approach my chronic pain issues.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18341-bella-root"> <a href="/live/profiles/18341-bella-root">Bella Root BA ’25</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry with Professor Louis Kuo</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This is a required class for the biochemistry and molecular biology major, but also a hard class because it requires learning many new words, a lot of 3D imagination (stereochemistry), and knowledge about different chemicals in structure, physical properties, and reactivities.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18350-polly-ren"> <a href="/live/profiles/18350-polly-ren">Polly Ren BA ’25</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Neuroscience </div> </div> </div> </div>

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our biochemistry and molecular biology majors are data science, health studies, and neuroscience.

What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark

Given my interest in cell/molecular-scale biology, the biochemistry and molecular biology major feels like a match made in heaven. I love that there are lots of lab courses in the major, allowing my education to be more than theoretical.
Avi Strok BA ’25
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Los Angeles, California
More about Avi
Inside the biochemistry and molecular biology major, I love how curiosity is celebrated.
Evelyn Gore BA ’26
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theatre | Lakeville, Minnesota
More about Evelyn
As a full-time summer research intern, I am studying the ways in which cells have evolved to selectively turn on and off genes under different conditions. The best part has been learning to conduct scientific research independently.
Jack Waite BA ’23
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Bakersfield, California
More about Jack

What Can You Do With a Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology?

Our alumni use their bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology to build careers at companies such as Gilead, Genentech, Transcriptic, FEI, and Impossible Foods. Others use their BA to pursue advanced degrees with the goal of becoming practitioners in the health sciences or researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Some receive competitive fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Biochemistry and molecular biology faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, a rare opportunity for many undergraduates. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.

Meet the Professors

Equity
We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s “Best Equity and Inclusion” list for 2023–24.
U.S. News
Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list.
98%
Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2023 was already changing the world through employment (84%), continuing studies (11%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.
Top
For the seventh time in 10 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2023–24.
125
of our undergraduate students are Third Culture Kids.

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

Find Your People

Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their biochemistry and molecular biology major, like Math Club, Physics Club, and Pre-Health Club. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!

Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You

Lewis & Clark prepared me for my career by helping me develop a strong work ethic. I learned to wear many hats and balance responsibilities accordingly. My job is very dynamic, and I am grateful to already have the skill set needed to manage different roles and tasks.
Holly Hale BA ’19
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Stevensville, Montana
More about Holly
By providing me with the hands-on opportunity to do real scientific research, I got a taste of what life is like as a graduate student, motivating my current plan to obtain a PhD. The real-world skills I learned are difficult to teach in a classroom setting, but have proved essential in obtaining and succeeding in my current position at the National Institutes of Health.
Jack Waite BA ’23
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Bakersfield, California
More about Jack
The various lab classes I took at Lewis & Clark and my honors senior thesis taught me many skills, including becoming detail oriented, which has been extremely valuable for working in a lab every day.
Claire Yung BA ’22
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Fremont, California
More about Claire