As a biochemistry and biophysics major, you’ll get to study in a nationally and internationally recognized program that has a world-class faculty, a tradition of interdisciplinary research, outstanding teachers and extraordinary laboratories to facilitate undergraduate learning. You will study a broad range of courses centered on the chemistry and physics of life processes with training that integrates the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biochemistry, genetics and computer science. As a biochemistry and biophysics major, you will receive excellent training for careers in medicine, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, in addition to exceptional preparation for graduate school in all fields of the biological sciences, from immunology to neuroscience and genetics. You will have opportunities to conduct laboratory research in medical science, agriculture, nutrition, clinical chemistry, food science, toxicology, environmental science, biotechnology and drug development with faculty experts across Oregon State.
Biochemistry and biophysics majors have been very successful at gaining admission to medical, dental, and graduate schools. In 2017 and 2018, biochemistry and biophysics students won the highly competitive Goldwater scholarship—the top undergraduate award in the nation for sophomores and juniors in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).