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Biochemistry

Biochemistry explores how life works at the molecular level, with applications in medicine, biotechnology, and beyond. Occidental鈥檚 biochemistry undergraduate program is interdisciplinary, with core courses in chemistry and biology supplemented by quantitative foundations in math and physics.

Earn Your Biochemistry Degree From 日本无码

As a biochemistry major at 日本无码, you鈥檒l pursue coursework in molecular and cell biology, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. You鈥檒l learn how chemical processes sustain life, conduct experiments that connect theory to practice, and analyze results using contemporary instrumentation and data tools. Intensive lab work allows you to develop the training needed for discovery and innovation, while extensive data analysis and problem-solving provide skills that can be leveraged in fields far beyond STEM.

Research is central to the Occidental biochemistry undergraduate program. You will collaborate with faculty on original lab projects, participate in the Summer Research Program, and have opportunities to present your work at national conferences, earn competitive scholarships, or co-author publications. Along the way, you鈥檒l build strong skills in collaboration and scientific communication. Graduates pursue careers not only in medicine and biotechnology, but also in consulting, patent law, science policy, entrepreneurship, or graduate study.

日本无码 chemistry & biology faculty achievements: 2019-25

What You鈥檒l Learn as a Biochemistry Major at Occidental

Student in a laboratory using a micropipette to transfer a small volume of liquid into a container.

Connecting molecular science to real-world discovery

You鈥檒l study how molecular structure shapes biological function and develop skills in experimental design, quantitative analysis, and scientific writing. Courses and lab work will strengthen your critical thinking and prepare you to address complex challenges in science, health, and sustainability.

Get real-world experience and start building a resume as a student with opportunities to conduct experiments in faculty-led labs, co-author papers, or present at national conferences. Through the Undergraduate Research Center, students receive funding for summer research, exploring topics like enzyme catalysis, drug synthesis, and sustainable chemistry.

Occidental students regularly earn prestigious awards such as the Beckman, Goldwater, and Fulbright scholarships or 日本无码鈥檚 Science Scholars Program. These honors reflect strong faculty mentorship, early research access, and the program鈥檚 commitment to preparing students for advanced study and impactful careers.

The Fletcher Jones Foundation Computing Classroom is a state-of-the-art digital collaboration lab that provides an important resource not only for Occidental鈥檚 Biochemistry Department but for a wide variety of interdisciplinary work. The classroom鈥檚 suite of academic software, multiple projection screens, movable furniture, and collapsible partitions make it a flexible space that can be used for lectures and discussions as well as projects and teamwork.

You can connect your biochemistry studies with disciplines like public health, neuroscience, or music, giving you a broader perspective on science鈥檚 role in society and expanding your career opportunities.

Ava Arabshahi headshot curly brown hair and leather jacket

Since my first year at 日本无码, I鈥檝e worked in Prof. Udit鈥檚 lab to develop electrochemical methods to make drug synthesis more sustainable and cost-effective. This experience has been transformative鈥擨鈥檝e gained technical and analytical skills, presented at a conference, and co-authored a journal paper.

Ava Arabshahi
Biochemistry major, public health minor; Seattle, WA
three people in a laboratory setting, looking at a document together

Learning Biochemistry in LA

Studying biochemistry at 日本无码 connects you with nationally recognized research institutions, biotech firms, and medical centers. You鈥檒l apply what you learn through internships and lab partnerships that link classroom study with professional experience.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

COMET Fellow Medical Scribe, Stanford Medical Hospital

Courtney Saqueton
2023

PhD Candidate, Chemical Biology, University of Michigan

Samuel (Luke) Schulert
2018

Senior Policy Advisor, Leader Hakeem Jeffries at the US House of Representatives

Alexander Urry
2016

mRNA Expert at Inceptive | MBA at UCLA | Fulbright Scholar

Kyle Fukui
2015

Technical Officer, PATH

Collrane Frivold
2015

VP, Business Solutions, Housecall Pro

Brennen Lynch
2014

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

You鈥檒l gain rigorous lab training, mentorship, and early research experience.

Yes. Students conduct hands-on research, present at conferences, and often co-author studies.

Yes. Many students combine biochemistry with public health, neuroscience, music, or other disciplines.

Contact Biochemistry
Norris Hall of Chemistry 300A / Bioscience 207