Office & Contact Information

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major introduces students to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques that are used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules. Students who enjoy both chemistry and biology and who are comfortable with quantitative approaches to problem solving will find this major a rewarding field of study.

The Program

The upper division curriculum in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program begins with the three-course, upper-division common curriculum that introduces the principles of biochemistry and genetics. Majors then take a comprehensive and rigorous laboratory course to familiarize them with the most important aspects of biochemical research. Additional upper-division courses in biochemistry and molecular biology examine detailed aspects of these subjects. Students are also required to take courses in other biological sciences and a full year of physical chemistry.

Career Alternatives

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching, or service career in the life sciences. Positions are open to biochemists in bio-medical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, agricultural research, and some chemical industries. Also, university-affiliated research laboratories, hospital laboratories, and government-sponsored research facilities provide employment opportunities. The major provides excellent preparation for advanced study in graduate or professional schools.

Faculty Advisor

David Wilson, Ph.D.

Advising

Biology Academic Success Center (BASC), CBS Dean's Office Advising in 1023 Katherine Esau Science Hall (formerly Sciences Laboratory Building); 530-752-0410; cbsundergrads@ucdavis.edu. 

Graduate Study

See Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology (Graduate Group).

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Bachelor of Science is 106.

¹

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Chemistry requirement: CHE 004A-CHE 002A (3 units with no lab)-CHE 002B-CHE 002C; CHE 004A-CHE 004B-CHE 002C. 

²

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Mathematics requirement: MAT 021A-MAT 017B-MAT 017C; MAT 017A-MAT 021B.

³

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Physics requirement: PHY 007A-PHY 009A-PHY 049*-PHY 007C; PHY 009A-PHY 009B-PHY 049*-PHY 007C. *PHY 049 requires approval from the PHY Department to enroll.

⁴

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Organic Chemistry requirement: CHE 128A-CHE 118B-CHE 118C; CHE 128A-CHE 128B-CHE 129A-CHE 118C; CHE 118A-CHE 128B-CHE 128C-CHE 129A-CHE 129B; CHE 118A-CHE 118B-CHE 128C-CHE 129B.

Restricted Electives