Biochemistry is the branch of life sciences that studies the chemistry of life processes and development with particular emphasis on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Molecular biology is concerned with all the mechanisms of cellular molecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, and how they maintain life processes and that are essential for the cells’ functions and maintenance.

Are you majoring in another field but looking to get more biochemistry practice? A minor in biochemistry and molecular biology is ideal to help you prepare for medical school admissions, professional health programs as well as competitive interdisciplinary graduate programs in life sciences, bioinformatics and computational biology. The program is designed to help students acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge that encompasses laboratory, experimental and analytical skills as well as the design of experiments and research methods.

You can combine the biochemistry and molecular biology minor with any major (outside the biochemistry and biophysics department), including chemistry, biology, mathematics or engineering to get a well-rounded education in the fundamentals of life science.

Minor prerequisites

Prerequisites include courses in biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry. In addition to core courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, you can choose electives in bioinformatics, neuroscience, advanced cell biology and other areas to acquire broad knowledge and expertise to match your particular career interests.

Note: Students majoring in biochemistry and biophysics or biochemistry and molecular biology cannot declare the biochemistry and molecular biology minor.

Sample courses

• Introduction to Neuroscience
• The Human Microbiome
• Behavioral Neurobiology

Connect with your minor advisor

Undergraduates interested in the biochemistry and molecular biology minor should contact Lead Advisor Kari van Zee (kari.van.zee@oregonstate.edu).