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).

Careers of our recent graduates
Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic

Research scientists at biotech companies

Medical students at Harvard, Oregon Health & Science University and Baylor University

Graduate students at Johns Hopkins, Stanford and New York University

Emergency Physician and Hospitalist, Hawaii Emergency Physician Association
Vascular Surgery Fellow, Mayo Clinic
Dentist, Gentle Dental
Forensic Pathology Fellow, Office of the Medical Investigator
Curriculum Fellow and Lecturer, Harvard
Gastroenterologist, Cleveland Clinic
Associate Veterinarian, Banfield Pet Hospital
Resident Doctor and Spinal Cord Surgery Specialist, Johns Hopkins
Research Scientist, Oregon Health and Science University