• Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
• Undertake a research project of your own under the guidance of one of WSU's respected faculty researchers.
• The prestigious STARS program helps ambitious, high-achieving students get an early start on research and earn their Ph.D. in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, or microbiology up to two years faster.
• You can join WSU’s science, math, and engineering residence hall, where you can easily find study partners and tutors and use the hall’s computer lab.
• Individualize your course of study within the School of Molecular Biosciences.
• Study with faculty noted for their work in protein biochemistry, DNA repair, structural biology and reproductive biology.

The molecular biophysics option in the biochemistry major involves the following core courses:

Chem 105 & 106--Principles of Chemistry I & II
Biology 106 & 107--Introductory Biology I & II
Math 171 & 172--Calculus I & II
Chem 345, 347 & 348 Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
Chem 220 & 222--Quantitative Analysis Chemistry and lab
Phys 201 & 202--Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II

MBioS 301--General Genetics
MBioS 303--Introductory Biochemistry
MBioS 304--Micro/Molecular Biology Lab
MBioS 305--General Microbiology
MBioS 401--Cell Biology
MBioS 413 & 414--General Biochemistry I & II
MBioS 454--Biochemistry Lab
MBioS 465--Principles of Biophysical Chemistry
MBioS 466--Physical Biochemistry
   or Phys 466--Physical Biochemistry
MBioS 494--Senior Project

One laboratory elective course.

For detailed information on the program and its requirements, check out the biochemistry home page in the School of Molecular Biosciences site.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For all students at WSU

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.

Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid

For biochemistry students

In addition to general university scholarships and other financial aid, WSU offers scholarships specifically for students in biochemistry.

Biochemistry majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Molecular Biosciences.

Good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics

At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended

Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

Biochemistry students have access to the outstanding facilities:

• Equipment for ultracentrifugation, recombinant DNA techniques, HPLC, protein analysis and purification, DNA sequencing and synthesizing, and more
• Bioanalytical Laboratory
• Electron Microscopy Center
• Nuclear Radiation Center
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center
• X-ray Crystallography Laboratory
• Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest

Biochemistry and molecular biophysics majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences.

Careers open to biochemistry majors include technical positions in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnology industries, in private or governmental laboratories, and in nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and at institutes that focus on research. Others have careers in law, business, and government.

Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to medical practice, teaching at the college level, or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry.