Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Students who study BCMB gain a deep understanding of many of science’s most fundamental questions.
Home / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology We provide a rigorous foundation of coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, all brought together in the expanding fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Our major is all about “doing science.” Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology? Our interdisciplinary curriculum will prepare you for careers in biochemical and biomedical research, biotechnology, and genetic engineering, and is ideal for those planning to go on to graduate programs in biochemistry or cell/molecular biology as well as medical, dental, or veterinary schools. We help you develop critical-thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, and a deep understanding of science’s most fundamental questions, all of which is necessary for whatever comes after graduating with your bachelor of arts degree. Apply Visit What You’ll Study Our interdisciplinary program provides students with rigorous training in biology and chemistry. The curriculum is built around a core series of courses covering structural and metabolic biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and organic chemistry. These courses provide hands-on training in posing hypotheses, designing experiments to test them, and data analysis. A diversity of elective courses are offered—including medicinal organic chemistry, developmental biology, neurobiology, and behavioral genetics—to let students specialize and pursue their individual interests. Many of our students earn course credit toward their degree while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, the Berlin program offers an optional chemistry emphasis with an upper-level biochemistry course as part of the curriculum. Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in research during the academic year with a faculty member through the Independent Study and/or Senior Research classes. Students may also apply to join a research team and get paid through the Rogers Summer Science Program. Our program also hosts a seminar series that brings scientists to campus to discuss their cutting-edge research. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Special Topics in Spanish with Professor Magalí Rabasa
We studied the contemporary history of narrative storytelling in Mexico, engaging with many topical and relevant texts. Studying the power of testimony through the lens of historically underrepresented voices, my appreciation of social movements and advocacy was deepened.
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theatre
Favorite Class
Organic Chemistry
My favorite class at the moment would be Organic Chemistry, taught by Louis Kuo. Being in this class for two semesters, I have always appreciated the level of effort the professor and relevant faculty members have put in to ensure every kind of student is well-supported and encouraged.
Metabolic Biochemistry with Visiting Assistant Professor JP Gourdine
Dr. Gourdine does an amazing job at articulating several metabolic pathways that are the backbone of a functioning living system, and he always brings a level of enthusiasm that helps the learning process. Metabolic biochemistry is an intense class that has challenged me in many ways, but I have grown tremendously from it.
The course focused on exploring how human bodies move and connecting to your own body’s sensations and desires to move. It was much like an interactive anatomy class. It helped me identify and work with areas of tension and pain within my body, dramatically changing how I approach my chronic pain issues.
The class is challenging, but navigating the course material with a supportive group of students and professors creates a fun environment to study a fascinating subject.
This course, while certainly challenging, has been extremely rewarding and engaging. I love dissecting the interactions between molecules and observing how they can affect what we observe in the real world. I have also formed a solid network of other STEM students in this class.
I loved this class because Dr. Torigoe emphasizes the connections between biology and chemistry. For me, this helps concepts click. Dr. Torigoe uses the team-based learning pedagogy, which means we spend a lot of time in group settings, working together to understand hard problems.
Even though I didn’t come to L&C to study math specifically, Paul’s enthusiasm for math is infectious. He is an engaging lecturer, effortlessly funny, and makes the content accessible. I always looked forward to his class and absolutely recommend students take a course he teaches.
Organic Chemistry II with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Casey Jones
Many people are afraid of organic chemistry because it is so different from what they are used to in their general chemistry classes. However, Professor Jones and the rest of the chemistry department make this knowledge very accessible and interesting to students by connecting theoretical principles to real problems in the life sciences and medicine.
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and International Affairs (double)
Favorite Class
Neurobiology with Associate Professor Tamily Weissman-Unni
No class has been as illuminating, fascinating, and downright fun as this one. This course fully delved into the mechanics and properties of neurons and the nervous system, and it brought me into a group of enthusiastic students with a fervor to discuss, learn, and grow in the field of neuroscience.
This is a required class for the biochemistry and molecular biology major, but also a hard class because it requires learning many new words, a lot of 3D imagination (stereochemistry), and knowledge about different chemicals in structure, physical properties, and reactivities.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our biochemistry and molecular biology majors are data science , health studies , and neuroscience . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark As a full-time summer research intern, I am studying the ways in which cells have evolved to selectively turn on and off genes under different conditions. The best part has been learning to conduct scientific research independently. Jack Waite BA ’23 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Bakersfield, California More about Jack As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, I was trying to decide whether I wanted to pursue a more biology- or chemistry-heavy track in my career, and my Rogers research was a perfect opportunity to see if I aligned with cell biology. McKenna Finley BA ’23 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hispanic Studies | Portland, Oregon More about McKenna In Hispanic studies, I was able to experience the development of the Spanish language over time. In biochemistry and molecular biology, I was energized by the tangible connections between scientific mechanisms and health outcomes, which helped to confirm my desire to pursue academic medicine. McKenna Finley BA ’23 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Hispanic Studies (double) | Portland, Oregon More about McKenna What Can You Do With a Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology? Our alumni use their bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology to build careers at companies such as Gilead, Genentech, Transcriptic, FEI, and Impossible Foods. Others use their BA to pursue advanced degrees with the goal of becoming practitioners in the health sciences or researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Some receive competitive fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Biochemistry and molecular biology faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, a rare opportunity for many undergraduates. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations. Meet the Professors Students are the life force of my research lab, and I want them to become independent scientists through being fully engaged in all aspects of the scientific process. Assistant Professor of Biology Sharon Torigoe More about Sharon One of the things I enjoy most about working with L&C students is that they are inquisitive, reliable, and motivated by a desire to learn more about the underlying science. Professor of Chemistry; Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Nikolaus Loening More about Nikolaus 2,139 As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College. 96% Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps. 52 nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body 16% first-generation students at Lewis & Clark College Top Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2026 “Best Colleges” list . Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . Find Your People Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their biochemistry and molecular biology major, like Math Club, Physics Club , and Pre-Health Club . Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list ? Start something new and build your own community of peers! Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You Lewis & Clark prepared me for my career by helping me develop a strong work ethic. I learned to wear many hats and balance responsibilities accordingly. My job is very dynamic, and I am grateful to already have the skill set needed to manage different roles and tasks. Holly Hale BA ’19 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Stevensville, Montana More about Holly The Rogers Science program experience has been essential to the shaping of my future career plans. I am currently applying to combined MD-PhD programs, as my research confirmed my desire to pursue academic medicine. McKenna Finley BA ’23 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hispanic Studies | Portland, Oregon More about McKenna L&C taught me how to work independently and organize myself to achieve goals, which helps me everyday in my studies. I also learned so much about bioinformatics and the importance of microbiomes, which I’ve been able to build upon in medical school. Nuzhat Maisha Hoque BA ’24 Computer Science and Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (double) | Sherwood, Oregon More about Nuzhat Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Events May 9 Olin Sciences Graduation Reception Graduation reception for BCMB, Chemistry, and Physics May 9, 10:00 - 11:30 am Featured News Fast Study In the lab and on the track, Malia Heien BA ’26 has built a Lewis & Clark career defined by stamina, achievement, and a remarkable drive to succeed. 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