Build a deeper understanding of biology and chemistry through hands-on learning. Willamette's undergraduate program focuses on research opportunities, mentorship, and career support through a thoughtful and adaptable curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts
Major
124
4 Years
Salem
Marni Aosved BS’24 and Melissa Duncan BS’24 earned top honors at two conferences for research that could improve breast cancer screening. Working with Professor Battle, they helped develop DNA biosensors designed to make cancer detection faster and more affordable.
The students received “Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation” at the Oregon Bioengineering Symposium and a poster prize at the Murdock College Research Conference. Both credited their hands-on lab experience and collaborative research environment for preparing them to share their work at national conferences.
Distinguished Alum of the Year works on SARS-CoV-2
Tyler Starr, a Damon Runyon Research Fellow at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, studies how viruses evolve and interact with the human immune system. His research has helped advance methods for modeling SARS-CoV-2 evolution and developing new therapies. He will soon join the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry.
From undergraduate research to medical school
Anna Ayala '19 collaborated with a professor to develop local anesthetics for surgical patients and co-authored a study published in a neuroscience journal. Through emergency care work at Salem Hospital and a summer research opportunity, she built the experience that supported her acceptance into two MD programs.
Our professors are committed to hands-on learning through lab work, research projects, and outreach. Students form close mentoring relationships with faculty who support their academic and career goals. The biochemistry and molecular biology program offers opportunities to gain career insight and engage in cutting-edge research.
Dr. Cooper Battle is a bio-organic chemist whose research focuses on how biomolecules assemble and how that process can be used to design fluorescent sensors. His work includes developing tools to detect microRNA linked to early cancer development. He also brings students into hands-on research and science outreach as part of his teaching.
Dr. Alison Fisher is an environmental biochemist whose research focuses on how plants produce and regulate volatile organic compounds. Her work explores the biological roles of plant chemicals such as ethylene and isoprene using biochemical and molecular techniques. She also teaches hands-on laboratory courses that connect biochemistry and environmental science.
Dr. Melissa Marks focuses on how bacteria adapt and evolve, including how cells balance growth and survival. Her work uses genetic and molecular approaches to study microbial systems and evolutionary change. She also involves undergraduate students in research that connects lab science to real biological questions.
Through the bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, students build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry while gaining hands-on experience in lab-based learning. The curriculum includes required courses and electives that support preparation for graduate study and a range of career paths.
Discover the chemistry behind life. Examine the structure and function of proteins, DNA, lipids, and carbohydrates. Explore enzyme reactions, biomolecular interactions, and the chemical principles that govern cellular processes.
Investigate the hidden world of microbes. Explore how bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms shape Earth's ecosystems while developing hands-on lab skills in culturing, analyzing, and communicating scientific research.
To earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, students must complete 124 total credit hours, including 54–56 credits in the major.
Major requirements include:
Our Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program is open to first-year students, and transfer students. Explore our undergraduate admissions process.
Willamette offers generous merit scholarships and financial aid to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors, with no separate application required. All admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for scholarships starting at $28,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $5,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers.
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem
Oregon
97301
U.S.A.