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Schmid College of Science and Technology
BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

»Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Discover Life at the Molecular Level.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology apply chemical principles to the foundational molecules, processes, and systems of life itself. At the intersection of these disciplines is Chapman University's ASBMB-accredited Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program, where you'll investigate how molecular processes influence health, disease, biotechnology, and the living world. 

Research Starting Day 1

student working in a labAs a student in the program, you'll do more than learn science, you'll actively participate in it. Beginning in your first year, you'll have opportunities to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge research projects, gain hands-on laboratory experience, and explore how discoveries in the laboratory become advances in medicine, biotechnology, and human health. Through coursework, laboratory training, and research experiences, you'll develop advanced biochemical, molecular, and analytical skills while tackling real-world biological challenges alongside faculty mentors and fellow students.  

Biochemistry Across Industries

students in class

Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in biochemistry while allowing you to explore a wide range of STEM fields, including biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and related areas. Students will also recieve preparation for medicine and other pre-health professions through their classes in addition to  professional support from our Pre-Health Professions Office.  Throughout your time in the biochemistry and molecular biology program, you'll develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and laboratory skills needed to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities.

 

Where Can a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Degree Take You? 

A degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Chapman University provides a strong foundation for careers focused on understanding and improving life. Whether your goal is medical school, biotechnology, biomedical research, or graduate study, you'll develop the scientific knowledge and professional skills needed for success. 

Our graduates have gone on to become: 

  • Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and veterinarians 
  • Biomedical and clinical researchers 
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical scientists 
  • Genetic counselors and genomics specialists 
  • Biomedical engineers and medical technology professionals 
  • Public health and healthcare leaders 
  • Data scientists and bioinformatics professionals 
  • Educators, science communicators, and graduate researchers 

Chapman Biochemistry Alumni Statistics

Among alumni reporting postgraduate plans, 55% earned or pursued a master's degree, 27% entered medical school (MD/DO), 25% pursued a PhD, 12% entered physician assistant programs, 8% entered dental school, 7% entered pharmacy school, and 3% pursued veterinary medicine.

Graduates have continued their education at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, Columbia, Michigan, Chicago, Washington, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, among other institutions.

    Research by the Numbers 

    Since 2020, the Chemistry and Biochemistry program has: 

    • Secured 24 external grants and awards totaling $3.9 million.
    • Received funding from leading organizations, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), NASA, American Chemical Society (ACS), and Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation.
    • Published numerous peer-reviewed articles with undergraduate coauthors.

    Research Beyond the Classroom 

    students in lab

    At Chapman, discovery extends far beyond the classroom. Alongside rigorous laboratory training in our core courses, students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects from their first year through graduation. These research experiences culminate in the Capstone project, where students complete an independent, faculty-mentored investigation and showcase their work through professional scientific presentations and written reports, synthesizing the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking they have developed throughout the program. 

    To further enhance the research experience, we offer numerous fellowship opportunities that provide financial support for students working alongside faculty in the laboratory: 

    • Schmid Summer Research Fellowship 
    • Faculty-sponsored externally funded research grants 

    These programs enable students to pursue independent research, present at scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for their future careers. 

     

    10+

    collaborative lab spaces with cutting-edge equipment 

     

    1

    final capstone project that you can use to demonstrate your skills 

     

     

    1

    extra year of study to earn a master’s in our accelerated master’s programs.

    Vidal in the lab
    Vidal Arroyo ‘19
    Rhodes Scholar
    After graduating from Chapman, Vidal earned a Rhodes Scholarship, which provided all expenses for four years at the University of Oxford, where he continued his research. His goal? Design artificial intelligence algorithms to personalize cancer treatment.
    Read About Vidal's Story
    Ashley in the lab
    Ashley Nichols '20
    First-gen student Ashley Nichols got involved in lab work in her very first year at Chapman, building her skills and learning how to “think critically like a scientist.” Now she’s taking her passion for biomedical research further by pursuing a Ph.D. in immunology, the study of disease immunity and immune systems.
    Read About Ashley's Story
    Sara headshot
    Sara Siwiecki ‘18
    Sara earned a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that will support her as she pursues her Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, quantitative biology and structural biology at Yale.
    Read About Sara's Story

    Faculty

    Our faculty are not only seasoned educators and researchers, but thjey are also committed mentors who are dedicated to the success of our students. They will work closely with you as you engage in their cutting-edge research and help you achieve your post-graduation aspirations. Along the way, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience and benefit from a highly personalized education.

    Clubs and Organizations

    A student wearing a tie-dye lab coat performing an experiment outsideOur program is proudly accredited by both the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive education. We have active, student-led chapters of these prestigious organizations that collaborate closely with the program, offering students enriched opportunities for professional development, research, and community engagement.

    • American Chemical Society:  Part of the world’s largest scientific society, the ACS chapter is dedicated to building a vibrant, supportive community for aspiring scientists. We aim to provide career guidance, promote awareness of opportunities, and actively engage with the local community through outreach initiatives.

    • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB):  The ASBMB chapter provides a platform for students to explore biochemistry and molecular biology through professional development, research opportunities, and community outreach.

    Schmid College of Science and Technology offers a wide variety of other STEM-focused clubs and organizations. Throughout the year, they host exciting events, such as tie-dyeing lab coats and making nitrogen ice cream — creating fun, hands-on experiences that bring science and community together. You can explore some of the most popular options on our STEM student organizations page, including:

    • Women in Science and Technology:  Get involved with this group of students and faculty who provide professional development and mentoring to women in STEM fields.

    • Schmid Student Leadership Council: Become an ambassador for Chapman's Schmid College of Science and Technology and promote the sciences on campus and in the larger community.

    Daniel Chang
    Daniel Chang
    Daniel Chang '19 found his passion for organic chemistry at Chapman. He went on to CalTech, where he earned an M.S. in Chemistry, even earning funding from the National Science foundation to continue his research.

     

    Internships

    Chapman is located at the heart of Orange County’s thriving medical and scientific community. That makes us a great place to find internships with organizations like:

    • NASA
    • Johnson & Johnson
    • Medtronic
    • AbbVie Allergan
    • Beckman Coulter
    • Irvine Ranch Water District
    • Children's Hospital of Orange County
    • City of Hope
    • Souther California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP)

    Plus, you'll be able to get career guidance for life at our Career Center. We have all the resources you need to network and explore your career options in Chemistry, and you can stop by any time.

    Study Abroad

    Take your passion for science abroad in one of our many study abroad programs. We'll work closely with you to find one that aligns with your schedule and goals so that you can go abroad and still graduate on time. Our programs range from a full year living and studying abroad to international internships over summer/winter break, and everything in between.

    A student uses lab equipment

    Accelerated Programs

    Earn your master's degree with just one additional year of study in our accelerated (4+1) programs:

    Admission and Tours

    Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check out our transfer prerequisites.

    Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for tours of campus and tours of our Keck Center for Science and Engineering. We’d love to meet you!

    Related Majors

    You can explore all of Chapman's undergraduate majors and minors with our program finder

    Biological Sciences
    Chemistry
    Environmental Science and Policy
    Contact Us

    Program Questions?

    Jerry LaRue, Ph.D.
    Program Director of Chemistry and Biochemistry
    larue@chapman.edu

    Dan Dries, Ph.D.
    Associate Program Director of Chemistry and Biochemistry
    ddries@chapman.edu

    Admission Questions
    admit@chapman.edu
    (714) 997-6711

      Grand Challenges Initiative

      Chapman University students partaking in the Grand Challenges Initiative

      The Grand Challeneges Initiative (GCI) is a unique two-year research project that lets you get involved in research your first year at Chapman.

      Keck Center for Science & Engineering

      Keck Center at Chapman University

      With over 25 collaborative research labs, our Keck Center for Science and Engineering has the tools you need to succeed.

      Become a Beckman Scholar at Chapman

      We're one of 12 institutions in the United States to offer the Beckman Scholars Program, a research experience and scholarship for aspiring scientists.

      The Stauffer-Fletcher Jones Chemistry & Biochemistry Research Fellowship

      photo of chemistry lab with pipetsThe Stauffer–Fletcher Jones (SFJ) Research Fellowship provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in mentored research with a faculty member in Chemistry or Biochemistry during the summer. 

      ASBMB Accreditation

      ASBMB logo

      Our accreditation from ASBMB means that Chapman students have great opportunities for graduate school and beyond.