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Biochemistry B.S.

Find your future at Humboldt. Hands-on learning forms the basis of our Biochemistry program. In our close-knit classrooms, you’ll get to know your professors, connect with your fellow classmates, and get real-world experiences and first class instruction. Our modern instrumentation, such as NMR, FTIR, HPLC, GCMS, and a computational laboratory, are all available to undergraduate students. Our program provides a sense of care, support and belonging, and better prepares students to approach their chosen fields through close faculty contact and hands-on experience.

Why this Program

In our first-year learning community, you’ll chemically analyze a river water sample to determine the human impact on the natural environment.
 

We have active undergraduate research programs where you have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of biochemistry.

Participate in the Free Radicals Chemistry Club, our department’s award winning student affiliate of the American Chemical Society.

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Rising Tides student tide pooling

Academics & Options

The Cal Poly Humboldt Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Program in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry focuses on the molecular level chemical reactions that control the basic processes in living organisms. Biochemistry is involved with elucidating the structure and function of biological molecules and plays a critical role in understanding the chemical causes of disease and infection, the development of medicines to control and cure illness, the development of safe food supplies, and new sources of biofuels and biomaterials. Biochemistry majors are needed to help solve some of society’s most difficult problems through innovation in technology, research and development, and teaching. The Cal Poly Humboldt Biochemistry program prepares students for their chosen careers by providing ample opportunities for hands-on laboratory experience and the ability to choose courses in their interest area.

Chemistry Students in LabChemistry Students in Lab

Did you know?

You’ll get to know your peers in the first year Stars to Rocks place-based learning community, which will familiarize you with Humboldt and the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, and introduce you to new friends.

Our small class sizes and experienced instructors provide a meaningful education, and you’ll gain support from your fellow students.

Chemistry students with additional skills or a highly specialized emphasis have special advantages in the job market.
 

Student standing in a river with a notebook looking at the camera

Career Outcomes

With a strong foundation in biochemistry, you’ll be highly prepared for your future. Our degrees offer excellent preparation for job placement and graduate or professional school. Nearly all of our students go where they want to go after graduation.

  • Biochemist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physical Biochemist 
  • Analytical Biochemist
  • Biotechnology
  • Medical Fields
  • Nanotechnology
  • Environmental Protection
Analysis of iron in water from Pacific surface region by the Flow Injection analysis in the Chemistry Lab

Ready to find what
your future holds?