Chemistry and Biochemistry

Welcome! The UO Chemistry and Biochemistry program prioritizes high quality, supportive student classroom and research experiences that launch careers. Our collaborative and state-of-the-art research programs tackle real-world problems in topics ranging from life sciences to environmentally sustainable materials.

We prepare students for jobs in biotechnology, semiconductors, and many other areas in academic, industrial, and national laboratory settings. Undergraduates have exceptional opportunities to participate in research laboratories, gaining experiential learning experience and making scientific discoveries.


Chemistry and Biochemistry News

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Justin Svendsen has been awarded an F31 NRSA fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for his project, "Development of Affinity-Based Delivery Systems for Angiogenic Growth Factors." The three-year $145,000 award supports a mentored research experience for promising graduate student researchers. Svendsen is a researcher in the Knight Campus lab of of Dr. Marian Hettiaratchi.
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Vickie DeRose, professor and head of chemistry and biochemistry, has been awarded a creativity extension by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research into the structure and function of ribonucleic acid (RNA) through its interactions with metal ions. Fellow chemist Mike Pluth was awarded an NSF creativity extension in 2023 for his work on the role small sulfur-based molecules play in many biological processes. These molecules were likely key species involved in evolution, especially before there was oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere.
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Check out news highlights from 2024 and catch up with alumni in the latest issue of the UO Chemistry and Biochemistry newsletter!

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Chemistry and Biochemistry Events

2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep19
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 19 Willamette Hall
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep20
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 20 Willamette Hall
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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What You Can Do with a Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Studying chemistry and biochemistry develops skills in critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and completing hands-on research. The interdisciplinary nature of our department opens opportunities for students post-graduation. Our alumni have secured careers in the following fields:

  • Atmospheric science
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic science
  • Geological science
  • Medicine and medicinal chemistry
  • Pharmacy and pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Organic and inorganic industry
  • Private research labs and organizations
38
Research AND INSTRUCTIONAL FACULTY
298
CH AND BIC UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
313
PHD AND MA STUDENTS
Biochemistry major Muhammad Khalifa

How Biochemistry Enhances Your Career

“When you get to a place like the University of Oregon, there is so much happening. It’s a large school where there is research going on. It doesn’t really matter what your discipline is. You don’t have to be interested in being a hard-science student who wants to be a doctor to start doing what you want to do now. You can get involved in research in just about every department at the UO.”

Muhammad Khalifa, Biochemistry major, '14

Our Degree Programs

We offer majors and minors in both chemistry and biochemistry. Both majors complete course work in chemistry and biochemistry along with course work in related fields. Undergraduate majors benefit from taking graduate courses in synthetic modeling, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, computational chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and modern instrumental techniques. We also offer master's and PhD programs with rich opportunities for research.

Cathy Wong Laser Lab

Learn from Experts in the Field

Research at UO is organized around broad-based interdisciplinary and interdepartmental research institutes and centers. Students work with experts at institutes devoted to materials science, molecular biology, optics, and theoretical science.

Our faculty support students in furthering these advances taking place at the boundaries between traditionally-defined disciplines.

Students in a lab looking at bottle

Get Real-World Experience

UO research institutes, fellowships, internships, symposiums, and summer research programs all offer chemistry and biochemistry students many opportunities to put learning into action. Students can also earn credits while studying internationally.

Scholarships and Funding

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has a wide range of scholarships and fellowships available for undergraduates.

In the graduate program, most students are offered financial assistance through teaching fellowships. Doctoral students receive support in teaching and research assistantships.

Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Funding

 

Academic Support

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers extensive academic support services for students. In addition to Tykeson Hall, there are peer advisors, a tutor list, TAs, and a dedicated librarian to support students with scientific research and writing.

Faculty advisors are available to help undergraduate and graduate students navigate their degree requirements and educational explorations.

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students


College of Arts and Sciences Events

2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep19
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 19 Willamette Hall
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep20
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 20 Willamette Hall
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching
Sep25
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching Sep 25 Willamette Hall
The Achievement of James Joyce
Sep28
The Achievement of James Joyce Sep 28 Baker Downtown Center
Theatre Arts - New Student Welcome Party
Sep30
Theatre Arts - New Student Welcome Party Sep 30 Miller Theatre Complex
Countdown to Election 2024, with Lynn Vavreck
Oct1
Countdown to Election 2024, with Lynn Vavreck Oct 1 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Undergraduate Get-Together
Oct1
Department of History Undergraduate Get-Together Oct 1 McKenzie Hall
Free Navarasa Dance Workshop at the UO Campus
Oct4
Free Navarasa Dance Workshop at the UO Campus Oct 4 Gerlinger Annex
Department of History Coffee Hour
Oct8
Department of History Coffee Hour Oct 8 McKenzie Hall
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024
Oct9
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024 Oct 9 Willamette Hall

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