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 Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, June 15, 2025
4:00–6:00 p.m.
SW Campus Green

More Commencement information

Chemistry and Biochemistry News

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - After serving four years as undersecretary for science and innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy, College of Arts and Sciences chemistry professor Geraldine “Geri” Richmond is back at the University of Oregon. Richmond was one of the top science officers in the federal government, overseeing billions of dollars in research spending on some of the nation’s highest science priorities, including quantum computing, clean energy and national security.
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Undergraduates regularly participate in faculty research on green materials and technology, experiential learning happens early and often—and ultimately helps students launch careers in which they’re empowered to help create a more sustainable future.
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, scientists around the globe are racing the clock to mitigate its impact. Although time is running out to meet the original goal outlined in the Paris Agreement—achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius—CAS chemists are hard at work tackling the problem from a variety of angles.

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Chemistry and Biochemistry Events

Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
2025 Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Commencement Ceremony
Jun15
2025 Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 15 Southwest Campus Green

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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.

MSTC student working on experiencement

Get a Materials Science Degree

Want to help develop the next generation of sustainable materials? Or land a high-demand job in the semiconductor industry? Oregon's first materials science and technology undergrad major offers an interdisciplinary grounding in both the chemistry and physics of materials science.

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

Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature
Apr23
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature Apr 23 Knight Library
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr23
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 23 McKenzie Hall
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities
Apr24
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities Apr 24 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy
Apr24
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy Apr 24 McKenzie Hall
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor
Apr24
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor Apr 24 William W. Knight Law Center
Take Back The Night
Apr24
Take Back The Night Apr 24 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang
Apr24
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang Apr 24 Lawrence Hall
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “The Violence of Love: Race, Adoption, and Family in the United States.”
Apr25
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “The Violence of Love: Race, Adoption, and Family in the United States.” Apr 25 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society Presents: Study and Sustenance
Apr25
Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society Presents: Study and Sustenance Apr 25 McKenzie Hall

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