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 – An interdisciplinary team led by chemist Matthias Agne has secured an NSF grant for a cryogen-free, state-of-the-art MRI Physical Property Measurement tool that will enable next-generation energy and quantum materials research and education at the University of Oregon. 

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Check out the latest in faculty, student and alumni news in our Winter 2025 Chemistry and Biochemistry Newsletter!
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - How do we solve big problems like the looming energy crisis? Undergraduate researcher Favour Foday seeks solutions to the work's most pressing problems—like antibiotic resistance in livestock to energy usage—using biochemistry and bioengineering.

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Chemistry and Biochemistry Events

Physical Chemistry Seminar - Measuring Energy Landscapes for Biomolecules with Native Mass Spectrometry
Feb10
Physical Chemistry Seminar - Measuring Energy Landscapes for Biomolecules with Native Mass Spectrometry Feb 10 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: A Journey from Long Acenes to Cyclacenes
Feb10
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: A Journey from Long Acenes to Cyclacenes Feb 10 Willamette Hall
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
2025 Chemistry Department Commencement Ceremony
Jun15
2025 Chemistry Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 15 Southwest Campus Green
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: Data are a Girl’s Best Friend: From High-Throughput Computation to Generative Deep Learning
Jan31
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: Data are a Girl’s Best Friend: From High-Throughput Computation to Generative Deep Learning Jan 31 Willamette Hall

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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

POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb8
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 8 Miller Theatre Complex
Coffee Shop Chat with Profs Kohler and Sayre
Feb10
Coffee Shop Chat with Profs Kohler and Sayre Feb 10 Lawrence Hall
Physical Chemistry Seminar - Measuring Energy Landscapes for Biomolecules with Native Mass Spectrometry
Feb10
Physical Chemistry Seminar - Measuring Energy Landscapes for Biomolecules with Native Mass Spectrometry Feb 10 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb10
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 10 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: A Journey from Long Acenes to Cyclacenes
Feb10
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: A Journey from Long Acenes to Cyclacenes Feb 10 Willamette Hall
History Pub Lecture Series: “The History of Pre-History: How Archaeology Began"  
Feb10
History Pub Lecture Series: “The History of Pre-History: How Archaeology Began"   Feb 10 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb11
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 11 McKenzie Hall
How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities
Feb13
How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities Feb 13
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb13
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb14
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 14 Miller Theatre Complex

All department events »