BS Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major introduces students to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques that are used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules. Students who enjoy both chemistry and biology and who are comfortable with quantitative approaches to problem solving will find this major a rewarding field of study. The upper division curriculum in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program begins with the three-course, upper-division common curriculum that introduces the principles of biochemistry and genetics.

Faculty: College of Biological Sciences | Department: Molecular & Cellular Biology | Duration: 109 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 109 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, electives components. Required courses include PHY 007C General Physics and General Physics and General Physics OR; BIS 101 Genes & Gene Expression; BIS 101V Genes & Gene Expression; BIS 102V Structure & Function of Biomolecules; BIS 104 Cell Biology.

Career pathways

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching, or service career in the life sciences. Positions are open to biochemists in bio-medical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, agricultural research, and some chemical industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Biological Sciences; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions

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