BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at University of California, Irvine

Programme overview

Few areas of Biological Sciences remain that are not impacted by studies at the chemical and molecular level. The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide a comprehensive background in this modern, conceptual understanding of biology. Students who wish to begin in-depth study of the molecular basis in any of a variety of fields, including development, gene expression, immunology, pathogenesis, disease, virology, and evolution, can do so through this major.

Faculty: Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Irvine, CA, United States

Career pathways

In addition, and particularly with the explosive growth in biotechnology and its significant influence in everyday life, graduates could use their backgrounds very effectively to pursue careers in business, education, law, and public affairs.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applies to admission to the university and this major, not a programme-specific cut-off: The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major are due in the spring (typically of the second year). Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website . Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for California residents entering Fall 2026 (Tuition Stability Plan, held flat for that entering class). Tuition line only; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance. Applies to all undergraduate majors. Nonresi Source

UCI operates on a quarter system (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer quarters). First-year and transfer applicants apply for Fall entry; the UC Application for fall 2027 admission is open for submission from October 1 to November 30.

UC Application submission period for fall 2027 admission and scholarships: October 1 to November 30 (application opens August 1). Application fee is $80 for domestic applicants and $95 for international and non-immigrant applicants, payable by credit card or by mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses for qualified students. UC Irvine does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.

Dance, B.Mus. and Arts applicants complete an audition/portfolio process, December 1 to January 31; Drama applicants may submit an optional portfolio or audition. Priority deadline for transfer and second baccalaureate applicants to submit the Transfer Academic Update (TAU) is January 31.

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://uci.edu/admissions/

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