BA/BS Biochemistry at University of Washington

Programme overview

Biochemistry is the study of the living organism at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. Biochemistry is well suited for students planning a career in biomedical research, the health care professions, or biotechnology.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Chemistry | Duration: 88-94 credits | Intake: autumn quarter | Location: Seattle, WA, United States

What you will study

88-94 credits; General Chemistry (12-15 credits):; one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; (2)CHEM 143, CHEM 153; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165; Organic Chemistry; (18 credits):; one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261, CHEM 262; Biochemistry (6 credits):; BIOC 405, BIOC 406; Physical Chemistry (6 credits):; CHEM 452, CHEM 453; Biology (10 credits):; BIOL 180, BIOL 200; Mathematics (15 credits):

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is capacity constrained. Applicants are considered in the following groups: Direct First-Year Admission, Regular Admission, and Direct Transfer Admission. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision. Applications are considered twice each academic year and are due on October 5th and April 5th, with the exception of Direct First-Year Admission. Refer to the Department of Chemistry website for application and additional information. Direct First-Year Admission Open to first-year students formally admitted to the UW. Indication on the UW first-year application of biochemistry as the student's first choice of major. Direct admission decisions are made in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and are based on holistic review of applicants. Admission is ...

Domestic applicants: USD 12,664 a year (2026-27). Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Undergraduate" Undergraduate rate for tuition-based programs. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes technology fee, services & activities fee, IMA bond and fac Source

International applicants: USD 44,580 a year (2026-27). Non-Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Undergraduate" Undergraduate rate for tuition-based programs. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes technology fee, services & activities fee, IMA bond and Source

First-year entry quarters: Autumn (begins late September), Winter (begins early January; not open to international first-year applicants), Summer (begins mid-June; most degree-seeking students apply for Autumn). Spring quarter is not open to first-year applicants.

Transfer entry: Autumn and Summer quarters; Spring quarter transfer admission is open only to applicants to specific departments in engineering and computer science.

First-year applications for Autumn (and Summer) open August 15 and close November 15; notification March 1-15. Winter applications open August 1 and close September 1, with notification in November and December. The UW does not offer early decision or early action. Apply through the Common App.

First-year application fee is $85 for U.S. students (fee waivers available) and $95 for international students (no fee waivers). Application requires a Common App essay and a self-reported academic record in STARS. SAT/ACT scores are not required for most applicants; homeschooled applicants and applicants from schools without letter or numeric grades must submit SAT or ACT scores. International applicants submit TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting the minimum English proficiency requirement.

Transfer applications for Autumn and Summer open December 15 and close February 28; notification May 1 to June 30. Transfer application fee is $85 (U.S., fee waivers available) or $95 (international, no fee waivers). SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admit.washington.edu/apply/

Explore more study programmes

STEM