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Biochemistry

Biochemists have been at the forefront of advances in Biology and Chemistry — if you’re fascinated by living things and dream of working in a lab, Biochemistry could be your perfect major

A Pitzer student washes a volumetric flask with solvent during a chemistry lab class

About Our Biochemistry Program

  • You’ll learn how to use chemistry and biology to solve biochemical problems and master the practical skills used by chemists and biologists to answer scientific questions.
  • Pitzer’s biochemistry program gives you the tools you need to succeed, whether you’re planning to enter a career in fields ranging from education to biotechnology, or looking to continue your education in graduate school.
  • As a biochemistry major at Pitzer, you’ll take classes and conduct research with world-class faculty from Pitzer and Scripps College through our Department of Natural Sciences.
  • You’ll be able to take advantage of labs, classrooms, offices, and even a community greenhouse in the 65,000 square-foot Nucleus, our new science building.
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At a Glance

Degree Awarded

  • Bachelor of Arts

Field Group

Biochemistry (Department of Natural Sciences)

Program Type

Area of Study

This program is offered through the Department of Natural Sciences

Biochemistry & Our Values

Interdisciplinary Learning

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field, blending insights from biology and chemistry to help answer big questions. You'll have ample opportunity to branch out from its core classes, taking electives in fields from computer science to mathematics.

4 Fields of Study

Biochemistry's core curriculum includes biology, chemistry, math, and physics courses, giving you the breadth of learning you'll need to succeed.

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Student Engagement

At Pitzer, you’ll learn biochemistry both inside and outside the classroom. You’ll have the chance to work in labs, serve as a teaching assistant, and study abroad as you work through your major. 

11+ Research labs in biology and chemistry

As a biochemistry major at Pitzer, you'll have the chance to work on cutting-edge research with your professors.

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Scholars in Action

Pitzer alumnus Ramon Jauregui stands next to a poster that he presented to legislators in Washington, D.C.

Research

Ramon Jauregui ’15, chemistry and political studies major, gave a presentation to legislators in Washington, D.C. on the way alcohol amines — a byproduct of a method used to reduce the carbon emissions of coal-fired power plants — increase pollution.

Michelle Muturi '23, a Pitzer alumna who won a 2023 Napier Award for her work creating building materials from recycled plastic.

Awards

Michelle Muturi '23, biochemistry major, was awarded a 2023 Napier Initiative Award for her work turning junk plastic into recycled plastic bricks called eco-bricks. The vibrant, multicolored blocks were used to build benches, decorative fences, and other structures around her hometown of Nairobi, Kenya.

Read Michelle's Story

Biochemistry Program Details

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What You Will Learn

  1. How to use your knowledge of biology and chemistry to solve biochemical problems.
  2. How to design and conduct experiments.
  3. How to read and understand original research.
  4. How to communicate results and findings.
  5. How to use experimental techniques and skills in chemistry and biology.
     

Learn More

Visit the Biochemistry page in the Pitzer course catalog for more information.

Visit the Biochemistry Page
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Courses required for the Biochemistry major

  • BIOL 043L KS, or BIOL 042L KS and either BIOL 044L KS or BIOL 143 KS; BIOL 157L KS, BIOL 170L KS, BIOL 177 KS.
  • CHEM 014L KS and CHEM 015L KS, or CHEM 042L KS ( or CHEM 029L KS),  CHEM 116L KS, CHEM 117L KS, CHEM 121 KS, CHEM 122 KS, and any two of the following three Advanced Laboratory courses:CHEM 125L KS  , CHEM 126L KS , CHEM 127L KS.
  • PHYS 030L KS, PHYS 031L KS (or PHYS 033L KS, PHYS 034L KS).
  • MATH 030 PZ , MATH 031 PZ.
  • Senior Thesis BIOL 191 KS or BIOL 188L KS and BIOL 190L KS or BIOL 189L KS and BIOL 190L KS.

Learn More

For more information on course requirements, visit the Biochemistry page in the course catalog.

View the Course Catalog
View Course Catalog

Biochemistry Faculty

No profile image for Jennifer Armstrong

Jennifer Armstrong

  • Professor of Biology
No profile image for Amy Babbes

Amy Babbes

  • Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
No profile image for Michael Brown

Michael Brown

  • Biology Education Specialist
No profile image for Sarah Budischak

Sarah Budischak

  • Assistant Professor of Biology
Professor Bethany Caulkins

Bethany Caulkins

  • Assistant Professor of Chemistry
No profile image for Pete Chandrangsu

Pete Chandrangsu

  • Assistant Professor of Biology
No profile image for Thomas Davis

Thomas Davis

  • Lab Lecturer/General Chemistry
No profile image for Brian Duistermars

Brian Duistermars

  • Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
No profile image for Elise Ferree

Elise Ferree

  • Professorial Lecturer in Biology
No profile image for Patrick Ferree

Patrick Ferree

  • Professor of Biology
No profile image for Findley Finseth

Findley Finseth

  • Associate Professor of Biology
No profile image for Franck Fu

Franck Fu

  • Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Professor Sarah Gilman

Sarah Gilman

  • Associate Professor of Biology
No profile image for Mary Hatcher-Skeers

Mary Hatcher-Skeers

  • Professor of Chemistry
  • Scripps Dean of Faculty

Contact Us

Office of Admission

(909) 621-8129

Pitzer Hall, 1st Floor

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