If you want to make an impact in healthcare or discover new things about how life works, this major is for you. Biochemistry is a great fit for students who want to launch into one of these goals starting from a rigorous science foundation. We often ask prospective students, “Do you like chemistry, biology, and math?” If your answer is yes, read on.

What do biochemists do?

Biochemists seek to understand life processes in terms of chemical and physical principles. They conduct research in the frontiers of biology, such as:

• Structure and function of macromolecules
• Computational approaches
• Genomic and proteomic technology
• Metabolic networking
• Protein engineering
• Plant biotechnology
• Design and evaluation of therapeutics

Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology provide the basis for much of modern biotechnology. 

Graduates have opportunities in industry, especially the biotechnology sector, in universities, veterinary medical, and medical schools, and government laboratories. Students who meet the necessary high scholastic standards have the opportunity to continue their studies in graduate school, medical school, or veterinary medical school.

The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) offers undergraduate study in biochemistry with three specialization options: Research & Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine, and Biophysics.

Biochemistry majors can study in either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). All three specializations are available within both Colleges.

Research and Biotechnology 

Our most popular specialization. Excellent preparation for competitive and rewarding careers in industry, research, and academia, including pursuing a Ph.D. Customize your plan to fit in research credits or upper-level biotechnology courses that support your specific goals, such as adding a minor in Agronomy or  Genetics.

Pre-Medicine

Designed for pre-health students interested in medical school, pharmacy school,  dental school, or veterinary school. Meet rigorous pre-health coursework requirements while building strategic space to study for entrance exams, complete shadowing or volunteer hours, and compose application essays. You might even customize upper-level science electives to support add-ons such as a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Pre-Med Specialization

Biophysics

An elite specialization for those wanting to develop problem solving and experimental skills for dissecting the molecular details of life processes—specifically, the structures, mechanisms, and thermodynamics of biomolecules. You'll work with physical tools (e.g., cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry) to illuminate the functions of biomolecules in action. Students in this specialization may be interested in add-ons such as the Data Science Certificate.

Schedule a visit!

The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology is excited to welcome any potential students interested in biochemistry and share why our department is a wonderful home for undergraduate study! Our faculty members and current students would be very glad to speak with any potential students and families of students who might like to learn more about our degree programs or to ask questions about them. 

To arrange such a contact (virtual or in-person), please get in touch with our Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Claire Kruesel, by email or phone (515-294-1042). You can also schedule a visit (virtual or in-person) through the Office of Admissions. 

I know I want to study biochemistry. What do I do next?

There is no special departmental application to declare an undergraduate major of biochemistry. Applications for admission to undergraduate study at Iowa State University are evaluated by the Iowa State University Office of Admissions. During your application, select your major of Biochemistry (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) or Biochemistry (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences). Selecting your biochemistry major early in the process helps us connect you with resources as soon as possible. We think our program is fantastic, but rest assured that if it's not a good fit, you can always change majors once you are admitted or even after you've started study at Iowa State.

Who can I talk to?

• Prospective students: Contact Claire Kruesel (kruesel@iastate.edu), Biochemistry (BBMB) Undergraduate Program Coordinator.
• Current students: Reach our to your Academic Advisor or Faculty Mentor (to find out who they are, use the Navigate app). You can also email Claire or stop by her office (1228 Molecular Biology Building).