BA Biochemistry

The Biochemistry track at Portland State University is designed for students seeking to pursue careers in the life sciences, and in addition to quantitative course work on fundamental chemical and physical systems also includes course work in biology as well as in the chemical systems and processes underlying biology.

The Department of Chemistry at Portland State University maintains a teaching program of excellence at the undergraduate level and a graduate program emphasizing cutting-edge research.The Chemistry Department in 1955 was composed of four faculty members, Ors. Erwin F. Lange, Clyde R. Johnson, Philip C. Roberti and John R. Mickelsen.

The Biochemistry course at Portland State University offerings consisted of three versions of freshman chemistry, quantitative analysis, a lower division course in chemical theory and upper division courses in physical chemistry (one term) and organic chemistry (three terms). The laboratory facilities located on the third floor of Lincoln Hall, then known as Old Main, included the slightly renovated chemistry laboratory that formerly had housed the Lincoln High School chemistry laboratory and a remodeled loft.

The remodeled loft deserves special mention because it will be remembered by a generation of organic and analytic students for its dramatic skylight and for its balky plumbing. Dr. Asher Wilson of the Theater Arts Department will probably remember it also since the balky plumbing periodically inundated the curtain, sets, props and stage of the auditorium directly below. Enrollment increases resulted in additions to the faculty and a gradual increase in the number of offerings until a complete undergraduate program was available.

The physical chemistry course was expanded to a three term sequence early in the history of the department. In 1957 Elaine E. Spencer joined the faculty. (She took a leave of absence shortly thereafter to complete a doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Oregon Medical School and returned to the department in 1961.) In 1958 a lower division organic chemistry sequence was added along with a second organic chemist, Dr. James W. Ferguson.

Your Potential To Be Exponential

At Portland State University , you feel like you’re part of a movement. The kind that keeps your classmates rooting for you and your professors pulling for you. You’ll form bonds with faculty and friends in small classes that dive deep into the issues that matter most to you. We are proud to be one of the nation’s most transformative universities. Because every time your success inspires others, you change the world.