Biochemistry
Major
What
is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the discipline in which
scientists combine chemistry and biology to investigate
living systems and their relationship to the environment.
Some specializations of biochemistry include microbiology,
the study of microorganisms, and zoology, the study of
animals. A biochemist is concerned with what effects the
environment, diseases, foods and chemicals have on living
things. Most biochemists engage in research, industrial
or food industry biochemistry and clinical (hospital industry)
biochemistry. Biochemists develop methods for testing,
run the tests, and write reports about the results of
the tests. The testing is to develop new technologies,
treatments, medicines and vaccines for treating diseases
and reducing other environmental concerns. Other biochemists
tend to work in universities, private laboratories, cosmetics
industries, and agricultural research for the government.
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What
are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
Biochemistry |
Medical
Biochemistry |
Inorganic
Chemistry |
Biological
Immunology |
Organic
Chemistry |
Physical
Chemistry |
Biological
Sciences or Life Sciences |
|
|
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What
Kinds of Students Major in Biochemistry
A biochemistry major must possess strong
skills in chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics.
Other required skills include good writing and verbal
skills. A student interested in biochemistry may like
to perform experiments or is inquisitive about how things
work.
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What
Courses Do Biochemistry Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Biochemistry |
Microbiology |
Chemistry |
Molecular
Genetics |
Foreign
Language |
Physical
Chemistry |
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What
Types of Positions do Biochemistry Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Chemist |
Research
Assistant |
Engineer |
Physical
Chemist |
Research
and Development |
|
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
