by Love Biology and Chemistry? ….well meet your future major: Biochemistry!
A Biochemistry Major focuses on:
- The scientific study of the chemistry of living systems
- Fundamental chemical substances and reactions
- Chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- Includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
What types 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.
Courses for Biochemistry students (including but not limited to):
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular and Celluar Biology
- Gene Expression
- Organismal Biology
- Calculus
- Physics
- General Education Requirements (depending on enrolled college or university)
Check out a sample schedule of courses from Northeastern University
This major requires students to take chemistry and science courses early in freshmen year to meet requirements for graduation.
Students can focus on a range of specialties such as:
- Zoology
- Physiology
- Neurobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Botany
- Paleontology
- Biological Science Education
- Not sure what to major in? Take the college major quiz.
There are over 520 colleges and universities that offer a Biochemistry Major.
Future careers for Biochemistry Majors:
Biochemist, biophysicists, biological technician, biomedical engineer, chemist, epidermiologists, medical scientists, microbiologists, physician, surgeon, postsecondary teachers, zoologists and wildlife biologists.
*Most careers in Biochemistry require a Ph.D.
2012 Median Salary for a Biochemist was $89,470 per year. Total estimated employed in the U.S. 26,410.
*Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
