Biochemistry Major – Description, Courses, Colleges, Careers, Salary

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.

Image from Liberty University

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

 

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