How to prepare being a Biochemistry major?
963827
I am currently a senior with Biochemistry as my major, with hopes of continuing on and getting my Ph.D in that field.\n\n1) I would say that the amount of time required to study for each class will vary depending on your specific abilities, and level of the course which you are taking. It does require a lot of studying, because like other natural sciences you not only have to memorize a great deal of information (structures, mechanims, formulas, techniques) but learn how to apply them. If I would have to give an estimate it would be around 2 hours of studying per credit hour per week regularly, and increase this to 4 as exams get closer.\n\n2) Biochemistry is a topic that touches all parts of the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology) and because of this there is a good deal of dependence on mathematics. At my university you have to take differential and integral calculus, and they strongly recommend Analytical Geometry and Calculus III. This is because courses such as Physical Chemistry, and Advanced Analytical require an understanding of partial derivatives and differential equations. \n\n3) Curves have been more present in my chemistry classes, than in my biology, physics, and math classes. It all depends on the teacher, and how they outline the grading. \n\n4) Biochemistry is a competitive field and good major because the knowledge you will learn is applicable to so many fields. Structural biology, medicine, biotechnology, are just a few of the fields that this major can lead you into. \n\nIn addition, I would like to suggest that you get involved at your university by doing some research with a faculty member. This will not only enhance your understanding of the subject, but may also guide you towards a future in the field.
523011
You should plan on majoring in some science that you will need in medical school, i.e. biology, chemistry, microbiology, etc.\n\n----\n\nDon't get your heart set on one medical school.  If one doesn't accept you, try another.  Med school competition is usually tough, and it might even take 2 or 3 tries at the same school to finally get in.  You would have a better advantage trying for a med school in the state in which you live.  State funded med schools usually have an obligation to give preference to residents of their own state before accepting out of state students.\n\nEven if you decide against med school, you can still use these degrees for other things.  You could possibly get a job working in some medical position in a hospital.  As a chemistry major, you could get a job doing chemical formulas for drug companies.  With any of the degrees, you could teach community college, or get your master's degree and teach at a university.  Depending on your state's requirements, you could possibly teach in a high school.
345699
being a dentist requires the exact same college prep as being a medical doctor...  you should be a pre-med major in some sort of biology. most dental students have a 4-yr degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, zoology, microbiology, etc.  other majors are accepted, but you must take the prereqs designated by the dental school you wish to attend.  you should also join your college's pre-dental society.
285579
A BS degree in biochemistry is helpful, but it is a tough major.  There is a lot of overlap between biochemistry and microbiology, so a lot of people double major in both.  I have a degree in biology and am a biochemist by profession.  Biology is a much easier degree.
833948
Ok...I am a pre-med student wiht a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.  Pre-med means that you will be taking the required courses for getting accepted into a medical school. It is very difficult and stressful. I wish you the best! oh and you can major in anything you want as long as you take the pre-med courses on the side you'll do good. Also it looks good when you have volunteered or are actively involved in organizations or clubs. Apply to a college who has a good reputation for preparing students for Med School. Good Luck!!!
978542
I was a biology major (unofficially) my freshman year, and I got a GOOD taste of what it is like. I can tell you right now the hardest class for most people is organic chemistry. It was hard for me, and I had no trouble in calculus, 300 level (for juniors) biology classes, and I absolutely aced the general chem classes. You have to memorize a ton of material, AND understand the concepts inside out. Actually, organic wasn't that bad, but I dropped it mid-semester because after reading 300 pages of chemical structures and reactions, I was bored to the point of insanity, and we all know it is hard to do well in something if you're bored. I did have a bad teacher too though.The biology classes seem like more memorization than anything else, so if you have a good memory like me, you should do well in them, but of course you need a basic understanding of chemistry to do well in biology. As always though, if you are truly interested in the subject (I don't think I was), you can succeed.
1051878
Any where  u go but be prepare well and practice in the lab .\nThats all.
989541
Go to college first!  You don't have to be a"pre-med/biology" major- actually, medical schools like to have applicants who majored in non-science fields- but make sure you take the med school prerequisites (usually a bunch of science classes including organic chem, physics, some math).  Don't listen to what other people say, do what it is that interests you.
301708
Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology.  Chemistry IS rough, but you have to do it if you want this as a career...both P Chem and Orgo.  You can take the classes you enjoy for political science for your "CORE" credits or consider double majoring.  Or don't listen to me...I have a degree in bioanthropology and I ended up being a logistician for the government.  Go figure.  :D
1135627
you definetely need biology (especially molecular biology and anything to do with genetics, but don't neglect your general biology), you need chemistry (nope, can't escape from it, especially organic chemistry), you need biochemistry, some math and some physics ( you'll eventually find them useful).
693950
The current researches in chemistry are mostly compound making for the pharmaceutical industry. You will be synthesizing molecules for a living (BOOOORING)\n\nIn biology, you'll most likely study plants and animals, their habitats...\n\nI suggest biochemistry. You study life at a molecular level (inside the cell). It's very interesting and you get a thorough formation on all aspects of life. Once you get a degree in this, you will know what you like and then decide what research you want to do.\n\nOh, and with a biochemistry degree, you can do research in virtually every field from physics to chemistry to microbiology to clinical studies.
631387
A few things I did when I was studying:\n\n1. Visualize the reactions as animated. Try to actually imagine the atoms/molecules detaching from so-and-so location and going to the other. Makes it easier to spot patterns across different reactions.\n\n2. Study a few of the toughest bits right before you go to bed. Your subconscious tends to latch on to whatever you are thinking about when you go to sleep, so the next morning, you'll find those parts easy to understand. This really works, and not only for Organic Chemistry.\n\n3. Another user has suggested Flash Cards. I'd prefer 'cheat sheets' - complete sheets of paper with concise descriptions of the toughest bits, glued to your bathroom mirror or kept at your dining table to casual referral whenever you happen to pass that way. \n\nHope this helps. Best of luck for your final!
407747
Give up with the states- come to Oxford.\nIts amazing for Biochem.
663231
Firstly, if you really want to pursue this as a career you need to understand science fairly well. I hope you are doing the correct subjects.There are a number of factors you will need to consider which makes up the human body. Maybe talk to your career adviser and they can assist with ensuring you are completing the right subjects. \n\nSecondly, review what courses are available. You may need to travel a great deal to get the best one so really do some research. Your careers adviser will also assist with providing you some great places to study. \n\nThirdly, refer the websites of nutritionists and find one that makes sense to you. Ask them how they went about this and they can also assist in providing you some information. \n\nGood luck!
697716
Math makes everything easier.  If you're still in high school, you should take math until the very end.  Most colleges that offer science degrees, like the one you're talking about, require that you take at least two classes of upper level math.  At most schools this means calculus.\n\nYou will need good math skills to handle the chemistry and physics involved in biochem.  At my college, a biochem degree requires 4 classes of upper division chemistry on top of 2 classes required for your basics.  Biochem is extremely math oriented even though it is biology.  Taking plenty of math now will make things easier in the long run.
179347
Biochemistry can deal with pharmaceuticals, agriculture, medicine or any number of other industries.  Check the link below for a rather interesting list.
762360
Tons. It's an incredibly hard major in college but the possibilities in that field are so diverse and interesting. If you can take the course load and really enjoy lab work, it's an amazing field to get into.