Biochemistry

[Yavator]

Hello.

I am a 9º grade student, but i am already concerned about what am i going to study when i finish school. I like chemistry and biology, and i cant get any information about biochemistry.

I would be gratefull if anyone can provide me with any simple information about this area.

 

Thank you.

[Bluenoise]

Umm where to begin.

Well it's basically the study of the chemistry of life. Looking at the chemical processes that underly biology. It generally involves alot of work with proteins. The sort of tools and techniques that are used include biochemical ones and just about everything in molecular biology. The feilds overlap greatly and often the biggest distinguishing factor is what they're looking for, not how they're searching for it.

It also covers alot of varied areas leaving you with many options, you could go and do pure chemistry or biology.

 

The types of courses you'd be taking usually involve a whole lot of varied chemistries and bology courses oriented around things like microbiology, molecular biology, fermentation, biotech etc. Plus a bunch of more biochem focuses courses which most of show up mainly in later years.

 

Umm I don't really know what else to say. Any questions?

[ecoli]

Its my major I'm only a freshman in college, but it's already a lot of work... and it only gets harder, esp. with organic chem. If studying hard is your thing, then biochem would be perfect for you. Its a good major because you can move into a variety of different proffesions and grad./med. schools. The classes you take are good preperation for medical/grad. school (or so I hear from friends).

[Hailstorm]

I think the best way I can describe it is: Chemistry with a purpose.

 

Biochemistry is generally regarded as one of the hardest undergrad degrees, and often takes people 5 years to get their bachelors. The upper level biochem classes are also among the most difficult classes offered (bio can field comparative anatomy..)

 

The major problem with people talking about "Biochemistry" is that it is a blanket term encompassing literally EVERYTHING to do with organism function at the molecular level.

 

If I had to describe biochemistry in one word, it would have to be "mechanisms."

[Yavator]

Thanks for the information. Well, ecoli, do you find it interesting and motivating? I am only hard studing when i feel interested, motivated and chalenged.

[BeYeu05]

Biochemistry is, in short, a study of the chemistry of life. Anything to do with the biotic world and all the cool-chems which are involved - that's our specialty.

 

Are you thinking of going beyond Biochemistry? To say...medical school? Then bravo for you, because Biochemistry is the PERFECT major for pre-med undergraduate. Forget Biology, Chemistry, double majoring, etc. Just go Biochem and you're in for a smooth ride. I mean...IF you find it enjoyable like the rest of us nerds. =)

[prion]

I'm such a biochemistry nerd I've done a batchelor's degree, a PhD and have now gone back to do a masters degree in a specialist area to have a career in the UK health service. (not such a big deal as it sounds as it was much quicker for me than it would be in the US plus I managed to get through my 1st degree just before they started charging tuition fees...) I think the area where biochemistry overlaps with medicine and physiology in general is especially fascinating, as medicine is getting so much more biochemical as time goes on, and a lot of doctors don't like biochemistry, so we need more specialists and more research! I'm training for a career where I work as a biochemist in a hospital and oversee all the blood tests etc and advise the doctors on biochemistry.

 

I also liked chemistry and biology in school and I only studied biochemistry at university because I did a little module of biochemistry as part of my chemistry studies when I was 17 (just before my final school year). It really is about studying how life 'works'. I can't imagine how I would understand the living world if I didn't understand the biochemistry behind it all. I liked it because there is still lots to find out and it's so varied, so as you learn more you can go off and specialise in all kinds of different areas.

[futureless]

I'm thinking of doing Biochemistry at Uni too.

Prion and ecoli, were you at all hesitant before deciding on Biochemistry? I mean I like the course. I think it sounds really interesting, but I dunno... the idea of beng stuck in a lab kinda puts me off a bit.

[insane_alien]

biochemistry, chemistry that wiggles about and occasionaly has a kid.