Biochemistry Major

• What is Biochemistry?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Biochemistry?
• What Courses Do Biochemistry Majors Take?
• List of Biochemistry Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Biochemistry Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

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?

Various specializations related to a major in Biochemistry may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Biochemistry	Biological Immunology
Biological Sciences or Life Sciences	Inorganic Chemistry
Medical Biochemistry	Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry

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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.

Is Biochemistry the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Biochemistry Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Biochemistry 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	Chemistry
Foreign Language	Microbiology
Molecular Genetics	Physical Chemistry

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List of Potential Jobs in Biochemistry

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	Engineer
Physical Chemist	Research and Development
Research Assistant

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What is the Median Salary Range for Biochemistry Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$41,700

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$94,200

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. 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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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Biochemistry

MyMajors complete list has 517 schools in the USA with a major in Biochemistry.
-View the national listing!

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