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.

biochemistry

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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