Biochemistry
Explore the chemical processes within and related to living organisms
What You'll Study
Biochemistry is where Biology meets Chemistry. You study life at the molecular level—proteins, DNA, metabolism, and cells. It is the key to modern medicine, genetics, and biotechnology.
- Molecular Genetics
- Metabolism
- Cell Biology
- Enzymology
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Lab Techniques (PCR, Chromatography)
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You are fascinated by DNA and how life works
- ✓You liked both Biology and Chemistry in high school
- ✓You are interested in curing diseases (cancer, genetic disorders)
- ✓You are detail-oriented and patient in the lab
- ✓You are considering Med School or a PhD
- ✓You want to understand the "machinery" of life
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You dislike memorizing pathways and structures
- ✕You struggle with abstract chemical concepts
- ✕You prefer studying animals/plants (Ecology) over molecules
- ✕You want a job with no lab work
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Are you interested in how vaccines work?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Biomedical Engineer
Apply engineering principles to healthcare, developing medical devices, prosthetics, and diagnostic equipment.
Physician (MD)
Diagnose and treat illnesses, prevent disease, and improve patient health through medical expertise.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients, and ensure safe and effective pharmaceutical care.
Data Scientist
Analyze complex data sets to derive insights that drive business decisions. Combine statistics, programming, and domain expertise.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Biochemist
- •Laboratory Manager
- •Pharmaceutical Sales
- •Forensic Scientist
- •Physician (MD)
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Extract DNA from a strawberry (easy kitchen experiment).
Research a genetic disease and explain the molecular error behind it.
Build a 3D model of a protein using free molecular visualization software (PyMOL student).
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes, it requires more Chemistry and Physics.
Excellent. It covers almost all MCAT topics deeply.
Yes, as a lab tech or in sales. Research leads usually equate to PhD.
Bio = Life (can be ecology, zoology). Biochem = Molecular Life (chemicals).
Moderate. Calculus and Stats are needed for kinetics and thermodynamics.
Ready to Explore This Major?
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