Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or General Biology?

[CrazyPremed]

Stupid but interesting question brought up by a co-worker; which is better/applicable to a career in medicine; a biochemistry, molecular biology, or general biology degree?

CrazyPremed

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[katiekate]

Stupid but interesting question brought up by a co-worker; which is better/applicable to a career in medicine; a biochemistry, molecular biology, or general biology degree?

CrazyPremed

This is the way I've thought of the various specialties one can undertake in undergrad:

General Bio is great for science teachers and for those who aren't using hardcore biology and their primary focus post-graduation. For example, someone who wants to go into big pharma but the admin side or anthropologists who are supplementing a history degree. There is much more exposure to botany and non-human biology with a gen. bio cirriculum.

Molecular bio is appropriate for those who are thinking about research as a career as far as subject is concerned. Mol Bio lends to a firmer grasp on lab techniques as well. As for the process of studying molecular bio and understanding the concepts and processes of cellular trafficking and the sort, molecular bio is slightly more analytical than general bio - which is always a better way of preparing for medical school and beyond.

IMHO, biochemistry would be the most applicable to the study of medicine due mainly to the fact that you get such an in-depth understanding of how the body maintains homeostasis, how pharmaceuticals impact biological processes, etc. It's also somewhat more difficult than the other bio tracks because of the amount of information you're expected to master. This is probably most equivalant to the workload that one will undertake in medical school.

Even though I was a traditional bio major in undergrad, I combined the better parts of the moledular bio and biochem tracks that were offered at my school. I didn't take any of the plant or theory based bio classes because I just wasn't interested in any of that. The best track to go really is what interests you more. That way you'll be motivated to learn as much as possible without the burden of viewing all of your classes as obligitory.

 

[ahumdinger]

to the OP: Is physiology an option for you as a major? Not many schools have it, but if you can, study physiology and it will help you a lot in med school. If not, biochem is the way to go. It is also much more enjoyable than general or molecular bio, although arguably more difficult.

 

[CrazyPremed]

Thanks for the comments. If one has more input, feel free to share!

CrazyPremed

 

[McMD]

I think that any of those majors would be fine for the pursuit of medicine. You can study underwater basketweaving as long as you take the required science courses. You are going to learn all that you NEED to learn to become a physician in medical school way more in depth than you ever would in undergrad. Plus, English majors do better on the mcat than most science majors, so really any major is an option.

I was a bio major and I feel that I learned everything that I needed to go to med school, I had to take one botany class, but it was easy (yet pointless)..all my other classes dealt with viruses, AIDS, micro, etc..

 

[67192]

Well, you didn't list it, but Microbio. is pretty applicable to med school. You get to learn about some really interesting pathogens and study the immune system in depth. 👍