Biochemistry or Biology - HELP

[JerryAf]

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Hey everyone, I'm a pre-med hopeful going into second year and deciding whether I should stick to my current major, Biological Sciences, or transfer into Biochemistry.

I've been told by numerous people that Biochemistry will ruin my dreams of a high gpa (3.73 ATM) and I should stick with Biology - however, Biology gets extremely dry (memorization) and if I don't make into medical school, I'm going to be stuck with a biology degree with which all I can really do is stick to academia or research (neither of which are well-paying nor interesting to me).

Biochemistry seems quite interesting (the organic chemistry, which I hear is rape, seems like a lot of fun), but it's supposedly impossible to get a good mark in...

What should I do?

 

[Guero]

Hey everyone, I'm a pre-med hopeful going into second year and deciding whether I should stick to my current major, Biological Sciences, or transfer into Biochemistry.

I've been told by numerous people that Biochemistry will ruin my dreams of a high gpa (3.73 ATM) and I should stick with Biology - however, Biology gets extremely dry (memorization) and if I don't make into medical school, I'm going to be stuck with a biology degree with which all I can really do is stick to academia or research (neither of which are well-paying nor interesting to me).

Biochemistry seems quite interesting (the organic chemistry, which I hear is rape, seems like a lot of fun), but it's supposedly impossible to get a good mark in...

What should I do?

Well, you'll be stuck in academia/research with either major. So that point is moot. If you're doing well, I'd recommend sticking with biology. There's no denying that good grades go a long way in the admissions process. Even if it's dry, if it's easy you can concentrate on your ECs and making your application shine in other areas to increase your chances.

If you're really bored with biology, diversify your schedule by taking more interesting classes, be they biochem, psych, history, sociology, art, whatever interests you. Adcoms also like to see a good diversity in your classes. It might be a good idea to take a bit more psych and sociology, though, since those subjects will be on your version of the MCAT.

GL

 

[Silverflash]

Biochem is heavy on the memorization just like Biology. And, in my opinion, it's less fun/interesting. Different for everyone, but after seeing my two Biochem-major roommates in Biochem 2, and taking Biochem 1 this semester myself, I can't imagine being a Biochem major.

 

[deleted407021]

I am assuming you have taken your gen chem classes? What impression did they give you about chemistry and how does it compare to your experience with Biology? In most schools, biology is an easier major than chemistry, and that is why most 'premeds' do it. It depends on what you prefer and enjoy. Do you like science more than art/history/psych? I love biology and that is why I am doing it. Figure out what you are best at/like most and you shouldn't worry about getting rejected and living with a 'useless' degree, because you will have the grades and personal experience to get in. I hope this helped.

 

[SteinmetzMD]

I agree with Guero. Keep your good grades, use the extra time to build your EC's!

 

[ih371990]

As a biochem/mol bio major, I can tell u that both are quite memorization heavy. Didnt take many bio courses like zoology or ecology or what not so couldnt comment on those. If u can memorize pathways and know why its important and thats pretty much an A. Plus u will see it in med school anyway.

 

[chillaxbro]

Biochem is memorization with problem solving

You have to take ochem either way

 

[Guero]

Biochem is memorization with problem solving

You have to take ochem either way

FWIW, I found biochem to be the linchpin of all of my pre-meds. It amalgamated facets of bio, physics, chem, and organic into a well oiled machine. It made SO much sense and was so relevant to physiology/pathology/pharmacology. I loved it.

 

[JerryAf]

So what should I do?
What degree will offer me a decent backup if biochemistry is also just going to lead into academia?

I don't want to ruin my dreams as a pre-med but I don't want to do solely biology because half of it is so darn boring!

 

[Guero]

So what should I do?
What degree will offer me a decent backup if biochemistry is also just going to lead into academia?

I don't want to ruin my dreams as a pre-med but I don't want to do solely biology because half of it is so darn boring!

Like the other poster suggested, don't focus on what would be a good backup. In the unlikely event you don't make it, merely having a degree will open doors you wouldn't otherwise have if you're willing to work outside of your major. Focus on doing well, having fun, and broadening your horizons. I assure you, it's not worth obsessing over unless you're miserable. If you're miserable, just pursue what makes you happy while pursuing premeds on the side. People are admitted with majors ranging from art to Latin.

Plus, as others have stated, we believe you'll make it into med school with your current track record, work ethic, and personality.

 

[ih371990]

So what should I do?
What degree will offer me a decent backup if biochemistry is also just going to lead into academia?

I don't want to ruin my dreams as a pre-med but I don't want to do solely biology because half of it is so darn boring!

Higher level courses get more interesting. Is Bio the only thing u have experience with? Plus, theres always gonna be a ton of memorization if you are gonna go med. And u can apply med with any major so...you are not limited to bio/biochem.

 

[JerryAf]

Biology is too boring. That's the only backdrop to it other than the backup career situation.

And do you think my track record is good?
I've got 3 months volunteer at a clinic, starter of a fundraiser for stem-cell research, worked at a finance office, I've got a GPA of 3.72 on the OMSAS scale (all A except one B) or 85% average. I'm going to do MCAT prep soon after next year.

 

[JerryAf]

Higher level courses get more interesting. Is Bio the only thing u have experience with? Plus, theres always gonna be a ton of memorization if you are gonna go med. And u can apply med with any major so...you are not limited to bio/biochem.

I've taken physics and chemistry as well. Physics is a interesting but quite tough. I struggled in the hardest first year physics and survived with an 82% (which was supposedly one of the highest marks - yes, the marks were that low). I've walked out of first year chemistry with an 89% though.

 

[Guero]

Biology is too boring. That's the only backdrop to it other than the backup career situation.

And do you think my track record is good?
I've got 3 months volunteer at a clinic, starter of a fundraiser for stem-cell research, worked at a finance office, I've got a GPA of 3.72 on the OMSAS scale (all A except one B) or 85% average. I'm going to do MCAT prep soon after next year.

Yes, you're on an awesome, awesome track. Keep up the great work and study hard for the MCAT! Buy all of the AAMC practice tests in addition to study materials and only keep your test date if you're comfortable with how you're performing on those tests, as they're the best predictor of how you'll fare on the actual MCAT. (I would've waited myself if I wasn't under a strict timeline; thankfully it all worked out for me in the end.)

 

[ih371990]

Sounds like you are doing great. Take guero's advice in his posts and pretty much golden.

 

[JerryAf]

Yes, you're on an awesome, awesome track. Keep up the great work and study hard for the MCAT! Buy all of the AAMC practice tests in addition to study materials and only keep your test date if you're comfortable with how you're performing on those tests, as they're the best predictor of how you'll fare on the actual MCAT. (I would've waited myself if I wasn't under a strict timeline; thankfully it all worked out for me in the end.)

Thank you for the support! That really meant a lot and made me feel that I might just make it. I still feel inadequate, however, but I do not see why I won't make it if my GPA is high, MCAT is high, and I have decent ECs. I don't think I have a bad personality and I'm not in it for the money so I think the interview should be fine... As for the MCAT, should I do it next year? I want to apply once my third year is complete.

Sounds like you are doing great. Take guero's advice in his posts and pretty much golden.

Thanks man, are you also in medical school?

 

[alexlex143]

I feel like half my classes have been chemistry and I'm on the Microbiology track. A lot of biology IS chemistry once you get to upper division. I don't know about your school, but I know that double-majoring in Bio and Biochem is not that much extra in terms of coursework where I go, depending on your Bio option/focus. Maybe look into that?

I've rather enjoyed Biochem for many of the reasons already previously mentioned, but I honestly think you would need to take some classes yourself and figure out if you like it or not. You'll need to take it eventually for Bio and it'll only help you IMO when it comes to studying for the MCAT.

Good luck

 

[Espadaleader]

A biochemistry degree is the wrong thing to do. Do you want to take physical chemistry, analytical chemistry etc.? If that is no, you should stick with BIO. Get your As in bio chemistry and organic chemistry and move on. A biochemistry degree is a chemistry degree. Remember that. So many premeds come on here with the same thing saying they're bored with classes. No one really cares as long as you have great grades and the prereqs. Use the extra time to publish, MCAT study etc. Literally, when my other friends were in analytical lab I was studying for MCAT. Now there is a chance you really love biochemistry and if that is true go for it. If not, dont do it. Number one rule is protect your GPA and know your limit.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Hey everyone, I'm a pre-med hopeful going into second year and deciding whether I should stick to my current major, Biological Sciences, or transfer into Biochemistry.

I've been told by numerous people that Biochemistry will ruin my dreams of a high gpa (3.73 ATM) and I should stick with Biology - however, Biology gets extremely dry (memorization) and if I don't make into medical school, I'm going to be stuck with a biology degree with which all I can really do is stick to academia or research (neither of which are well-paying nor interesting to me).

Biochemistry seems quite interesting (the organic chemistry, which I hear is rape, seems like a lot of fun), but it's supposedly impossible to get a good mark in...

What should I do?

Does a bachelors in biochem really give you many more backup options than a bachelor's in bio? My impression is that you would need a PhD to go much further than research assistant regardless of whether you have a bachelors in bio or biochem.

As the other posters have mentioned, I would just continue the path you're currently on. You can always look into other professional schools or grad school when the need arises and if you are interested.

 

[JerryAf]

A biochemistry degree is the wrong thing to do. Do you want to take physical chemistry, analytical chemistry etc.? If that is no, you should stick with BIO. Get your As in bio chemistry and organic chemistry and move on. A biochemistry degree is a chemistry degree. Remember that. So many premeds come on here with the same thing saying they're bored with classes. No one really cares as long as you have great grades and the prereqs. Use the extra time to publish, MCAT study etc. Literally, when my other friends were in analytical lab I was studying for MCAT. Now there is a chance you really love biochemistry and if that is true go for it. If not, dont do it. Number one rule is protect your GPA and know your limit.

Yeah you`re right. The courses involved in that program are practically useless to me - half of them have no relevance to the MCAT... I think I`m going to stick with Biology and just take the prerequisites and apply. I probably will have extra time in bio in comparison to other programs for ECs so I should probably stay eh? Hope for the best, gotta kill the MCAT!!!

Does a bachelors in biochem really give you many more backup options than a bachelor's in bio? My impression is that you would need a PhD to go much further than research assistant regardless of whether you have a bachelors in bio or biochem.

As the other posters have mentioned, I would just continue the path you're currently on. You can always look into other professional schools or grad school when the need arises and if you are interested.

Yep you're right. I looked more carefully into biochemistry, it's really not a big improvement... Still stuck with academia... I'd have to change majors to like...business? Engineering? Something along those lines to have a REAL backup outside of academia. Biology is perhaps the way to go then!?

 

[JohnFe]

Yeah you`re right. The courses involved in that program are practically useless to me - half of them have no relevance to the MCAT... I think I`m going to stick with Biology and just take the prerequisites and apply. I probably will have extra time in bio in comparison to other programs for ECs so I should probably stay eh? Hope for the best, gotta kill the MCAT!!!



Yep you're right. I looked more carefully into biochemistry, it's really not a big improvement... Still stuck with academia... I'd have to change majors to like...business? Engineering? Something along those lines to have a REAL backup outside of academia. Biology is perhaps the way to go then!?

Just to chime in I majored in Microbiology (specific niche in BioSciences). You can get a back-up job as a biologist/chemistry/microbiologist/biochemist/etc in the industry. It may not be your cup of tea but it is work experience and you can move up. (something to think about for back-up plans).

Just suck it up, do well and prosper.

Don't over think your future, you will do fine.

Focus on the NOW and do well in your classes/ECs/Research/Volunteer/etc.

 

[JESSFALLING]

Does a bachelors in biochem really give you many more backup options than a bachelor's in bio?

There's a lot of industry jobs that you can land with a mere B.S. in Biochemistry... Take modern winemaking, for example, it's quite a technical process, and a biology degree won't due.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

There's a lot of industry jobs that you can land with a mere B.S. in Biochemistry... Take modern winemaking, for example, it's quite a technical process, and a biology degree won't due.

Oh ok. I honestly didn't know. Not a science major.

 

[JohnFe]

There's a lot of industry jobs that you can land with a mere B.S. in Biochemistry... Take modern winemaking, for example, it's quite a technical process, and a biology degree won't due.

Here are some usable degrees for industry: (From my supervisor)

-Microbiology (almost all pharmaceutical/food/cosmetic companies have a micro department)
-Chemistry or Biochemistry (same as above)
-Bio medical/electrical/medical/chemical engineering

According to him, the problem with biology majors is that it is very GENERAL and vague. They will not hire you.

However, if you do have a strong research background (ie. micro or molecular biology). You can have a position as lab assistant. (Less pay compare to industry positions)

just my 0.02

 

[Espadaleader]

That's bogus. People will hire you as a BIO major. What world do you live in? Research talks and if you have substantive research experience you will be hired. They don't care about major per se. Can you do RT PCR, RNA extraction, (X procedure) you will be hired. Trust me, if you are just a biochemistry major and you are applying for a research assistant position for a lab and you don't have experience with their technique you will be at a disadvantage to the BIO major with the experience.

To the OP, you are a brilliant student. Focus on the specific biochemistry techniques that you want to do in industry.

 

[Xenops]

Here are some usable degrees for industry: (From my supervisor)

-Microbiology (almost all pharmaceutical/food/cosmetic companies have a micro department)
-Chemistry or Biochemistry (same as above)
-Bio medical/electrical/medical/chemical engineering

According to him, the problem with biology majors is that it is very GENERAL and vague. They will not hire you.

However, if you do have a strong research background (ie. micro or molecular biology). You can have a position as lab assistant. (Less pay compare to industry positions)

just my 0.02

This is my understanding. I know of people that have biology degrees and they are working...in a coffee house. 😳

 

[justforgotfrag]

I personally find biochemistry more interesting than biology. I am a big o-chem guy, so mechanism is a big part of my life. Biology doesn't make sense to me because it is all about memorization with no mechanism to back it up(my opinion), whereas biochemistry is still biology but with chemistry or mechanism to back up the concept. Thus, it is so much easier for me to learn biochemistry than biology. It really depends on what kind of learner you are

 

[Darcy Austen]

Here are some usable degrees for industry: (From my supervisor)

-Microbiology (almost all pharmaceutical/food/cosmetic companies have a micro department)
-Chemistry or Biochemistry (same as above)
-Bio medical/electrical/medical/chemical engineering

According to him, the problem with biology majors is that it is very GENERAL and vague. They will not hire you.

However, if you do have a strong research background (ie. micro or molecular biology). You can have a position as lab assistant. (Less pay compare to industry positions)

just my 0.02

I would add CLS to that list. You can work in the lab, a lot of the classes are on track with med school, and the pay isn't bad. Plus, you get a phlebotomy cert too.

Other than that, biomed/chemical engineering are great for work.


in addition, physical chemistry sucks...

 

[Guero]

Thank you for the support! That really meant a lot and made me feel that I might just make it. I still feel inadequate, however, but I do not see why I won't make it if my GPA is high, MCAT is high, and I have decent ECs. I don't think I have a bad personality and I'm not in it for the money so I think the interview should be fine... As for the MCAT, should I do it next year? I want to apply once my third year is complete.
. . .

You're very welcome. I'd try to take the MCAT in January of the year you apply. That will allow you more than enough time to study and schedule more than one retake if necessary while also allowing you time to have completed more upper level science courses to improve both your knowledge base and problem solving skills.

Cheers!

 

[JerryAf]

You're very welcome. I'd try to take the MCAT in January of the year you apply. That will allow you more than enough time to study and schedule more than one retake if necessary while also allowing you time to have completed more upper level science courses to improve both your knowledge base and problem solving skills.

Cheers!

I want to apply during my third year. Many Canadian medical schools accept third year students and I plan on being more competitive by then so...

Just one last thing, should I take organic in my third year or second? My second year is full with 5 biology courses but it's recommended to take organic in second, but my third year is relaxed but at the same time, I want to do my MCAT in third year and I need organic for that... So??????? 🙁

 

[JohnFe]

I want to apply during my third year. Many Canadian medical schools accept third year students and I plan on being more competitive by then so...

Just one last thing, should I take organic in my third year or second? My second year is full with 5 biology courses but it's recommended to take organic in second, but my third year is relaxed but at the same time, I want to do my MCAT in third year and I need organic for that... So??????? 🙁

Can you drop some bio classes to have room for orgo? If those bio classes can wait (eg upper division ones like immunology/genetics), I suggest take 3 bio classes + orgo.

Again, this is not a race. Focus on your studies and extra curricular activities.

 

[Guero]

I want to apply during my third year. Many Canadian medical schools accept third year students and I plan on being more competitive by then so...

Just one last thing, should I take organic in my third year or second? My second year is full with 5 biology courses but it's recommended to take organic in second, but my third year is relaxed but at the same time, I want to do my MCAT in third year and I need organic for that... So??????? 🙁

If you're set on applying in your third year, the advice remains the same with taking the MCAT in January if possible. If not, you could always take a later MCAT once you finish Orgo II in the spring, perhaps around July, which is pushing it and doesn't leave you time for a retake. But if you didn't get in to your Canadian schools, you'd have another year to reapply Canadian and apply to schools in the states for the first time. Although Orgo isn't heavy in your MCAT's bio section, there will be enough questions that if you don't take Orgo, your score will suffer. I thus recommend that you drop a bio course or two to make room to complete your two semesters of Orgo before taking the MCAT.

GL

 

[ih371990]

Thank you for the support! That really meant a lot and made me feel that I might just make it. I still feel inadequate, however, but I do not see why I won't make it if my GPA is high, MCAT is high, and I have decent ECs. I don't think I have a bad personality and I'm not in it for the money so I think the interview should be fine... As for the MCAT, should I do it next year? I want to apply once my third year is complete.



Thanks man, are you also in medical school?

Just got in this past cycle! 🙂

 

[JerryAf]

Can you drop some bio classes to have room for orgo? If those bio classes can wait (eg upper division ones like immunology/genetics), I suggest take 3 bio classes + orgo.

Again, this is not a race. Focus on your studies and extra curricular activities.

I don't think I can drop bio classes because I'm in bio as a major. Also, they are mostly half credits. So I don't think I will have 5 in one semester.

If you're set on applying in your third year, the advice remains the same with taking the MCAT in January if possible. If not, you could always take a later MCAT once you finish Orgo II in the spring, perhaps around July, which is pushing it and doesn't leave you time for a retake. But if you didn't get in to your Canadian schools, you'd have another year to reapply Canadian and apply to schools in the states for the first time. Although Orgo isn't heavy in your MCAT's bio section, there will be enough questions that if you don't take Orgo, your score will suffer. I thus recommend that you drop a bio course or two to make room to complete your two semesters of Orgo before taking the MCAT.

GL

This January or next? I plan on studying next upcoming summer to prepare for NEXT (not the upcoming) January's MCATS (when I will be in third year). I would drop biology courses but like said, it's my major and they are half credits.

http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2013/undergrad/biol.html
Honours program, year 2.

Finished first year with:
Chemistry: 86% - 3.9 (my gpa is calculated by my school's scale which is on the OMSAS scale)
Biology: 86% - 3.9
Physics I: 82% -3.7
Statistics: 90% - 4.00
Calculus I: 82% - 3.7
Microeconomics: 87% - 3.9
French: 73% - 3.00

Running total cGPA: 3.73 , sGPA: 3.84 (not counting microeconomics and french).

Just got in this past cycle! 🙂

Congratulations man! 🙂

 

[JerryAf]

bumppppppppppppp

 

[GreatDeku]

Hey everyone, I'm a pre-med hopeful going into second year and deciding whether I should stick to my current major, Biological Sciences, or transfer into Biochemistry.

I've been told by numerous people that Biochemistry will ruin my dreams of a high gpa (3.73 ATM) and I should stick with Biology - however, Biology gets extremely dry (memorization) and if I don't make into medical school, I'm going to be stuck with a biology degree with which all I can really do is stick to academia or research (neither of which are well-paying nor interesting to me).

Biochemistry seems quite interesting (the organic chemistry, which I hear is rape, seems like a lot of fun), but it's supposedly impossible to get a good mark in...

What should I do?

Biochem and Molecular Bio major here. Biochem isn't particularly difficult, it's more the insane amount of information you need to memorize in such a short amount of time. I would NOT recommend taking biochem with a heavy course load like I did. As long as you can put in the time, Biochem is fine.

As for OChem...I've always done better in OChem vs. Biochem. OChem is more logic based and (for the most part) starts to make sense and actually become fun after a while. Maybe I'm just weird.

What I think you should do is look at the degree requirements for Biochem vs Bio at your school. They're probably not significantly different and you could hold off on deciding and take courses that overlap until you're comfortable enough to make a decision and see where you stand with your GPA. You're going to have to take OChem anyway, so see how you do in that and decide from there. I also think it would benefit you greatly if you took Biochem regardless of what major you're going to choose.

My end verdict would be go for the Biochem degree, but maybe I'm biased.

 

[JerryAf]

Biochem also has a lot more irrelevant courses - and for me its tougher (gotta know my limits). Biology is dry, but doable. So yeah.

 

[ashylarry23]

i am also a double major biology and biochem. I would caution you on going the biochem route if you have to take pchem. that class sucks

 

[JerryAf]

Organic? I'm gonna be working mega hard to ace that course. Gotta do well in the weedies ^^