Biochemistry vs Biology

[BlakeC93]

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I would ask this in the Pre-Allopathic thread, but I doubt any of them would know anything about this. If I am considering an MD/PhD with a PhD in Cancer Biology and an MD with a specialty in Pediatric Oncology, should I major in Biochemistry or Biology as an undergrad? I would like to get both degrees whether it be separately or in an MD/PhD program. Which degree will be more useful when conducting cancer research and doctoral coursework? The Biochemistry degree seems to be more math and chemistry intensive. Is that better for cancer research? Thanks!

 

[TylerJ]

You might want to research a little more about medical research. I suggest http://www.cancer.gov/.

They're both important subjects.

 

[jlayers2]

Thoughts on chemistry?

 

[StIGMA]

Undergraduate biochemistry curricula are often very light on the math-heavy biochemistry aspects (eg: biophysics) but cover the basics incredibly well (basic kinetics, structure of biological molecules, enzymatic reactions, metabolic pathways, other conceptual stuff) and also allow further coursework in molecular biology than you may get in a pure biology curriculum. It really depends on the required coursework for each major. For cancer research/medicine, a biochemistry background is a great start (and biology is adequate). I would not pursue chemistry if you want to be a biologist unless you are interested in chemical biology or organic syntheses/perhaps pharmacology/etc. Undegrad major doesn't really mean much in the grand scheme of things. Choosing a great research mentor for a 2-3yr research experience is just as if not more important.

 

[KevAquarius]

Do the one that a) you enjoy more and b) that will adequately (either to your standards or someone's suggestion) prepare yourself to think analytically.

I agree with the statement that having a great research mentor is equally/more important. Mainly the reason I chose my current institution over others.

For what it's worth, if you're not much of a quantitative person, you can still take classes that you begin to find relevant to your research, if the curriculum is flexible enough. I am a chemistry major, interested in pharmacology and biophysics, but I take a lot of other classes that I find interesting and worthwhile. I have essentially "created" a biophysics concentration at my institution.

Good luck in your decision 🙂

 

[Rumit]

It makes absolutely no difference which one you major in. Do whichever you personally find more exciting. Neither will make a big difference in terms of preparing you for medical school coursework. In graduate school you will take more advanced courses in whatever area you end up doing your PhD in. And, by the time you get to the point of choosing a residency/fellowship I can pretty much guarantee that you won't remember the vast majority of what you studied in undergrad.

 

[Neuronix]

it makes absolutely no difference which one you major in. Do whichever you personally find more exciting. Neither will make a big difference in terms of preparing you for medical school coursework. In graduate school you will take more advanced courses in whatever area you end up doing your phd in. And, by the time you get to the point of choosing a residency/fellowship i can pretty much guarantee that you won't remember the vast majority of what you studied in undergrad.

+1