Help me out - Biochem vs. Physiology

[Sage880]

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Hey, I have a stupid question: What's the difference between biochemistry and physiology?

I'm starting med school in the fall and was browsing books and realized I had no idea why these courses are different. I was looking at the books "BRS Physiology" and "Clinical Biochemistry Made Ridiculously Simple". If someone could let me know what the difference between these two subjects are I'd appreciate it!

 

[roja]

Main Entry: phys?i?ol?o?gy

1 : a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved


Main Entry: bio?chem?is?try

1 : chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms
2 : the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living system or biological substance


What this usually breaks down to in terms of practicality is that in physiology you are goign to learn about organ systems (kidneys, heart, gi, etc). You may briefly touch on a few brief biochemical reactions (bicarb in teh renal tubules, etc) but the focus is more on what the organ system does, how does it function, etc etc.

biochem is much more micro. It will only focus on the chemical reactions... krebs cycle, fat metabolism, etc.

 

[azzarah]

Also, in physiology I had to understand the concepts...in biochem I had to memorize.

 

[Medikit]

The better the biochemistry is understood the more I like learning the physiology 🙂

 

[CaptainZero]

Also, in physiology I had to understand the concepts...in biochem I had to memorize.

excellent point...these two subjects require completely different approaches to studying/learning.