Major Change from Biology to Biochemistry

[altamont850]

I recently started researching the biochemistry major and I'm actually really interested in its respective topics. In my academic career I've always been stong in mathematics and science and the applications of each field.

This being said, I know that a Biochem major is notorious for being rigorous and inundating but with my prowess in science/ math and my appreication of the topics is it feasible for me to have and 3.5 /3.6 or better g.p.a. ?

I usually study about 2 hours per credit hours for my classes. I'm a thorough studier ( i.e. a start studying when presented with material vs. cramming) and I have very few concerncs outside school (just friends and family).

Are there any other Biochemistry majors who could share experiences with me?

Thanks in advance!

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[NYCGuy86]

I'm also interested in this as I'm considering majoring in Biochemistry.

 

[Polymer Based]

My advice is to choose the major that yields the [1] highest GPA, and [2] best preparation for MCAT.

I would also mention interest, but I will assume that you have a pretty strong interest in both majors. Unless you are attempting to be a biochemist, which I assume you are not, it wouldn't matter once you were in medical school. Also, what's to stop you from doing independent studying on your free time? A major does not necessarily define what material you are exposed to.

 

[PreMedder]

My advice is to choose the major that yields the [1] highest GPA, and [2] best preparation for MCAT.

😕

 

[Polymer Based]

😕

😕

 

[altamont850]

Also, what's to stop you from doing independent studying on your free time? A major does not necessarily define what material you are exposed to.

That actually makes sense.

 

[Polymer Based]

That actually makes sense.

For example, I have a non-science major, but study atomic physics.

 

[indya]

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[Doctor Poetry]

As a biochem major, the best advice I can give you is to go for it. If you put in the time and effort like you stated, there is no reason why you can pull A's in your classes...also, be realistic...going into Biochem, you wont have the time to spend 2 hours per unit hour. All that information they tell you as a freshman does not apply as you increase in seniority, because by that time, you'll know your weaknesses in a certain subject and primarily focus on that.

I was the same like you, trying to devote 2 hours per unit hour and realized that it was a waste.

Most definitely, dont go into biochem is going to be easy...be prepared for some pchem and advanced biochem work... good luck and most importantly have fun.

 

[altamont850]

As a biochem major, the best advice I can give you is to go for it. If you put in the time and effort like you stated, there is no reason why you can pull A's in your classes...also, be realistic...going into Biochem, you wont have the time to spend 2 hours per unit hour. All that information they tell you as a freshman does not apply as you increase in seniority, because by that time, you'll know your weaknesses in a certain subject and primarily focus on that.

I was the same like you, trying to devote 2 hours per unit hour and realized that it was a waste.

Most definitely, dont go into biochem is going to be easy...be prepared for some pchem and advanced biochem work... good luck and most importantly have fun.

So you're saying that although Biochem is a difficult major, there will be variance in difficulty with senior level courses because at that time I'll most likely be aware of my own weaknesses(given that I'm enjoy and have some skill with science/math).

I've also heard that biochem majors are more well rounded when it comes to MCAT scores (although this is not the sole reason I choose this major)?

 

[venacontracta]

I made the switch very quickly when I realized I don't care about memorizing different kinds or plants of anything like that and that the part of biology I like is learning the actual mechanisms which allow life to exist.

I agree that the major is great prep for the MCAT, but most of the benefit I got in that regard was from my molecular/cell biology courses, not my actual biochemistry courses.

I'd definitely do a reality check before you choose the major though. It's far from an easy major and it's not worth destroying your GPA for any major. If you can handle it, it's great, if you're going to struggle through it, stick with bio.

 

[Overhauser]

I switched from biology to biochem my freshmen year after I discovered a genuine love for chemistry. If you have a true interest in it then you definitely should go for it. It has definitely been a lot of work and tedious memorization, but I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've learned.

 

[Doctor Poetry]

So you're saying that although Biochem is a difficult major, there will be variance in difficulty with senior level courses because at that time I'll most likely be aware of my own weaknesses(given that I'm enjoy and have some skill with science/math).

I've also heard that biochem majors are more well rounded when it comes to MCAT scores (although this is not the sole reason I choose this major)?

That is exactly what I'm saying...you'll experience it first hand...as you continue taking your upper division chem classes, you'll realize that you have developed a skill for the sciences and that you dont require as much time studying the material...just be level headed and enjoy...most important thing to ask yourself is if you are going to enjoy the classes you are going to have to take as a biochem major...good luck

 

[Doctor Poetry]

Stories about that one student who thinks they know everything.

 

[umami]

At my school, the biochemistry tract mostly consisted of pre-med courses and a year of biochem classes. I ended up with another major but took the biochem year - you can have them both! You can have a biology major with a year of biochem under your belt - that's more than any med school expects. I didn't go for the full degree because I'm not sure I have the energy for p-chem, but learning the material and getting a degree don't necessarily have to be the same thing!