Taking chemistry-biochemistry vs chem. engineering biochemistry

[paul2752]

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Our school's pre med track and chemical engineering program require biochemistry, and there are three options: biochemistry from biology dept, biochem from chemistry dept, and Intro to Biochem from Chem. Engr dept.

While it is the most convenient to take Intro to Biochem from ChBE dept to satisfy our school's chemical engineering biochem elective, I am not sure if the class grade will be factored in BCPM gpa. Should I take biochem from chemistry/biology dept?

 

[Cytokine123]

Most schools specifically state that the biochemistry course should be taught in a chemistry department, with some giving leeway to one taught by a biology department if applicable. Also no it will not be factored into your BPCM. Chemical Engineering is not Chemistry, at least on paper.

 

[wizzed101]

Can you post the textbook used and content outline in the ChEE course? I have a hard time believing that it will be anything like a traditional biochem course.

 

[paul2752]

Ch461-Biochemistry I
Three lectures. Survey of the physical and chemical properties of the molecular components and methods of isolating and analyzing them. Usually offered in the fall semester.

BSC-450 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
A one-semester survey of protein structure, enzymes, bioenergetics, metabolism and its regulation. Designed for advanced undergraduate students.

CHE445-Introduction to Biochemical Engineering (This course is offered as mandatory biochem elective)
Study of biological processes; application of chemical engineering skills to areas including enzyme kinetics, fermentation, cell growth and metabolic processes. Offered primarily in the spring semester.

EDIT: I called the ChBE dept today and I was told this will not tick off the box for med school purpose. I might still take it tho because it sounds interesting.

 

[TheBiologist]

Most schools specifically state that the biochemistry course should be taught in a chemistry department, with some giving leeway to one taught by a biology department if applicable. Also no it will not be factored into your BPCM. Chemical Engineering is not Chemistry, at least on paper.

I think I would disagree with this as well; interestingly enough, my school has two biochem classes, a "Biochem for science and engineering majors" and "Biochem for pre-meds"

The science/engineering one is obviously harder one, but is in the Bio department, and the pre-med one (which is the "watered down" version) is in the chemistry department.

I go to a top 25 school so it's likely the courses are known to med schools; the department really isn't everything

 

[wizzed101]

I think I would disagree with this as well; interestingly enough, my school has two biochem classes, a "Biochem for science and engineering majors" and "Biochem for pre-meds"

The science/engineering one is obviously harder one, but is in the Bio department, and the pre-med one (which is the "watered down" version) is in the chemistry department.

I go to a top 25 school so it's likely the courses are known to med schools; the department really isn't everything

Rofl no!! That is the severely watered down one, to the point of perversion. If adcom is familiar with the course, it will not even count for BCPM.

CHE445-Introduction to Biochemical Engineering (This course is offered as mandatory biochem elective)
Study of biological processes; application of chemical engineering skills to areas including enzyme kinetics, fermentation, cell growth and metabolic processes. Offered primarily in the spring semester.

My suspicion is confirmed!

OP: take the Fundamental of Biochemistry.

 

[TheBiologist]

Rofl no!! That is the severely watered down one, to the point of perversion. If adcom is familiar with the course, it will not even count for BCPM.



My suspicion is confirmed!

OP: take the Fundamental of Biochemistry.

No, I can confirm that the Biology course is the full first semester of "real" biochemistry, and the one in Chem department is a combination of two classes -half biochem and half genetics- and is watered down for material only tested on the MCAT. similar to physics vs physics for pre meds

again, I go to a top 25 research; for sure it counts as a biology course and is included in BCPM gpa.

 

[wizzed101]

No, I can confirm that the Biology course is the full first semester of "real" biochemistry, and the one in Chem department is a combination of two classes -half biochem and half genetics- and is watered down for material only tested on the MCAT. similar to physics vs physics for pre meds

again, I go to a top 25 research; for sure it counts as a biology course and is included in BCPM gpa.

I know the Biology one is the real deal just by reading the description. The Chem one is obviously watered down, not worth mentioning. The Engineer one, the one that OP is considering, is a travesty.

 

[paul2752]

I think I will still that engineering one just for my own interest...now which one is easier? chemistry or biology one? Which one is better for GPA and MCAT purpose?