Biochemistry

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is a science dedicated to studying the chemicals that occur naturally within living organisms. It utilizes the principles of chemistry and applies them to the chemicals generated at the cellular and molecular level. 

Biochemistry students use several scientific disciplines to examine complex molecules in biological material and the ways in which those molecules interact. Because this field operates at the cellular level, biochemistry also paves the way for understanding and treating diseases in humans, animals, and plants. It is considered both a life science and a chemical science.

The Biochemistry Degree

Students who earn a degree in biochemistry study a curriculum featuring classes in subjects like cell biology, genetics, disease mechanisms, and metabolism. Because the degree encompasses two sciences, biochemistry major jobs include both biology and chemistry-related professions. The biochemistry degree is available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.

Biochemistry vs. Biomedical Sciences

The difference between these two degrees is in their respective scopes. A biochemistry degree focuses specifically in the chemistry of living organisms while a biomedical sciences degree has a much broader focus examining human life itself. 

In other words, biochemistry is a part of the biomedical sciences family, which also includes other subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Biochemistry is very specifically the focus of examining biology and chemistry at the molecular level. For a broader view, biomedical sciences would be a better match for your interests. 

Biochemistry vs. Molecular Biology

The difference between biochemistry and molecular biology is a bit more technical. Biochemistry mostly concerns itself with the study of proteins and how their shape and location determine their biological function. Molecular biology goes even deeper than that, focusing on the atomic scale to examine DNA and RNA structures. So in order to choose between these two disciplines, you’ll need to determine what aspect of biological studies on the molecular level interests you the most.

Would I Make a Good Biochemist?

To be a good candidate for the biochemistry degree, you must possess an interest in the sciences and an aptitude for biology and chemistry specifically. In addition, because many biochemists concentrate their work on treating and eradicating disease, it helps to be motivated by the desire to improve human lifespans. 

Biochemists spend a lot of their professional life in the lab where they regularly process a large amount of data. You need to be comfortable with mathematics and computer science in order to draw proper conclusions from that data. Furthermore, since most labs are equipped with expensive equipment like electron microscopes and lasers, you need to be comfortable with using such technology and willing to learn about new equipment when technology advances further. You will also have to be familiar with safety procedures associated with the work you do in the lab.

Associate Level

An associate degree in biochemistry features a number of basic and introductory classes in both this specific field and the sciences in general. This degree can be completed in two years, although it is not offered at every community college. The biochemistry associate degree includes courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics and classes feature a mixture of lectures and laboratory work. 

In some cases, the associate degree curriculum also includes an internship. For most students, the associate degree in biochemistry provides a transition to a 4-year institution but there are a few jobs available for associate degree holders.

Biochemistry major jobs at the associate level include: Lab Assistant, Lab Technician, and Quality Control Technician.

The average salary for these positions ranges from $28,000 (Lab Assistant) to $36,000 (Lab Technician, Quality Control Technician).

Baccalaureate Level

The bachelor’s degree in biochemistry begins with a foundation in a number of general science classes as well as mathematics. These include: biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus. From there, the biochemistry curriculum delves into the study of topics more specific to the field such as genetics, DNA, proteins, and amino acids. Courses feature a mixture of classroom assignments and lab work centered around technology like molecular spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry can usually be completed in four years.

At certain institutions, it’s possible to earn an online biochemistry degree at the bachelor’s level. These online degrees feature classes in core sciences similar to an on-campus curriculum. For some online degrees, students will be required to attend campus and participate in lab activities in person. Online bachelor’s degrees are also offered in related fields like biological sciences and biotechnology.

What Can You Do With a Biochemistry Degree?

With a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, you’ll be eligible to apply for jobs such as: Biomedical Scientist, Analytical Chemist, Clinical Research Associate, Toxicologist, Forensic Scientist, and Research Scientist.

The average salary for these careers ranges from $57,000 (Analytical Chemist, Forensic Scientist) to $65,000 (Biomedical Scientist) to $81,000 (Clinical Research Associate, Research Scientist) at the upper end of the scale.

Graduate Level

For students who wish to specialize in the field of biochemistry, numerous schools offer a master’s degree program that can be completed in two to three years. Most master’s degree programs cover topics such as modern biochemistry, cell biology, and biotechnology. Students can further specify their area of concentration by studying topics like protein engineering, biological photochemistry, molecular genetics, and biological photochemistry. There is also the option of pursuing a Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree in the subject. MS degrees are more research-oriented and provide a lead-in to a PhD program.

Students who wish to pursue a career in a research field can continue their education past the master’s-level and attempt to earn a PhD. A PhD in biochemistry takes an average of five years and consists of a number of advanced-level courses, research, lab experiments, and teaching assistantships. The program culminates in a dissertation or research project as well as a defense before biochemistry faculty. Examples of biochemistry PhD topics include: molecular biophysics, molecular genetics, virology, and biochemical research.

Biochemistry degree jobs you can land with a graduate degree include: Biomedical Scientist, Ecologist, Engineer, Science Writer, Pharmacologist, Data Scientist, and Nanotechnologist.

The average salary for these jobs ranges from $74,000 (Ecologist) and $80,000 (Biomedical Scientist, Science Writer) to $121,000 (Data Scientist) and $136,000 (Pharmacologist).

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Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

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Drew University

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