What to expect from a biochemistry degree | Top Universities
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What to expect from a biochemistry degree

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Aryan Boruah

Updated Aug 01, 2023
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What is biochemistry?   

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It’s a multidisciplinary field that integrates the knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to understand how living things work. It’s essential to understand biochemistry to understand life.  

As a biochemistry student at the University of Delhi, I’m learning new things every day. From the fundamental aspects of life on earth to genetics and even neurobiology and biostatistics. It has been a diverse experience that has changed my thinking about nature entirely.  

Here’s everything you can expect from a biochemistry degree. 

The basics of a biochemistry degree 

Proteins, metabolism, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids – biochemistry is a conglomeration of many fascinating topics that create the building blocks of life and its interactions.  

Through lectures, seminars and laboratory experiences, biochemistry students develop their understanding of the chemical basis of life. Biochemistry degrees will vary depending on the institution and focus of the programme, but there are some general things you should expect. 

The amount of contact time will vary but students will typically have at least 18 to 20 contact hours per week and the remainder of time will be dedicated to independent study and lab work.  

Students will also be expected to complete a research project in their final year. In terms of learning, biochemistry degrees require students to develop a strong understanding of the basic principles of biochemistry. Students will also be expected to develop their problem-solving skills and an ability to communicate your findings to others.  

You’ll gain valuable skills you can apply to real-world problems 

Biochemistry is an applied science subject. The experiments and tests we perform in the lab have real-world and immediate applications. As a first-year biochemistry student, I’ve already learned how to conduct research and undertake qualitative and quantitative tests of simple and complex biomolecules.  

I learned how to operate ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometers, acquire the skills to operate a microscope and learn biomolecule separation techniques such as chromatography, centrifugation, and electrophoresis.  

My degree has provided me with many skills that I can apply to real-world problems in my career, like using specialist software to perform genome alignment or tools to assist in drug discovery. These learnings will come in handy when I graduate and can step into my first role.  

You’ll have many career options across various industries 

After completion of a degree in biochemistry, there are many career options available for students. We can work in industries such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, agriculture and forensic science, for example.  

There are also options to work in academia and become a professor, or you can become a scientist.   

Another route could be studying a STEM-focused Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programmes are designed to prepare students for careers as leaders in the technology industry.   

There is significant demand for biochemists with knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology in the rapidly expanding sector of biotechnology. You could create new medications, medical equipment and new technologies in the field of biosciences.   

A significant career route for biochemists is in the pharmaceutical sector. In this industry, biochemists create new medications, evaluate their potency and safety, supply it to healthcare organisations and the public.  

I’m interested in conducting research in evolutionary biology and studying the history of life on earth. I’m keen to use a blend of computational biology and mathematics to develop mathematical models to better understand the evolution of life on earth and other planets.  

The workload can feel intense but varied 

Biochemistry can be a challenging subject for many students because the material is broad and complex. It’s a multidisciplinary science that calls for expertise in a variety of fields including chemistry, biology and mathematics.  

I’ve found that biochemistry subjects can feel ethereal and difficult to visualise. I initially had trouble understanding some of the modules, but I'm working really hard to work through that and get the support I need.  

To avoid burning out, it's crucial to create time for myself. Exams can be stressful for students at any level, and universities are no exception. Exams are challenging for me, so life becomes somewhat difficult around test time and I have to carve out extra time to destress and rest.  

 

As a first-year biochemistry student, I’ve had a really great experience so far. Biochemistry is a wonderful subject full of diverse information about life and its fundamental building blocks. 

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