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Biochemistry: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is using chemical techniques and practices to understand biological systems. Being a biochemist requires extensive training in both biology and chemistry. Students who study biochemistry are in demand in biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and medicine.
Biochemistry is the chemistry of living things. As part of the holistic approach, we use the data from tools such as blood profiles for cholesterol, liver enzymes, protein synthesis, digestion, and inflammation markers to assess and build your personal program to re-establishing health.
A multidisciplinary science that combines the best of both Biology and Chemistry. Our programme offers flexibility to pursue your interests and take more courses from either Biology or Chemistry (ie. immunology, virology, organic chemistry). Recent technological advances in Biochemistry have evolved into sub-disciplines that include Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.

Who are the advisors for Biochemistry majors?

Prof. Bernadette Holdener for students whose last name begins with A through H. Her office hours are Monday 10:00-12:00PM & Fridays 10:00-11:00AM, Room 346 Center for Molecular Medicine. Prof. Nisson Schechter for students whose last name begins with I through R. His office hours are Monday through Friday 3:00-5:00PM, HSC, 10th Floor, Room 048. Prof. Lyman for students whose last name begins with S through Z. To see an advisor check their office hours and make an appointment by phone or email. Top of Page
Prof. Bernadette Holdener for students whose last name begins with A through H. Her office hours are Wed. 9:30-10:30AM & Fridays 8:30-9:30AM, Room 346 Center for Molecular Medicine. Prof. Jen-Chih Hsieh for students whose last names begins with I through R. His office hours are Tuesdays from 2-3:00 PM, Room 442 in the Center for Molecular Medicine. Prof. Lyman for students whose last name begins with S through Z. To see an advisor check their office hours and make an appointment by phone or email.

What is the difference between the Biochemistry and Biochemistry/Biotechnology Programs?

The Biochemistry/Biotechnology program has a greater focus on courses about nucleic acids, DNA manipulation, microbiology and tissue culture.

What is the difference between the Biochemistry Department and the Ohio State Biochemistry Program?

The Department of Biochemistry is responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate biochemistry courses. The faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry have active research laboratories and train graduate students. These faculty members are all members of the Ohio State Biochemistry Program. Any student wishing to work with an advisor from the Biochemistry Department may do so. However, the Biochemistry Department does not offer the Ph.D. degree, except through the Ohio State Biochemistry Program. ...

Why major in Biochemistry?

It's a great preparation for careers and graduate school. Students would be able to select a major which will offer them excellent opportunities for employment or continuing education in graduate or professional schools. This major will also prepare students more adequately for the GRE subject test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology. Learn more .

What is the BS Biochemistry program?

It depends on the level of the course. Our first year chemistry classes are always the largest, since they are taken by all students in the sciences and engineering at UD as well as certain students in education and related disciplines. These courses range from 70-85 students per lecture section. However, the lab courses that accompany these classes rarely exceed 18 students per section. Second year courses, including organic chemistry and quantitative analysis, are smaller, usually 30-45 students per section. ...

Why does UBC require Biochemistry as a prerequisite?

Biochemistry provides background necessary to master many of the topics covered in the initial phases of the curriculum.

Who is the undergraduate advisor for Molecular Biology and Biochemistry?

The advisor is Dr. Ingrid Northwood. Office: SSB 8142 Phone: 291-3536 Email: inorthwo@sfu.ca
Source: www.sfu.ca

Can I get an M.S. in Biochemistry?

No, Boston College only awards a Masters of Science in Biology and a PhD in Biology.
Source: www.bc.edu

Can I major in biochemistry at BMC?

The department does not offer a degree in biochemistry. However, you may work toward the A.B. in Chemistry with a Concentration in Biochemistry (see the major plans ), do your 300-level work entirely in biochemistry, and even do research in biochemistry while at Bryn Mawr. A degree in chemistry with advanced work in biochemistry provides a solid foundation for graduate work in biochemistry.

What financial aid opportunities are there for biochemistry majors?

For incoming biochemistry students, in addition to the standard financial aid packages offered to all students by UST, we offer a competitive science scholarship. See the website for more information. Also, students who major in chemistry and who join the Air Force or Navy ROTC receive full tuition scholarships (contact the ROTC for more information).

Who is the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Biochemistry major?

Prof. Harvard Lyman. Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2-3:30PM, room 472 Life Sciences Telephone: 632-8534. The best way to reach Prof. Lyman is by email. Email: hlyman@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

What career options are there for a Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science major?

For advice about careers in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science, you should check out our Undergraduate Handbook for suggestions. For counseling on this subject, contact your Faculty Advisor for your major. If you are unsure who the faculty advisor is, you can call the Undergraduate Office at 310-825-1859. MISCELLANEOUS

How can I declare/change to be a Biochemistry or Chemistry major?

If you would like to declare/change to be a Biochemistry, Chemistry, General Chemistry, or Chemistry-Materials Science major, you need to visit 4009 Young Hall. You can speak to a counselor about your decision to change and fill out a petition to change majors. From there, your transcript will be evaluated for GPA (must be over 2.0), to see the grades in the major classes you have taken, and to make sure you can complete the major within your unit maximum at UCLA (typically 216 + AP units). ...

Why does the University of Saskatchewan require Biochemistry as a requirement?

Biochemistry provides the background to master many of the topics covered in the initial phases of the curriculum.
Source: www.usask.ca

How do I declare a major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry?

You must go see the MBB advisor, Dr. Northwood, in person to declare your major. No forms are necessary.
Source: www.sfu.ca

Latest breakthroughs in the field of biochemistry?

The connection between biology and nanotechnology is very exciting and for decades it has been a dream to be able to rationally design drugs. What I mean is you design a bridge and cars go over it and it works. The way we design a drug, using the bridge analogy, we would create a bridge, send some rats over it and if it they survive, we try humans who really want to cross the bridge. It is still very much empirical The dream is to design molecules the way we design macroscopic objects. ...

What are the differences between a BS in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology?

Students will find that biochemistry and biology have a great deal in common, whereas chemistry requires more math and chemistry but no biology, genetics, or biochemistry.

Is there any financial aid specific for Biochemistry majors?

All financial aid awards are made through the University Financial Aid office. The Biochemistry Program does not have any funding for financial aid, and is not involved in financial aid decisions.

What chemistry/biochemistry organizations does UT have?

Links to student groups within the department are available on the Student Involvement page. A good place to begin is with ACS, the American Chemical Society - Student Affiliate Chapter for UT. The goals of ACS are: Provide a network for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Offer information about the utility of the Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees and available career options. Especially, to bring together the Welch student community. More detailed information is available on the ACS website .

What is the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B&MB;) major?

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an intensive, research-oriented major advised jointly by the Chemistry and Biology departments. It offers excellent preparation for graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and related fields. Almost all majors conduct research during two or more summers, first at Sweet Briar and then at major research universities, before continuing to graduate school. B&MB; is recommended only for highly motivated students with very strong high school science backgrounds. ...

Why does a chemistry program now require Biochemistry 200?

This is a requirement of the Canadian Society of Chemistry in order for your Chemistry Degree to be accredited. If you completed your second year and satisfied the previous rule requiring three units of second year science courses (instead of the 1.5 units of second year science plus BIOC 200) before the 2005/2006 academic year , then you do not have to take BIOC 200. If in doubt see the honours/majors advisor.

How does chemical biology differ from a degree in biochemistry?

While training in biochemistry is an essential component to the chemical biology degree, traditional biochemistry focuses more on the molecules themselves. Some biochemistry programs include no biology whatsoever. Lawrence Tech's chemical biology degree places a much larger emphasis on the molecules' biological functions and their roles in sustaining a living organism.
Source: www.ltu.edu

Can I double major in chemistry and biochemistry?

Getting two majors from one department is not allowed. You can, however, double major in chemistry or biochemistry and one of the departments in the College of Life Sciences.

Can I get credit for Biochemistry 2600 if I have already taken Biochemistry 3200 or Biochemistry 3201?

No, you will not get credit for Biochemistry 2600 if you have already completed Biochemistry 3200 or 3201. You may take Biochemistry 2600 as an elective in your program and you will get credit for the course as long as you take it before you take Biochemsitry 3200 or 3201.
Source: www.mun.ca

What happened to the "regular" chemistry and biochemistry degrees?

Starting with the 2008 catalog, the non-ACS-certified degrees in chemistry and biochemistry offered by the department will no longer be offered. Students who started prior to 2008 may still follow the prior catalogs and earn these degrees. Students who started after fall 2008, will either earn the ACS-certified degrees or the pre-health track. ...

What funding is available for graduate students in Biochemistry?

Graduate students in the department receive financial aid, currently (2006-2007) a stipend of $25,000 a year plus tuition and fees. These awards are for twelve months and permit full-time graduate study. Exceptional students are nominated for special fellowships, which provide stipends up to $29,000 a year plus tuition and fees. Satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree is the only requirement for yearly renewal of these awards.
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