If you want to work in a career in the sciences, you may consider entering a biochemistry role. Employees in this lab-based scientific area of study often require higher-level education at the university level. Understanding what biochemistry is and what opportunities are available with a college degree can help you determine if it’s the right field for you to enter.
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In this article, we discuss what biochemistry is, review the coursework that you may complete as part of a biochemistry degree, discuss how to enter this field, and list eight jobs you can pursue.
What is biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the application of chemistry to study different biological processes at both the cellular and molecular levels. It’s both a life science and a chemical science because of its intricacies. Biochemists explore living organisms using chemistry to better understand biological processes. They can use the knowledge they gain from their studies to refine forensic practices, manufacture cleaning products, improve nutrition in foods, and understand the spread of different diseases.
What kind of coursework does a biochemistry degree include?
Here are some subjects that an individual may study when pursuing a biochemistry degree, regardless if it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate:
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Genetics
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General Chemistry
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Physical chemistry
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Organic chemistry
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Physics
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Molecular biology
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Cellular Biology
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Biomedical research
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Cells and systems
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Chemical analysis
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Biomedical research
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Kinetics and thermodynamics
Tips for entering the biochemistry field
To become a biochemist or to work in the biochemistry field, you can benefit from having impressive scientific skills, knowledge, and capabilities. You can earn these qualifications by taking the proper courses and gaining relevant experience in your field. Follow these tips to successfully pursue a career in this field:
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Earn a high school diploma: You can first graduate from high school with your diploma or a GED. Try to take courses like physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to familiarize yourself with the basic scientific concepts that you may explore later on in your bachelor’s program.
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Get higher-level education: Most employers require biochemistry candidates to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or another related field. You can also pursue a master’s and doctorate, as these credentials can create more opportunities for you and allow you to work in applied research and product development.
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Select elective courses: Many programs offer elective courses depending on the area of the biochemistry field that you’d like to pursue. You can take courses that help you advance your education further into the medical, biotechnology, or veterinary master’s degree programs.
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Participate in lab work: Many biochemistry careers occur in a laboratory, so you can complete lab work during your courses to familiarize yourself with the tools and overall lab environment. You can also pursue an internship in a lab to gain hands-on lab training and experience.
8 jobs to pursue with a biochemistry degree
After you earn a biochemistry degree, you can pursue a career in various fields, including forensic science, chemistry, and biology. Below, you can explore eight jobs to obtain once you have this credential. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.
1. Forensic science technician
National average salary: $40,247 per year
Primary duties: A forensic science technician assists forensic scientists in criminal investigations to perform tests and report their results. Common job responsibilities include collaborating with law enforcement at crime scenes to collect DNA and running DNA profiling and chemical analysis tests. This employee may also testify as an expert witness in court and handle hazardous and contaminated pieces of physical evidence safely and responsibly.
2. Forensic scientist
National average salary: $60,790 per year
Primary duties: Forensic scientists process various pieces of evidence to help law enforcement prosecute suspects in criminal cases. Other responsibilities include interpreting biological evidence at crime scenes, tracing illegal substances in tissues and bodily fluids, managing and preserving crime scenes until the necessary personnel arrive, and conducting post-mortem investigations on crime scene victims. They may also take pictures of crime scenes and make sketches to document an environment.
3. Microbiologist
National average salary: $75,605 per year
Primary duties: A microbiologist is a type of scientist who studies microorganisms. They use various equipment like autoclaves, incubators, test tubes, and microscopes to study parasites, fungi, algae, viruses, and bacteria. They study how these microorganisms interact with their surrounding environments so they can help determine the causes of diseases and propose solutions.
4. Biochemist
National average salary: $76,094 per year
Primary duties: A biochemist conducts studies and experiments on the composition and functions of different life forms to determine how various chemical processes affect them. Other key job responsibilities include designing and executing scientific experiments and analyzing and recording large data sets and results. They may use their results to refine chemical compounds for medical employees to use in the treatment or management of diseases.
5. Biologist
National average salary: $77,992 per year
Primary duties: A biologist studies plant life and other organisms to make discoveries about their behaviors, compositions, and habitats. They also research these living beings to determine how other beings or organisms affect their environments. Other job duties include identifying, studying, and classifying animals, plants, and ecosystems, taking samples and measurements of organisms, learning more about organisms’ diets and behaviors, and maintaining detailed and accurate records related to their scientific research.
6. Research scientist
National average salary: $87,112 per year
Primary duties: A research scientist conducts experiments on different scientific concepts to prove or disprove certain scientific theories or insights. Other job responsibilities include proposing innovative scientific research ideas, leading data collection processes and efforts, and publishing important findings of research projects in scholarly journals. Depending on their level of experience, they may supervise junior scientists to ensure that an organization can conduct experiments effectively.
7. Biochemistry professor
National average salary: $93,323 per year
Primary duties: A biochemistry professor works for a university, college, or other academic institution teaching students about different elements of biochemistry. Their main duties include providing lectures, administering tests, quizzes, and assignments, and conducting office hours to address students’ questions about the lectures. They may also oversee lab experiments that students conduct and develop syllabi that reflect the program’s required curriculum.
8. Chemical engineer
National average salary: $93,957 per year
Primary duties: Chemical engineers use chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that relate to the production or use of chemicals, medicine, food, fuel, and other products. They also design processes for the large-scale manufacturing, planning, and testing of different production methods and direct on-site operations. Other key job duties include building, proposing, and implementing plans to reach chemical companies’ goals and increasing the quality and efficiency levels of chemical processes.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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