<p>This may seem like a silly question, but whats the difference between double majoring in bio/chem and just majoring in biochem? I was always under the impression that when majoring in biochem u pretty much learn about the aspects of bio and chem that are relevant to each other, but not other subjects. I wanted to double because i like all of bio and most of chem. For example, i didnt think evolution or animal physiology would be taught extensively with a biochem major because it doesnt rly relate to chem. Am i wrong about this?</p>
<p>Biochemistry is not the same thing as biology + chemistry. Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life (in other words, biology at a molecular level, though not necessarily at the level of atoms and bonds (that would be chemical biology). These definitions are quite fuzzy of course and biochemistry researchers will not limit their research to this narrow view of the subject but the definitions are suitable to get a general idea of what it’s about. So biochemistry majors in general do not take all of the same classes a double major in biology and chemistry might take. In particular, to get a chemistry degree you need some requirements that might not fall under the biochemistry requirements (such as inorganic chem, p-chem, and analytical chem). For the biology degree, in many colleges you can get away with not taking much ecology/evolution at all by sticking with biochem/molecular bio/development/etc classes which usually fall under the biochemistry degree requirements.</p>
<p>So in summary, a double major in biology and chemistry (which is what I’m currently doing atm) will cover more than a biochemistry major would alone and you’ll probably end up taking all of the classes biochem majors take anyway as they usually overlap between the departments which helps reduce the workload (instead of taking classes such as chemical physics which would only count toward the chemistry degree most bio and chem double majors take advanced biochem classes as they usually count toward both degrees).</p>
<p>At my Univ a Biochemistry was nearly all the chem prerequistes with cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics etc in place of the chem electives. The pChem sequence was a bit watered down in quantum and kenetics.</p>
<p>A full biology plus chemistry major would require a ton more electives and courwork in biology and a fair amount more coursework in chemistry.</p>
<p>Aldfig0, how difficult would you say it is to complete a double major in bio and chem? I’m looking at the major requirements for both, and it does seem like i need a whole lot more electives. In your experience, how hard is it for you?</p>
<p>I take summer classes and my schedule is harder than most people’s at my college. We’re on the quarter system and I take about one extra class per quarter than most people, and I usually have 2-3 science classes as well as lab at a time. It’s not too bad as some classes can count toward both majors (at least at my school). See if you can do something similar; if not, you might want to reconsider this.</p>
<p>I would also like to add - all biology majors at my college have to graduate in 4 years so I can’t spread out my courseload. If your college allows you to graduate in more than 4 years you can have a much more relaxed courseload (if you’re willing to pay). Also, I had a lot of AP credit (I started my first year with sophomore status) and due to this I never have problems getting into the classes I want (for some people by the time they sign up for classes there are no more spots left so they have to take the class the next quarter or even next year if it’s only offered once a year). This might be an issue that could delay graduation.</p>