Biochem & Mol Bio

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Ok, so I'm going to UGA and am thinking about majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(it's considered one major) and minoring in Nutrition Science.</p>

<p>I really don't have a strong chemistry background. I had one regular chem class in my second year of high school and that's all. I'm really into biology though. I think BCMB would interest me more than a BIO major because I hope to be focusing on topics such as enzymes and hormones.</p>

<p>1) How much chemistry is involved in biochem? (first-hand exp from UGA is appreciated)
2) How strong might one have to be in chemistry to do well?
3) What may be the major diff b/w a college having a Biochem major and UGA having a BCMB major?</p>

<p>I'm just trying to put my mind a little more at ease here. I want to pursue this major because I have a great interest in it. I am willing to put in the work to up my chem skills. I worry about not being able to wrap my mind around some of the concepts....</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>A good amount of chemistry is needed, lower division courses include chem and o-chem, while upper division courses often have chemistry based calculations for equilibrium reactions, energy measurements, etc that are related to Biology (gene expression, protein activity, etc.)</p></li>
<li><p>I would assume that a high level of understanding is necessary, however, like most things, chemistry can be learned. Don’t think that your inexperience with chemistry will prevent you from learning it or doing well.</p></li>
<li><p>Most schools combine Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am majoring in the same field at Berkeley. Don’t look to deeply into differences in the name of the program.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>1) A lot
2) You need to be pretty good at it. And it will come as long as you keep to your work during intro courses like organic chem.
3) Nothing really…maybe a few classes here and there.</p>