I’ve thought about this quite a bit but think i want others’ opinions. I’m hoping to go into a career with epidemiology eventually. I think biomedical would be the best route because there is more emphasis on anatomy/physiology/pathology and things like that; whereas biochemistry is more of the chemical processes in living organisms.
Overall right now I’m thinking of doing Biomedical degree with a minor in chemistry; because i think the anatomy/physiology/pathology would be better for epidemiology than the chemical processes would but i still really love chemistry so a minor would do.
Epidemiology is a broad field that encompasses more than just anatomy or physiology or disease. Moreover, a fundamental understanding of biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology is integral to the study of biomedicine.
Epidemiology can include clinical and molecular epidemiology, which consider microorganisms and biochemical processes. Epidemiology can include looking at regional or global health outcomes for any of a number of things, including (but not limited to) specific diseases and pathogens, obesity, nutrition, mental health, occupational injuries, pollution, environmental hazards, or natural disasters. Consequently, you can study any of a number of things–molecular biology, biochemistry, kinesiology, applied physiology, nursing, psychology, anthropology, environmental science, to name a few–and go on to the field of epidemiology and public health. Most important, perhaps, is math/statistics, as most modern epidemiological study involves using statistics and quantitative methods to examine these things.
Regardless of what you major in, if you want to study epidemiology/public health, it would serve you well to take courses in math/statistics/bioinformatics/biostatistics.