<p>Both of these subjects look very interesting, but biophysics is only available at few colleges. What is the difference between the two? Is it worth the effort to go to a college that has biophysics? Also, is biophysics a good major for premed prep (with obvious mcat/bio self-study)? How are the work loads for these classes at non-Ivy league, but division 1 & 2, colleges?</p>
<p>the difference is obvious: biophysics, deal with physics in the biological sense, such protein folding, how do they fold in a physic sense, you will probably be dealing with alot of computer models as well. Biochemistry is looking at biological process, with a chemistry perspective: you will be studying transcription,translation(how they chemically), all the metabolic cycles. this is your first year chemistry. neither are easy majors, i am not biochem major, but i am currently taking an accelerated biochem course(2 semesters in 1), it is not easy. Your interest lies in which one will interest you the best.</p>
<p>Med schools do not care what you major in. Major in what interests you as you’re more likely to do well in material you like. College majors do not prep you for med school. (as a note most premeds are some flavor of bio as both premed and major reqs tend to get satisfied at same time.) Premed reqs do not prep you for med school. College profs do not teach bio, chem, physics, etc with med school or MCAT in mind. They just teach bio, chem…. courses. As a potential premed, don’t pick a college with its potential to get you into med school. Pick a school based on location, size, academic programs offered, cost, fit, etc. Cost is actually a big factor as med school is usually paid for via loans, so you want to leave college with as little debt as possible. Fit is actually very important as if you fit in, you’re more likely to be happy and do well. What division a college is in is irrelevant. The name at top of your college diploma will not be as important to a med school as your GPAs, MCAT, ECs, LORs, etc. When you get to college, talk to academic/premed advisors.</p>