Bryn Mawr for the Biochemistry?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi guys, first time poster here.</p>

<p>So I am really interested in Bryn Mawr after hearing a lot of good thing about it, however I noticed that they don't have a Biochemistry major which I really want. They say however that you can get a Chemistry degree with a concentration in Biochemistry. Would that be the equivalent or would I also have to minor in biology? I really like this school and it seems like a good fit other than this. I eventually intend to go to medical school if that helps. Also would you say that it has a strong science department? Thank you!</p>

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<p>Hi Luljeta284,</p>

<p>As I understand it, the biochemistry concentration follows a specific course trajectory to ensure that your Chemistry coursework fulfills the Biochemistry component. It is not a minor in Biology, but you could pursue that independently if you wanted. I’d encourage you to contact the Admissions office to see if you can speak to a department representative or student if you have more specific questions than what the website covers.</p>

<p>In terms of sciences at large, Bryn Mawr is an excellent option for STEM, especially for pre-med. Because Bryn Mawr also has the nation’s top Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program (<a href=“Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program | Bryn Mawr College”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/&lt;/a&gt;), you’ll be taking pre-med requirements alongside PostBac students and receiving the same instruction. Bryn Mawr has strong connections with medical schools through the PostBac program. If you’re interested in Chemistry, Bryn Mawr also offers combined B/MA degrees in certain disciplines. Basically you could begin taking graduate coursework as an undergraduate and complete two degrees simultaneously without applying to Grad School or taking the GRE. You can learn more about that program here: <a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/deans/exp_acad_options/comb_AB_MA_prog.shtml”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/deans/exp_acad_options/comb_AB_MA_prog.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Bryn Mawr also provides tons of funded research opportunities to undergraduate students. This is a great opportunity to get paid (!) to conduct research alongside your professors: <a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/summerfunding/Research_Funding/science.html”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/summerfunding/Research_Funding/science.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the information Englishivy! </p>

<p>I had heard about the PostBac pre-med program but had no idea you could take the courses without getting a bachelor’s degree first.</p>

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<p>Bryn Mawr students can also take classes at Haverford which is known for having terrific life science department. Be sure to check out the classes and programs at Haverford too. It’s only 5 minutes from Bryn Mawr and they have regular shuttle buses.</p>

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<p>Hey lacgrad do you know how Bryn Mawr and Haverford differ in the sciences? I have heard some people recommending taking biology at Haverford instead. What is your take on that? Which science departments does one excel in over the other? </p>

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<p>The FAQ on the Haverford biology web page explains the difference between the biology departments at the two schools. Haverford focuses on cell and molecular biology, whereas Bryn Mawr focuses on organismal biology and ecology. Students from either school can major in either department, depending on their interests. Bryn Mawr was one of my daughter’s top choices; if she attended there, she planned to major in biology at Haverford with a concentration in biochemistry (she’s at Smith and is majoring in biochemistry there). </p>