<p>I am currently trying to finalize my choice for an undergrad major. I'm very interested in doing research for things such as cancer, aids, etc. or the possibility of med school. I've been trying to decide between going with either biochemistry or microbiology, so I asked my org chem teacher which I should choose.
To my surprise he told me neither. He said that there are already so many biology/chemistry majors in the world that I would be just another biologist. Instead, he advised me to go after newer, more in demand fields such as biophysics, materials science, analytical chemistry, fields involving nanotechnology, etc. Things that are rare a combination; things that use a lot of math/physics and chemistry/biology. He also advised against choosing a sole career in research because it is a very tense and self financing job, and that i should try to find a career where I can live comfortably, pays well, and will be compatible with a future family.
His advise made sense and he stated that with the right career I could always add on the possibility of later doing research in a major university or where ever. After his suggestions, my problem is that I have no clue what particular major I should choose to best fit my needs.</p>
<p>I'm assuming your school has all of these majors?
This isn't a decision anyone else can make for you. Read up on them, do google searches, look at the curriculums, etc. Eventually you'll find that one seems to suit you best.</p>
<p>yeah will do. but i just wasn't sure how well majors like biophysics and analytical chemistry go with cancer research or medical schools</p>
<p>Well, if your ultimat goals are to become a doctor (M.D), it isn't as pertinent whether you are a biologist or chemist.</p>
<p>Yeah, I suppose that's true. But I was trying to kill two birds with one stone by picking a major that would be good for both medical school and another profession. Getting into medical college isn't a promise and I'm still looking at possibilities of other careers. On top of that I still want to do a little research (maybe cancer) later on in my life, although not now.</p>
<p>Are you reading journals?
Go to your library homepage, get on that web of science, and type something you are curious about, and then click on stuff and search and click and search and click and print and read and highlight and search and order interlibrary loan textbooks that are way over your head and then click some more, until you find something that's REALLY COOL.</p>
<p>Bam. You found your major. Congratulations.</p>
<p>If you are serious about medical research and have a 6-7 years to focus on it, I'd suggest you do a M.D/PhD program. I'm not saying that a M.D won't allow you to do research but a PhD will give you the proper training.</p>
<p>I agree with nshah9617 !!!</p>
<p>I'm not even sure that most schools have analytical chemistry or biophysics as majors. I think your best bet is to major in something that is more marketable and fundamental, so you can broaden your post-grad opportunities. If you major in something too specialized, it may actually limit your options. You could listen to your teacher, but the final decision is yours. Biochem and microbiology are probably the majors that I would recommend to you for your research goals, so I would still consider them.</p>