Pursuing a PhD in Chemical Biology?

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>When I started college, I was a biotechnology major. I found this major be a dumbed down version of molecular and cellular biology, so I decided I wanted to switch out of it and major in biochemistry and molecular biology focusing in biochemistry, the problem was that I had already taken two semesters of algebra based physics, and the requirement for that option in that major was calculus based physics. I ended up switching to biochemistry and molecular biology with a molecular and cellular biology focus which allowed algebra based physics (it was very similar to the biochemistry focus, only differing by 3 courses).
As I continued to take classes, I realized that I really like my chemistry courses (particularly organic chemistry) better than my molecular biology and cell biology courses, but don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the material. I also really liked my biochemistry courses (which involved a lot of organic chemistry).
At this point I am on track to receive a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology with a focus on molecular and cellular biology, and a minor in chemistry.
Will this be a good foundation for a PhD program in chemical biology? From what I am gathering, a BS in Chemistry focusing on organic chemistry with a minor in biochemistry may have been best, as chemical biology is typically part of the chemistry department at most universities.
What I am really interested in is studying small molecules and their interactions and effects on the cell, for which a PhD in Chemical Biology is ideal.
I'm expecting to graduate with a GPA of about 3.90</p>

<p>Here is a list of the science courses I have completed and will complete:
Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Biostatistics
Physics 1: classical mechanics (algebra based)
Physics 2: electricity and magnetism, light and optics, with a small amount of quantum + relativity (algebra based)
General Chemistry 1
General Chemistry 2
Organic Chemistry 1
Organic Chemistry 2
Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics (calculus based)
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry (calculus based)
Inorganic Chemistry
Transition Metal Chemistry
Biochemistry 1: Protein structure and function
Biochemistry 2: Metabolic pathways
Molecular and Cell biology 1
Molecular and Cell biology 2
Molecular biology of the gene
Developmental biology
Cell Growth and Differentiation
Principles of Immunology
Genetic analysis
Lab in proteins, nucleic acids, and molecular cloning
Lab in protein purification and enzymology
Lab in molecular genetics
Analytical techniques in biochemistry
Molecular and Cell toxicology</p>

2

<p>Most people don’t follow a straight track from freshman year to graduate school. I started out pre-med in behavioral neuroscience and have since veered toward motor and computational neuroscience research. I’ve added a minor in computer science and am trying to cram in as many elective math classes as I can to prepare me for grad school applications.</p>

<p>Grad schools generally look for people with a variety of backgrounds. It seems like you would have the necessary grounding in the field for a PhD program, but without knowing the field specifically, it’s hard to say. Try checking out the websites of various PhD programs. They usually say what they’re looking for in graduate school applicants, like what types of degrees and prerequisite courses they want to see.</p>

<p>I think what will play a bigger role than not being a chemistry major, though, is your research background. If you can demonstrate through your research experience that you have the skills necessary to succeed in this field, that’s a huge boost. Try to get involved in research related to the topic you want to study in grad school.</p>