<p>I really like the sound of Vanderbilt and want to apply, but I have encountered a problem. They offer majors in either biological sciences or chemistry and I was looking to major in biochemistry (I'm interested in genetic engineering). Should I look to a different college or choose one major or the other?</p>
<p>BioSci is actually a set of three majors. If you look at their descriptions and the courses they re quire I think you’ll see they cover both biology and chemistry. Biochemistry is just a name… don’t get caught up in the name.</p>
<p>Well, can’t the OP maybe do a chemistry concentration in chemical biology? I think that’s offered there (they’ll get to complete I guess all chemistry courses and take courses in bsci that should be of interest)…It’s an interesting and ever developing intellectual and experimental approach to problems and issues in biology. “Biochemistry” is kind of vague and can almost encompass any sort of research or field using lots of standard molecular cell biological techniques. Admittedly, I’m biased and really like to understand biology at the molecular level, so I don’t care as much for learning or randomly studying a bunch of pathways (as many Undergrad. intro/intermediate biochemistry courses would lead you to think biochemistry is about. Such courses are usually more geared to pre-meds anyway…very similar to medical biochemistry courses, but with more of a focus on protein and enzyme kinetics). Look into that option. It may allow you to have the cake and eat it too. And as I suggest, I think having a stronger background in molecular science/chemistry will make you even more powerful when you pursue your research opp. or are designing your project in grad. school for example. I found my chemistry oriented background added a much different and useful perspective to my molecular pharmacology research opp. Instead of doing things based on precedent or previous literature, sometimes you can use your chemical intuition to design experiments or predict outcomes. It’s really nice!</p>
<p>I did notice that the bioscience department offered three different majors, and the list of subjects they offer courses and research opportunities in looks promising. I realize that graduate school is pretty much required, and that doesn’t bother me. </p>
<p>Research is what I want to do for a career, so I would like to have some research opportunities as an undergrad, which they appear to offer that. Maybe I could also do an REU program or something… </p>
<p>I just checked and I didn’t see a chemical biology major, but that does sound interesting. Hopefully the bioscience degrees are very chemistry based…</p>
<p>You find it on the chemistry depts website, not bsci. </p>
<p>Chemical Biology programs essentially always originate from the chemistry department In fact, many chemistry programs that are large have actually changed their names to be called the department of “chemistry and Chemical Biology” for usually political reasons and as a way to distinguish themselves and the approach from the biochemistry division that is usually run by the associated medical school. But yeah, they have REU’s and a Beckman Scholar’s Program. Maybe you’ll actually get lucky and find a research abroad program (Actually, IRES is what I’m thinking of) that allows you to actually do research in your field. I had a friend who actually did something similar to what you wanted to do last summer. He essentially did genetic engineering in the context of protein engineering in Germany. He really enjoyed the experience. See if Vandy offers this to undergrads. I’m sure it should.</p>
<p>Thank you! I found where chemical biology is listed now and that’s probably the coursework I will pursue. I hope that I will find some research opportunities as an undergrad, as well (I’m assuming there are opportunities for those that want them…) The research abroad program sounds interesting, and I have previous research experience (in high school) dealing with genetic engineering, so maybe that will help me get accepted into research programs down the road. I’ll have to look into the IRES program and check out what they offer…</p>
<p>Hi @Swimmer726 This is Tides23 responding to above^ message from you. What do you mean, why do I have 2 names here? What are you talking about??? Confused!</p>
<p>Didn’t notice the 23 first - the style of writing, the major, the same types of entries on the Cornell site. Those were the first clue, then noticed the 23…</p>
<p>I’m actually a junior right now trying to get my college plans all figured out. Hopefully I will be applying next year (regular decision because of my financial situation).</p>