UCLA Biochemistry Major Stuff

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>Hi. I’m currently a student at a California community college, and I will be transferring to UCLA as a biochemistry major this fall. I have finished (or will finish) all the major biology series, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, and a year of calculus. I have done some research on the major (such as what classes I need to take), and there is just a few things I want to know about this major:</p>

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<li><p>Aside from the competitive nature that is brought about by the other gpa whores (I’m one too so I’m not hating haha), I would like know about the upper division classes such as the biochemistry series and physical chemistry. I particularly enjoyed organic chemistry and molecular biology in my community college so I decided to elect this major, and I was wondering if my interests in these classes would be enough to keep me interested in the upper division classes. Also, what are the teachers like? Do they suck? Because I had some terrible professors at my college and I do not wish to encounter anyone like them ever again, especially at a university like UCLA.</p></li>
<li><p>I noticed that there are two different physics series that I can choose: the one for life science majors and the one for scientists and engineers. I feel like picking the latter, being that I enjoy conceptually driven classes and I also think I would learn a lot more being that the series is a little longer. Is it worth choosing that one or is it harder or something? It’d be cool if any of you guys can share your experiences and thoughts.</p></li>
<li><p>There are a lot of “recommended” courses that I need to complete before taking a class (such as differential equations for some class I can’t remember). How “recommended” are these recommended classes? I’m asking this so I can plan my classes in a way that I can graduate as early as possible.</p></li>
<li><p>What minors do you guys recommend?</p></li>
<li><p>Also, how many hours should a student at your school or rather for the major be studying? I know a guy who is doing pretty well at Cal with the same major and he puts in about 40+ hours a week outside of class (yikes). This is because I go to a community college where I can study a moderate amount and get straight A’s. I don’t want to go into the university with that cocky mentality so yeah, that’s why I’m asking.</p></li>
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<p>Well, if any of you guys out there who were/are biochem majors, I’d be really grateful. Other science majors are welcome to answer too. Thanks.</p>

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<p>1.biochem is harder than all the life sciences (this is disregarding the ‘premed factor’ where the material is okay but the curves are killed because of the massive numbers of premeds in life science majors) in terms of material, so good luck.
2.engineering physics is way harder.
3.dont know much about that
4.minor in biomedical research maybe? or accounting?
5.a good rule of thumb is 3 hours a week per 1 hour of lecture. however, i spend a good 35+ hours a week studying even when i have ~30 hours of clubs, research, and volunteering every week.</p>

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<p>biochem is really hard and if ur premed i wouldnt recommend it…the chem department here is TERRIBLE…its hated by everyone…the profs are really mean and harsh…minors are useless pretty much…u will need to put in A LOT of time…</p>