To start study biochemistry, you ought to take either: Core Science GCSE plus Additional General Science GCSE, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (as three separate GCSEs) Applied Science Double Award (worth two GCSEs) BTEC Diplomas might also be acceptable with good grades, together with other qualifications like A levels.
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Before beginning core courses in a biochemistry degree, you'll need to take general education classes such as English, social sciences, humanities and communication. These courses will help you develop critical thinking skills, become globally minded and develop a foundation for future learning.
WAEC subject combination (requirements) for Biochemistry
The department offers several degrees:
Prospective Students
Your teachers will be able to inform you of what options are available and will help you decide what is best for you. However, to study biochemistry, you should take either:
The most common route to a biochemistry-related degree is to take an acceptable combination of A-Levels or equivalent qualifications.
It is important to show universities that you have enthusiasm for the molecular biosciences when you apply for a course. Applicants who have already completed some work experience will stand out.
Biochemistry is a specialized science that combines the study of chemistry and biology. An undergraduate degree in biochemistry will prepare you to go on to graduate school and usually fulfills prerequisites for medical school. Before beginning core courses in a biochemistry degree, you’ll need to take general education classes such as English, ...
If your career path emphasizes biology, you may also take advanced biology classes such as biostatistics and medical informatics, cell and regenerative biology or biological systems engineering.
You’ll take laboratory classes such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, protein biochemistry and molecular genetics. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in independent research.
Jobs in biochemistry are available to those leaving university with a BSc, but they are limited in scope and promotion opportunities. Most professional biochemists have at least a Master’s qualification. See our master’s degree page for more information on this postgraduate qualification.
Studying biochemistry at any level provides many transferable skills that are desirable to potential employers. These skills include:
In labs, biochemistry majors use teamwork to complete experiments and learn the fundamentals of scientific writing to record their observations and conclusions in reports. In addition to biology and chemistry courses, most biochemistry majors take some physics and mathematics courses, which usually includes calculus.
A biochemistry major studies biology, which is the study of living organisms, and chemistry, which is the study of matter, their properties and how they interact. To put it succinctly, biochemistry majors study the chemistry of living things. Biochemistry is a rigorous field of study involving foundational and introductory courses in biology ...
These foundational biology and chemistry classes prepare biochemistry majors to take advanced courses, which might include inorganic chemistry, neurobiology, biophysical chemistry and computational genomics.
Biochemistry is a rigorous field of study involving foundational and introductory courses in biology and chemistry with laboratory components, as well as advanced courses exploring topics such as cell biology , microbiology and genetics. Biochemistry majors also take mathematics and physics courses.
Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research-and-development positions. Most Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders are qualified for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.
Analytical skills. Biochemists and biophysicists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision. Communication skills. Biochemists and biophysicists have to write and publish reports and research papers, give presentations of their findings, and communicate clearly with team members.
Math skills. Biochemists and biophysicists use complex equations and formulas regularly in their work. They need a broad understanding of math, including calculus and statistics. Perseverance.
High school students can prepare for college by taking classes related to the natural and physical sciences, as well as math and computer science. Students in bachelor’s degree programs in biochemistry or a related field typically take courses in math, physics, and computer science in addition to courses in the biological and chemical sciences.
To become a biochemist or to work in the biochemistry field, you must have impressive scientific skills, knowledge and capabilities. You can earn these qualifications by taking the proper courses and gaining relevant experience in your field. Follow these tips to become a successful biochemist: 1 Earn a high school diploma: You should first graduate high school with your diploma or a GED. Try to take courses like physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology to familiarize yourself with the basic scientific concepts you may later go in-depth on in your bachelor's program. 2 Get a bachelor's degree: Most employers require biochemistry candidates to earn at least a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry or another related field. 3 Select elective courses: Many programs offer elective courses depending on the area of the biochemistry field that you'd like to pursue. You can take courses that help you advance your education further into the medical, biotechnology or veterinary master's degree programs. 4 Participate in lab work: A majority of biochemistry careers take place in a laboratory. You may complete lab work during your courses to familiarize yourself with the tools and overall lab atmosphere. You can also pursue an internship in a lab to gain hands-on lab training and experience.
Their main duties include providing lectures, administering tests, quizzes and assignments, conducting office hours to address students' questions about the lectures, overseeing lab experiments students conduct and developing syllabi that reflects the program's required curriculum.
Biochemistry is the combination of chemistry, physics and biology. Biochemistry professionals study how these different elements of science affect various living beings and organisms. Many students looking to explore the chemical processes that take place within a living system typically major in biochemistry.
5. Biochemist. National average salary: $79,272 per year. Primary duties: A biochemist conducts studies and experiments on the composition and functions of different life forms to determine how various chemical processes affect them.
Primary duties: A biologist studies plant life and other organisms to make discoveries about their behaviors, compositions and habitats. They also conduct research on these living beings to determine how other beings or organisms affect their environments. Other job duties include identifying, studying and classifying animals, plants and ecosystems, taking samples and measurements of organisms, learning more about organisms' diets and behaviors and maintaining detailed and accurate records related to their scientific research.
Chemical engineer. National average salary: $63,908 per year. Primary duties: A chemical engineer uses their advanced knowledge of mathematics and different areas of science to enhance the processes used in chemical experiments.
Primary duties: A medical scientist conducts research on human illnesses and diseases to uncover ways to improve the health of humans. Other job responsibilities include conducting studies to investigate human diseases and potential treatment methods, analyzing medical data and samples to determine causes and dangers of certain chronic diseases or pathogens, building and testing various medical devices and writing research grant proposals for funding applications from private funding and government sources.