Biochemistry
College of Biological Sciences
What is Biochemistry?
Anyone who has ever imagined making a more effective medicine, discovering
a cure for a disease, or finding a way to convert toxic waste into a valuable
source of energy may want to consider a career in biochemistry.
The Department of Biochemistry at Ohio State offers excellent training
in the chemical basis of life and insight into the chemistry of living
systems. The study of biochemistry provides a good background for further
study or employment in many basic science fields. Many undergraduates
in biochemistry go on to professional schools.
Ohio State's faculty and students are engaged in a range of research,
including projects in biochemical and physiological processes of higher
animals, molecular genetics, photosynthesis, and mammalian cell gene
expression.
Biochemists look at how living organisms function at the molecular
level. Biochemists may be teachers or researchers. They may study subjects
such as the structure of enzymes, the transfer of genetic information,
or photosynthesis. Biochemists tackle fundamental questions:
- What are the structures of molecules?
- How does molecular structure determine biological function?
- How do molecules recognize one another in order to form complex
cellular structures?
- What is the nature of the dynamic chemical changes that occur in
cells?
Looking for answers to such questions is exciting, considering that all
of the uniquely human factors-memory, thinking, learning, feeling-are
rooted in biochemical processes.
Biochemists have found that many biochemical processes are shared by
all life forms. Basic research into the complex chemistry of living
systems provides a springboard for practical advances in medicine, agriculture,
and biotechnology.
Career Opportunities in Biochemistry
The career possibilities for students trained in the life sciences have
never been better. A recent forecast by the United States Bureau of Labor
statistics predicts that the need for life scientists will increase by
21 percent by the year 2000.
Biochemists may work in industry, pharmaceutical houses, hospitals,
universities, or private research labs. The federal government employs
many biochemists, as do state and local government agencies, and the
rapidly growing field of biotechnology has a great need for biochemists.
Many jobs in biochemistry involve high-level research and require advanced-degree
training. However, with the demand for biochemists at all levels and
the excellent quality of Ohio State's training at the undergraduate
level, a variety of employment opportunities can be found with a bachelor's
degree.
Some jobs available to graduates with bachelor's degrees might include:
- biochemist;
- medical or pharmaceutical lab technician;
- food scientist; and
- industrial salesperson.
The undergraduate biochemistry major is excellent preparation for professional
schools, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, or veterinary medicine.
This major also provides a sound background for pursuing advanced master's
or PhD degree work in the biological sciences.
In general, jobs for graduates with master's degrees involve more responsibility
and higher pay. For positions designing or directing research projects,
a PhD is a must.
Salary Trends
Beginning annual salaries for graduates with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry
range from $30,000 to $40,000. For graduates with a master's or PhD degree
in biochemistry, salaries range from $45,000 to $65,000.
High School Preparation
Biochemistry is a demanding, rigorous discipline, yet satisfying for students
interested in chemical life processes. A solid background in math, chemistry,
physics, and biology is required.
All freshman applicants are considered within a competitive admission
process for Autumn, Winter, and Summer quarters for the Columbus campus.
The primary criteria for admission are the completion of the applicant's
high school college preparatory program, performance in that program
as indicated by class rank and/or grade-point average, and performance
on either the ACT or SAT.
How to Major in Biochemistry at Ohio State
Once students decide they want to major in biochemistry, they should contact
the Department of Biochemistry at 614-292-6771 for the current major requirements.
General Education Curriculum Requirements
Most students enter University College (UVC) upon enrolling at Ohio State
and remain enrolled in UVC until they have qualified for and have been
accepted into their chosen major and college.
While enrolled in UVC, students begin taking courses which will meet
the General Education Curriculum (GEC) requirements. The GEC is a body
of courses designed to ensure that each student becomes acquainted with
the basic areas of academic study. To meet the GEC requirements, credit
hours must be completed from the following areas of academic study:
writing and related skills, quantitative and logical skills, natural
sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, diversity experience,
and issues of the contemporary world. Some majors also require completion
of a foreign language requirement.
Biochemistry Requirements
Prerequisite courses required for the biochemistry major include:
- General Chemistry I, II, and III;
- Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II, and III; and
- Introductory Physics I - Particles and Motion;II - Electricity and
Magnetism; and III - Thermal Physics, Waves, and Quantum Physics.
More About Biochemistry
Biochemistry majors at Ohio State are strongly encouraged to do a research
project with a faculty member. Ohio State offers well-equipped laboratories
which contain sophisticated instrumentation for biochemical research.
Additionally, opportunities for interdisciplinary study are provided;
independent studies and honors programs are also available.
Counselors in the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office provide
career information and job counseling and will guide students through
the process of finding and applying for jobs in the private, public,
and not-for-profit sectors. Career services counselors encourage students
to begin career planning as early as their freshman year.
All students should file placement materials at the Career Services
Office no later than the end of their junior or the beginning of their
senior year.
Co-op Opportunities
Students who are interested in the college's cooperative education program
should register with the Career Services Office in their sophomore year.
This program offers a valuable opportunity to gain work experience while
still in school.
For More Information
To obtain additional information about academic opportunities in biochemistry,
call or write the Department of Biochemistry, 776 Biological Sciences
Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1292; 614-292-6771.
For more information about careers, call or write the Arts and Sciences
Career Services Office, 06 Denney Hall, 164 West 17th Avenue, Columbus,
Ohio 43210-1371; 614-292-1868.
For more information about biological sciences in general, call, write,
or visit the Academic Adviser, College of Biological Sciences, 105 Biological
Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1292;
614-292-8772.
Sample Curriculum
| |
Course Title |
Credits |
| Freshman Year: |
Biology |
10 |
| Chemistry |
15 |
| Mathematics |
15 |
| GEC Courses |
10 |
Total Hours: |
50 |
| Sophomore Year: |
Chemistry |
20 |
| Mathematics |
5 |
| Physics |
15 |
| GEC Courses |
10 |
Total
Hours: |
50 |
| Junior Year: |
Biochemistry Core
Courses |
26 |
| Genetics |
5 |
| GEC Courses |
15 |
Total
Hours: |
46 |
| Senior Year: |
Electives |
10 |
| GEC Courses |
40 |
Total
Hours: |
50 |
Home Page References: College
of Biological Sciences
This Major Series is provided for you by the staff of the
Admissions Office of The Ohio State University.
(September 2000)
