Biochemistry programs teach people the chemistry, substances, and reactions of living systems. Students learn about chemical pathways and information transfer systems. They learn about proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. They learn research methods pertinent to this field.
Have you ever tried to stick the wrong key in a lock? It doesn't open the door. Biochemists are like locksmiths trying to unlock life's secrets. Understanding the structure of living systems is the underlying principle of biochemistry. By understanding the structure, the biochemist can understand the function. It's similar to a locksmith knowing how many notches to carve in the key to make it fit the lock exactly.
By taking molecules and picking apart their structure, reaction capabilities, and other properties, you can identify parts of biological molecules that are important, and you can attempt to change them. To discover a cure for AIDS, for instance, your research may have you study one molecular part of a single protein of the virus. This may be just the key you need to unlock the door for the cure.
In your studies, you learn about the chemical processes of living organisms and the complex combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. You learn how living things obtain energy from food. For instance, you learn about glycolysis - the break down of sugars, and photosynthesis - the buildup of sugars. You also learn about the chemical basis of heredity and what fundamental changes occur in disease.
Biochemistry is key to improving the quality of life for many. The doors of many fields are open to you - medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and food science.
A few community colleges offer a two-year program in this field. These programs prepare you to work as a lab technician. Many colleges in the U.S. offer a bachelor's degree program in biochemistry. These take four years of full-time study beyond high school. The American Chemical Society accredits over 100 undergraduate programs. A bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate studies or for an entry-level position as a research assistant or lab technician in some settings. It is also good preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary school.
Some colleges offer a combined bachelor's and master's program. You can complete a B.S./M.S. program in four years beyond high school, but it may require attending summer sessions.
Most positions, particularly in research, require at least a master's degree. A graduate degree allows you to specialize more. It takes about six years beyond high school to complete a master's degree program. A Ph.D. in biochemistry may take an additional two to three years. Over 200 universities offer a graduate degree. The American Chemical Society accredits over 60 master's and about 30 Ph.D. degree programs.
Graduate students usually choose to focus on a specific area of biochemistry; for example, genetics, experimental biochemistry, physical biochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, or bioinorganic chemistry. They often further specialize in a particular process or molecular structure.