How to Become a Biochemist

Planning complex lab experiments. Directing lasers at atoms and molecules. Discovering new applications for life-saving drugs. These are all regular occurrences in the field of biochemistry and biological science.

Much like a biophysicist and any other related field, becoming a biochemist takes patience and dedication, but biological chemistry is a rewarding career that blends logic with creativity, offering opportunities to change the world through biological processes, applied research, and scientific experiments.

If that kind of future appeals to you, you might be wondering how to become a biochemist. This guide will give you a step-by-step breakdown of the process—from the present moment and graduate school all the way to the workforce.

Step 1: Develop an Understanding of Biochemistry

When ideas about a promising future enter your head, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and commit to a career path on the spot. But before you start joining extracurricular programs and applying to colleges, it’s essential to understand the answer to the question, “What does a biochemist do?”—and if the field is right for you.

Biochemistry is a scientific field that combines biology and chemistry in equal measures. Through these two lenses, biochemists work to understand the “chemistry of life.” They study the chemical processes and reactions that occur within and around living things and any living organism.

Of particular interest to biochemists are the chemical compounds that play important roles within organic life forms: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. In their ongoing quest to understand these substances, biochemists may spend their days:

• Developing and carrying out basic research and experiments
• Recording the short- and long-term effects of new drugs or hormones
• Analyzing biomolecules through fluorescent microscopes
• Reading and writing research papers and technical reports
• Using advanced computers to model molecules
• Giving presentations about their ongoing research

Step 2: Start Preparing for College

If all of this talk of experimentation and advanced technology has piqued your interest, it’s time to take action and start working toward a future in biochemistry.

No matter your age, you can start to satisfy your curiosity about biochemistry right away. You don’t need to wait until your first year in a biochem program to explore the field; there are various ways to prepare long before sending off your first college application.

Ways to Explore Biochemistry Pre-College

Your path toward biochemistry greatness can begin right now, both in and out of school.

Outside of the classroom, you can look for extracurricular science clubs and take learning into your own hands. For example, you may want to keep an eye out for:

• Science fairs
• Online courses
• Biochemistry books from the library
• YouTube videos
• Shadowing opportunities

In high school, taking as many biology and chemistry classes as possible allows you to learn about the broad range of topics under the umbrella of biochemistry. Other courses—such as math and physics—will also be relevant, as biochemistry frequently overlaps with other scientific disciplines.

The experience you gain during class hours (and beyond) will not only improve your college application, but they’ll also provide you with many of the skills you’ll need to succeed in biochemistry.

Useful Skills for Future Biochemistry Students

With that said, even if you don’t join a club or pore over biochemistry textbooks, you can still foster general competencies that will help you in a college-level biochemistry program.

Biochemists rely on an assortment of hard and soft skills. Regardless of the industry or position you see yourself in, it’s worthwhile to learn about important topics like:

• Mathematics (especially calculus)
• Data analysis
• The scientific method
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Critical thinking
• Computer literacy
• Lab safety

Any chance you have to practice these skills will give you a leg up when you finally enroll in a college program.

Step 3: Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Entering college is the first “official” step in becoming a biochemist. When choosing your major, you have a few options. Wondering, “What is a biochemistry major?” We’ve got you covered!

Because biochemistry is a branch of both biology and chemistry, earning a degree in either discipline can eventually land you a role as a biochemist. However, enrolling in a dedicated biochemistry program is the best way to pick up specialized skills and terminology.

Regardless of the major you select, most undergraduate programs are designed to be completed in around four years (though taking three to five years is common).

The other choice you have to make is deciding between a bachelor’s of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor’s of science (B.S.). Schools like North Central College offer both a B.A. and B.S. in biochemistry, but other institutions may favor one or the other.

Whether you choose a B.A. or a B.S., you’ll take a range of biology, chemistry and other courses, such as:

• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Calculus
• Animal Physiology
• Infectious Disease
• Materials and Surface Analysis
• Introduction to Bioinformatics
• Spectrometry and Spectroscopy

Completing an Internship

To complement in-class learning, many biochemistry programs will encourage (or require) an internship. Internships are highly recommended in any scientific field, as they allow you to:

• Practice skills in the “real world” – Even though any reputable science program will have a lab for you to practice in, nothing beats the on-the-job training of an internship.

• Network – Meeting professionals in your field of choice is a fantastic way to secure a job in the future, even if it’s not at the same company.

• Strengthen your resume – Having an internship on your resume makes you more hireable, as employers know you already have real-world experience.

Whether or not an internship is required for graduation, it’s worth pursuing one during college.