What Can I Do With A Major In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemists investigate the chemical reactions occurring in living matter and the chemical composition of the cell. The Molecular biologist studies the life processes occurring at the molecular level, including the storage and transfer of genetic information and the interactions between cells, plus the viruses that infect organisms at the cellular level.
The study of biochemistry and molecular biology requires that students be genuinely interested and able to perform successfully in the “quantitative” sciences and that they have acquired a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Employment opportunities for biochemists are often found in college science departments, medical institutions, hospitals, research organizations and in other health, energy, environment and agricultural research programs. Biochemists are employed at all levels in industries concerned with food manufacturing, genetic engineering and promotion of drugs, cosmetics and pesticides, as well as in the petroleum and allied industrial facilities. It is also a goal of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Ursinus College to prepare majors for graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biology, post-baccalaureate study in the health sciences and careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Career Planning
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Careers in Public Health
- Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Professional Associations
- Air & Waste Management Association
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
- American Association of Engineering Societies, Inc.
- American Chemical Society
- American College of Toxicology
- American Institute of Biological Sciences
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- American Medical Association
- American Nuclear Society
- American Public Health Association
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- American Society for Microbiology
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
- American Society of Agronomy
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
- American Society of Cytopathology
- American Society of Cytotechnology
- Biotechnology Industry Organization
- Biomedical Engineering Society
- College of American Pathologists
- Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
- Institute of Food Technologists
- National Association of Environmental Professionals
- National Association of Science Writers
- National Education Association
- National Waste & Recycling Association
- Society of Toxicology
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Miscellaneous
Agricultural Engineer
Agronomist
Anesthesiologist (MD)
Animal Scientist
Biochemist
Biological Technician
Biologist
Biology Professor
Biophysicist
Chemical Engineer
Chemist
Chemistry Professor
Conservation Scientist
Criminalist
Cytologist
Dairy Technologist
Environmental Disease Analyst
Environmental Research Analyst
Environmental Science Professor
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Family Practicioner (MD)
Food Technologist
Forensic Science Technicians
General Internists (MD)
Geneticist
Gynecologist (MD)
Hazardous Waste Analyst
High School Teacher
Horticulturist
Marine and Aquatic Biologist
Microbiologist
Middle School Teacher
Pathologist (MD)
Perfumer
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Plant Breeder
Radiation Protection Engineer
Sales Representative (Chemicals)
Sales Representative (Medical Equip.)
Technical & Scientific Publications Editor
Technical Publications Writer
Toxicologist
Wildlife Biologist
This is just a sampling of titles, for a more comprehensive list and details on the professions including employment outlook and salary information, log into the Focus Program.