Biochemistry and chemistry both share a great deal in common; biochemistry, however, is usually considered a subfield of biology rather than of chemistry, albeit one that requires a great deal of chemistry knowledge.
The difference between biochemistry and chemistry boils down to the emphasis in each, together with the different systems they study and the approaches they use when investigating these systems.
Biochemistry studies the chemistry of life -- how life works at the molecular level, what kinds of chemical reactions occur in cells, and how these reactions give an organism its observed characteristics. The field overlaps in many areas with disciplines like molecular biology and genetics.
A great deal of chemistry knowledge is involved -- especially knowledge of organic chemistry, since most of the important reactions that take place in organisms involve carbon compounds.
Inorganic chemistry is involved as well, however, since many enzymes have metal-ion cofactors. Chemistry comprises several distinct subdisciplines, namely, physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. In some ways it's a broader field than chemistry, since it's concerned with the structure and behavior of matter and the types of reactions compounds can undergo.
However, each and every individual must have a general knowledge of these subjects to a certain degree. Even though it is not noticeable at first glance, every process in our everyday lives is governed by varying scientific principles. Therefore, it is quite handy to have a basic idea of how the environment that we live in works.
The fact that people lack the understanding of particular terms, concepts, and ideas related to science leads to some misconceptions about different scientific areas.
For instance, a vast majority of people consider that Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry are almost similar disciplines. Nevertheless, Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry are entirely different disciplines that aim to achieve distinct goals. Therefore, this article provides major similarities and differences between the two subject fields.
Biochemistry is the scientific field that explores all chemical processes occurring in and related to any living organism. Biochemistry, as you may have already guessed from the term, is the discipline that connects Biology and Chemistry to solve various biochemical issues. As a laboratory-based science, Biochemistry represents an essential tool for the development and enhancement of the quality of life through experimental and methodological advancements. Due to its enormous impact on the quality of life, Biochemistry is considered as one of the most influential and critical areas of science.
Since Biochemistry is a quite broad discipline, it incorporates various concepts and ideas from other branches of science, including Chemistry General, Analytical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry , Biology, and Physics. Therefore, the topics that Biochemistry covers are also very comprehensive. Moreover, Biochemistry is appreciated in a wide variety of fields such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Research, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
Thus, topics and concepts that that Biochemistry examines are utterly dependent upon the specific field. Generally speaking, there are lots of issues that are relevant to each field that utilizes Biochemical principles. Both majors provide excellent preparation for medical school and graduate school. With the chemical biology major, you would be somewhat better prepared for a PhD program in chemistry or chemical biology, and with the biochemistry major you would be somewhat better prepared for a PhD program in biochemistry or biophysics, but this difference is of little consequence in practice — as medical schools, graduate schools are flexible regarding your major is as long as you have taken the appropriate preparatory courses.
Therefore, depending on your choice of electives, you could be a strong candidate for PhD programs in chemistry, chemical biology, cell biology, pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry, biochemistry and biophysics from either major.
With the chemical biology major, you would be the person designing and synthesizing the drug candidates, while with a biochemistry major, you would be the person designing assays to test the drug candidates.
Bottom line: both the chemical biology and biochemistry majors will open the door to an array of career options. The choice really depends on what your interests are. If you are interested in learning more ask to meet with a chemistry department faculty member that does chemical biology research or contact the Undergraduate Advising Head.
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