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What Can I Do With a Major in Chemistry & Biochemistry?
Chemistry concerns itself with the composition and transformation of substances while biochemistry deals with the composition, synthesis and function of biomolecules. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Bachelor of Arts Chemistry degree is for students interested in a degree in chemistry with a liberal arts focus or in teaching chemistry in secondary school. The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry requires advanced chemistry courses and is for students who want to enter the chemical industry or Chemistry graduate programs. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry is for those students interested in a career in life or health sciences. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry combines the fundamentals of a B.S. degree in Chemistry with advanced courses in biochemistry and the life sciences. It is for those students interested in Biochemistry graduate programs or Medical School. The Department also offers a five year combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree for those interested in entering the workforce or a graduate program at a more advanced level.
An enormous range of occupations is available to a person with training in chemistry or biochemistry such as working in the physical sciences, the life sciences, or the health sciences. Graduates with a B.S. degree are better qualified for more technical positions in the chemical industry while graduates with an A.B. degree often get positions in life or health sciences and secondary school teaching. Positions in basic research with governmental agencies, businesses and universities usually require the Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience.
Interests
An interest in observing, studying, and analyzing various substances, creating new substances, planning experiments, evaluating data, working independently, and exploring various ideas.
Competencies
- Investigative
- Objectivity
Interpreting data
Applying concepts
Utilizing formulas
Problem identification
Gathering information
Perception of patterns/structures - Communication
- Technical report preparing
Organizing/reporting data
Designing plots/graphs
Informing/explaining
Reporting
Writing technical information
PowerPoint presentations
- Computational
- Data processing
Solving quantitative problems
Calculating
Tabulating data
Data analysis - General
- Physical dexterity
Perception
Acute observational skills
Curiosity
Precision/accuracy
CreativityFacility with technical instruments - Analytical
- Factor comparison
Logical thinking
Summarizing research findings
Attention to detail
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Developing theories
Clarifying and solving problems
Opportunities - Careers
- Government
- Pollution control engineer
Product safety engineer
Petroleum inspector
Insecticides tester
Trouble locator/test desk
Nutrition analyst
Patent law specialist
Utilities specialist
Cosmetic analyst
Quality control chemist
Pest control analyst - Industry/Manufacturing
- Chemical engineer
Petroleum engineer
Food processing manager
Sewer system supervisor
Water works supervisor
Catalyst sales coordinator
Biomedical engineer
Operator/chemical reactor
Physical assayer
Technical sales representative
Chemical lab technician
Applications manager
Textile chemist
Industrial hygienist
Product development chemist - Research
- Chemist
Biochemist
Mineralogist
Cytologist
Agronomist
Anatomist
Mycologist
Physical metallurgist
Research dietician
Histopathologist
Horticulturalist
Hydrologist
Environmental analyst
Molecular biologist
Food chemist
Pathologist
Parasitologist
Microbiologist
Geneticist
Material scientist (nanotechnology)
Dairy technologist
Animal nutritionist
Animal scientist - Forensic Chemistry
- Serologist
Odontologist
Criminalist
Spectroscopist
Jurisprudence specialist
Drug analyst
Toxicologist - Health
- Medical doctor
Veterinarian
Dentist
Optometrist
Physician's assistant
Physical therapist
Pharmacist - General
- University/college teacher
Primary/secondary education
Clinical dietician
Soil conservationist
Wood technologist
Biological Chemist
Analytic chemist
Organic chemist
Polymer chemist
Paint chemist
Meteorological chemist
Inorganic chemist
Pharmaceutical chemist
Radiochemist
Radiation health specialist
Physical chemist
Food technologist
Chemical oceanographer
Science journal editor
Scientific information/storage/retrieval specialist
Public relations representative
Art conservator
Museum scientist
Solid state chemist
Enzymologist
Ceramic chemist
Process manager
Medical service representative
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students can go on to graduate schools in a variety of areas of chemistry and biochemistry and in related areas such as chemical engineering, environmental research, forensic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, business management, etc., or they may go to professional school in areas such as dentistry, medicine, and patent law.
Opportunities - Independent Study
Independent study or research with a faculty member in an area of special interest, and involvement with organizations such as the Miami Chemical Society and The American Chemical Society
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (160 Hughes Hall, 529-2813)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.