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Biochemistry or Biomedical Science (2015 entry)

Hi,

I've been looking into either Biochemistry or Biomedical Science for university but it's definitely confusing because I previously was thinking of doing Medicine but came to the harsh realisation that my GCSEs were just too low and was scared to get five rejections.

If there is any current students who study Biochemistry or Biomedical Science at the moment, please let me know how it's going for you and what your course is like and what uni you're at.

Any current A-level students thinking of doing this too please comment and share thoughts!

Any ideas of future career path?

Hope we can help each other!

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Reply 1
Hey, I'm pretty much in the same position as you are however I shall be applying for Pharmacology as well as Biochemistry, after which I am aspiring to apply for GEM


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Reply 2
Original post by Djent
Hey, I'm pretty much in the same position as you are however I shall be applying for Pharmacology as well as Biochemistry, after which I am aspiring to apply for GEM


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sorry for the late reply but yes Graduate Entry Medicine has always been the other option for me too. Good luck.


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I'm thinking of biochemistry, but I'm worried that I won't be predicted what I need to get into reasonably good unis :frown: It's so cruel that schools put us through 2 weeks of pain not knowing what uni we can aim for :frown:(
Reply 4
That is kind of the story of my life. Just kidding. Sort of.
I can't decide between Biochem and Biomed. I know that Biochem is more chemistry based, and that biomed is more towards the biology side. I think I might apply to both options and split up my choices, but then the PS would be tricky.

I considered GEM, but I want to get into a university first and see how life is rollin'.
We should have like a support group for this :tongue:
Reply 5
Original post by Meghna96
I'm thinking of biochemistry, but I'm worried that I won't be predicted what I need to get into reasonably good unis :frown: It's so cruel that schools put us through 2 weeks of pain not knowing what uni we can aim for :frown:(


what uni's are you looking at? try and work hard this year and hopefully your teachers are able to give you higher predicted grades. :-)


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Reply 6
Original post by Lexxaa
That is kind of the story of my life. Just kidding. Sort of.
I can't decide between Biochem and Biomed. I know that Biochem is more chemistry based, and that biomed is more towards the biology side. I think I might apply to both options and split up my choices, but then the PS would be tricky.

I considered GEM, but I want to get into a university first and see how life is rollin'.
We should have like a support group for this :tongue:


True. It's either Biochemistry/Biomed/Optometry. I feel a basic science degree like Biochem will give me a choice with career pathways, e.g. the transferable skills gained during the course can be used in accountancy, research etc. However, Biomed will give me the pathway to medicine which is something that I really would love to be successful in but the chances are highly unlikely because of my GCSE grades. Optometry on the other hand gives me hope in the sense that it's a well payed and respected job, and it's a career where I will be helping people and doing the same sorts of jobs as a doctor (if you get what I'm trying to say?). uft.. Sorry for the rant. I'm just so confused what to do..


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Reply 7
Original post by st1997
True. It's either Biochemistry/Biomed/Optometry. I feel a basic science degree like Biochem will give me a choice with career pathways, e.g. the transferable skills gained during the course can be used in accountancy, research etc. However, Biomed will give me the pathway to medicine which is something that I really would love to be successful in but the chances are highly unlikely because of my GCSE grades. Optometry on the other hand gives me hope in the sense that it's a well payed and respected job, and it's a career where I will be helping people and doing the same sorts of jobs as a doctor (if you get what I'm trying to say?). uft.. Sorry for the rant. I'm just so confused what to do..


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I get your pain, I would totally want to rant, but I just don't have the energy for it. To be honest, I don't get why you'd want to go into a different field that is not science related after a biochem/biomed degree - at least I wouldn't since I am a science type of person and accountancy is so not my thing.
I do understand the biomed/biochem dilemma. I haven't really considered Optometry, because I have very little interest in that field, but for me I looked at microbiology as well because in the future I want to be doing things that involve virology/immunology/drug research etc. I am not sure which option is better for that path, as it seems that either of those would be fine.
I don't think your GCSE grades matter that much after a degree as long as you get at least a 2.2 on your degree. I am assuming you're going into year 12 or 13, correct? And what did you get on your GCSE's?
I only have 1 uni which I would LOVE to go to which is Queen Mary's .. I did look at UCL, Imperial & kings but after results day, I realised I wouldn't satisfy the entry requirements.

Other than that Surrey sounds good... my parents don't want me to move out but If I have no choice then I'll have to :redface:

How about you ?


Original post by st1997
what uni's are you looking at? try and work hard this year and hopefully your teachers are able to give you higher predicted grades. :-)


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Reply 9
Im applying for medicine and i dont know where to apply for my last choice!

my stats are: 7A*, 3A and a B
achieved A2: AAAB

i want to apply to UCL really badly but i think it's quite competitive. Queen mary?
Reply 10
I used to want to do Medicine, did all the work experience and stuff.... but spending time with cancer patients and children with chromosomal disorders, and then doing an Oncology Summer school in Oxford made me realise, I want to do research soooooooooo much more than I want to treat people. I also work as an Optical Assistant in an Opticians which has shown me I couldn't work in clinics. So I'm applying for Biochem! :smile: haha!

Im applying to; Oxford, Sheffield, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff. Where is everyone applying?

If anyone is interested; 10A* A & AAAA at AS.

(I go to a Welsh state school low enough to make the Bristol Contextual offer list :s-smilie:)
Reply 11
god damn abi. I feel very inferior:frown: im applying to cardiff, bristol, st georges and keele
Reply 12
Original post by tybg1234
god damn abi. I feel very inferior:frown: im applying to cardiff, bristol, st georges and keele


Noooooooooo, please don't :frown: I WISH I was devoted to medicine, I think if it's for you it's an amazing career. I'm very jealous of my friend who knows it's all she wants to do.

That is a serious mix of types of Medical schools!

In response to you Queen Mary question, they ask for very high UCAS point tariffs rather than grades very often. So is best for applicants who do music exams to a high level or extra subjects. :/
(edited 9 years ago)
Reply 13
oh i've already got my 4 choices! i was talking about my 5th choice! i know for a fact cardiff will give you an interview as you score 27/27.
Reply 14
Original post by tybg1234
oh i've already got my 4 choices! i was talking about my 5th choice! i know for a fact cardiff will give you an interview as you score 27/27.


Ahhh I understand! Sadly Cardiff don't interview for Biochem, but hopefully Oxford will give me a chance!
Reply 15
Original post by tybg1234
god damn abi. I feel very inferior:frown: im applying to cardiff, bristol, st georges and keele

For biomed ? I'm so anxious ! I'm applying at St George's & queen Mary but as a redit applicant :frown: I feel I have no hope ! What are your predicted grades ?
Reply 16
Original post by Lexxaa
I get your pain, I would totally want to rant, but I just don't have the energy for it. To be honest, I don't get why you'd want to go into a different field that is not science related after a biochem/biomed degree - at least I wouldn't since I am a science type of person and accountancy is so not my thing.
I do understand the biomed/biochem dilemma. I haven't really considered Optometry, because I have very little interest in that field, but for me I looked at microbiology as well because in the future I want to be doing things that involve virology/immunology/drug research etc. I am not sure which option is better for that path, as it seems that either of those would be fine.
I don't think your GCSE grades matter that much after a degree as long as you get at least a 2.2 on your degree. I am assuming you're going into year 12 or 13, correct? And what did you get on your GCSE's?


i'm considering biochem because I have the choice and breadth of doing almost anything after my degree if I choose not to go into medicine after. i know for a fact medicine at grad-entry is highly competitive, even more so than school leavers entry, and it is this that gives me anxiety that maybe i am just not cut out for medicine even though it is something that I do want to do. i've kind of dismissed optometry now...

my gcse's were bad.. 4 As 7 Bs.
Reply 17
Original post by Abi790
I used to want to do Medicine, did all the work experience and stuff.... but spending time with cancer patients and children with chromosomal disorders, and then doing an Oncology Summer school in Oxford made me realise, I want to do research soooooooooo much more than I want to treat people. I also work as an Optical Assistant in an Opticians which has shown me I couldn't work in clinics. So I'm applying for Biochem! :smile: haha!

Im applying to; Oxford, Sheffield, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff. Where is everyone applying?

If anyone is interested; 10A* A & AAAA at AS.

(I go to a Welsh state school low enough to make the Bristol Contextual offer list :s-smilie:)


congrats on your results!
if I apply for biochem (highly likely) I think i'll apply to: Nottingham, Kings, Liverpool, Reading, [Birmingham or Bristol].

my school also qualifies for the contextual offer, but still don't think I'll be able to get the AAB uh:frown:
Hi!
Im in y12 now and just got my IGCSE results back
Biology A*
Chemistry A*
Physics A*
English A*
Economics B
Maths B :frown:

Im currently doing my AS Levels with Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths. I want to study medicine at uni and I'm in my schools specialised group of candidates to apply to Oxbridge. Do any of you think that my grades are good enough for OxBridge? Or any other good uni's i could study Medicine at?
Reply 19
Original post by TeniBlake
Hi!
Im in y12 now and just got my IGCSE results back
Biology A*
Chemistry A*
Physics A*
English A*
Economics B
Maths B :frown:

Im currently doing my AS Levels with Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths. I want to study medicine at uni and I'm in my schools specialised group of candidates to apply to Oxbridge. Do any of you think that my grades are good enough for OxBridge? Or any other good uni's i could study Medicine at?

Are you worried about the B in maths? I know this would be an issue at Birmingham but no where else ! :smile: good luck ! :smile:

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