Biochemistry vs Chemistry vs Natural Sciences

Hi all! I have of course researched these degrees however I would like to get some input from people who are actually studying these degrees!

After doing the Chemistry Olympiad, I decided that I wanted to do a chemistry degree as I really enjoyed all of the extra revision I was doing, however I am doubting myself now as I also like biology, and like the idea of being able to combine them, but I am still quite unsure. I really enjoyed organic chemistry, but I like a lot of the chemistry modules! My favourite biology topics are probably things like biological molecules! I really just don’t want to get it wrong and commit to something that I won’t enjoy, though I think I am someone who is able to enjoy anything if I put my mind to it! I would also be particularly interested in people doing these degrees at Cardiff, Bristol and Bath as those are the universities I am probably thinking of most. I am interested into going into research in the future. This is a very wordy and ramble-y post but if anyone would be able to help with their knowledge of these degrees that would be really helpful! Thank you!

Hi all! I have of course researched these degrees however I would like to get some input from people who are actually studying these degrees!

After doing the Chemistry Olympiad, I decided that I wanted to do a chemistry degree as I really enjoyed all of the extra revision I was doing, however I am doubting myself now as I also like biology, and like the idea of being able to combine them, but I am still quite unsure. I really enjoyed organic chemistry, but I like a lot of the chemistry modules! My favourite biology topics are probably things like biological molecules! I really just don’t want to get it wrong and commit to something that I won’t enjoy, though I think I am someone who is able to enjoy anything if I put my mind to it! I would also be particularly interested in people doing these degrees at Cardiff, Bristol and Bath as those are the universities I am probably thinking of most. I am interested into going into research in the future. This is a very wordy and ramble-y post but if anyone would be able to help with their knowledge of these degrees that would be really helpful! Thank you!

I do chemistry for drug discovery. It's mainly chemistry but I do the drug process side of it too. This means my optional modules are geared towards the more biology side. In S1 of first year I did: biochemistry, physiology and then in S2 I did medicinal chemistry which is all about how small molecules work in the body, how we optimise them to work as drugs and then how the drug discovery process works (idea --> market). I study at Bath so can only rly speak for that ) maybe this is what ur looking for?

Hi all! I have of course researched these degrees however I would like to get some input from people who are actually studying these degrees!

After doing the Chemistry Olympiad, I decided that I wanted to do a chemistry degree as I really enjoyed all of the extra revision I was doing, however I am doubting myself now as I also like biology, and like the idea of being able to combine them, but I am still quite unsure. I really enjoyed organic chemistry, but I like a lot of the chemistry modules! My favourite biology topics are probably things like biological molecules! I really just don’t want to get it wrong and commit to something that I won’t enjoy, though I think I am someone who is able to enjoy anything if I put my mind to it! I would also be particularly interested in people doing these degrees at Cardiff, Bristol and Bath as those are the universities I am probably thinking of most. I am interested into going into research in the future. This is a very wordy and ramble-y post but if anyone would be able to help with their knowledge of these degrees that would be really helpful! Thank you!

Hi,

I'm a third-year at Lancaster University and I study chemistry. I was in a similar boat when I started uni so I understand the struggle you are going through.

If you are looking for a good combination of chemistry and biology, you may want to consider biochemistry or medicinal chemistry as these fields often bridge the gap between the two sciences and you would be able to explore aspects of both in your studies. That being said, I do straight chemistry and have completed modules of the chemistry of biomedical imaging and biological chemistry so there is some overlap as well as opportunities to tailor the modules to your interests.

Don't stress too much about getting your choice 'wrong' as throughout university you change a lot and your interests might evolve as you progress. Plus, there are opportunities to tailor your degree to your interests as you go along.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or want to chat more about your decision. Good luck with your UCAS application!
-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Hi

I'm Oliver and currently a final year Natural Sciences student at Lancaster.
I remember being in such a similar position a few years ago and finding it really hard to make a decision. In the end I went for natural sciences as I really wanted to keep my options open and not have to commit to one subject.
For me it's worked perfectly as I've been able to follow my interests as I've progressed through my degree and and had the flexibility to choose whichever modules I'm interested in from across chemistry and biochemistry.
In first year I took pathways in synthetic/organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry but decided for second year I wanted to focus on synthetic chemistry and biochemistry so was able to drop my physical chemistry pathway. I'm now taking my final year project in organic chemistry while still taking biochemistry modules and really love the balance between the two.
I hope that is helpful and feel free to ask me any more questions

Oliver (student ambassador)

Hi

I'm Oliver and currently a final year Natural Sciences student at Lancaster.
I remember being in such a similar position a few years ago and finding it really hard to make a decision. In the end I went for natural sciences as I really wanted to keep my options open and not have to commit to one subject.
For me it's worked perfectly as I've been able to follow my interests as I've progressed through my degree and and had the flexibility to choose whichever modules I'm interested in from across chemistry and biochemistry.
In first year I took pathways in synthetic/organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry but decided for second year I wanted to focus on synthetic chemistry and biochemistry so was able to drop my physical chemistry pathway. I'm now taking my final year project in organic chemistry while still taking biochemistry modules and really love the balance between the two.
I hope that is helpful and feel free to ask me any more questions

Oliver (student ambassador)

Hi all! I have of course researched these degrees however I would like to get some input from people who are actually studying these degrees!

After doing the Chemistry Olympiad, I decided that I wanted to do a chemistry degree as I really enjoyed all of the extra revision I was doing, however I am doubting myself now as I also like biology, and like the idea of being able to combine them, but I am still quite unsure. I really enjoyed organic chemistry, but I like a lot of the chemistry modules! My favourite biology topics are probably things like biological molecules! I really just don’t want to get it wrong and commit to something that I won’t enjoy, though I think I am someone who is able to enjoy anything if I put my mind to it! I would also be particularly interested in people doing these degrees at Cardiff, Bristol and Bath as those are the universities I am probably thinking of most. I am interested into going into research in the future. This is a very wordy and ramble-y post but if anyone would be able to help with their knowledge of these degrees that would be really helpful! Thank you!