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Career - Is biochemistry the right course for me?

Hi :smile:

So I'm considering doing biochemistry at university but I'm worried that this degree wont be able to get me a job in what I want to do.
In the future I'm thinking of a career working with biological diseases, analysing them finding out what they are or something similar. I know it probably doesn't exist and its just science fiction but I've always liked the idea of analysing biological weapons as such or analysing samples of unknown diseases to find out what it is and a possible cure for it. (I've also looked at becoming a biomedical scientist but realised I wanted it to be more chemistry based)

So I just wondered if this is the best course for me and if this is a possible job? If so what job would I look for and what course would I need to take?

BTW - I know that a job like this would be very hard to achieve .
Original post by em.waggy22
Hi :smile:

So I'm considering doing biochemistry at university but I'm worried that this degree wont be able to get me a job in what I want to do.
In the future I'm thinking of a career working with biological diseases, analysing them finding out what they are or something similar. I know it probably doesn't exist and its just science fiction but I've always liked the idea of analysing biological weapons as such or analysing samples of unknown diseases to find out what it is and a possible cure for it. (I've also looked at becoming a biomedical scientist but realised I wanted it to be more chemistry based)

So I just wondered if this is the best course for me and if this is a possible job? If so what job would I look for and what course would I need to take?

BTW - I know that a job like this would be very hard to achieve .


I'm not sure why you're under the impression that such jobs don't exist! There are loads of scientists working on diseases and finding cures for them. The only thing to remember is that you will need to do a postgrad degree after if you want to stay in the field as you can't progress and in some cases can't even get a job with just an undergrad degree. It doesn't matter whether you do biochem or biomed. You will specialise later and even as you go along and definitely will at postgrad level. So pick a degree that interests you now and maybe one that offers a lot of flexibility so that you can explore your interests.
Hello @em.waggy22 :bigsmile:

On a BSc Biomedical Science course you would build up the scientific, experimental and critical skills highly valued in graduate careers. These specialist skills can then be used in research in either medical or industrial research organisations (such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), or universities and research institutes.

There are many routes you can take at this point; medical research (hospitals, universities or research institutes), the pharmaceutical industry, medical information services, teaching, medical writing and publishing. For example some of our recent graduates have gone on to work as Biomedical Scientists in various NHS trusts, Cytology Screeners within the NHS, Lab Technicians at Covance and Scientists at Vectura Plc.


@alleycat393 is right that many of our graduates also undertake postgraduate study (medical degrees, master's level or PhD level qualifications). Some of these PhD student are focusing on biological diseases within their research.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any further questions,

Emma P

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