I cant decide whether to do biology or biochemistry at university

lottierose20007

1

I have wrote my personal statement tailored towards biochemistry but I'm unsure whether or not I want to do the subject. I'm thinking of doing biology because there are still some modules about biochemistry but not all focused on it. Also I'm unsure how much ill have to change my personal statement for the different subject

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by lottierose20007

I have wrote my personal statement tailored towards biochemistry but I'm unsure whether or not I want to do the subject. I'm thinking of doing biology because there are still some modules about biochemistry but not all focused on it. Also I'm unsure how much ill have to change my personal statement for the different subject

Have you been to any open days and listened to the course talks for both subjects? Also look at some natural science courses, for example:

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/natural-sciences-bsc-hons-gfc0/2026/

It's not a big deal to change your personal statement, so make sure you pick a degree subject that you will enjoy.

Reply 2

CCCU Official

Official Rep

18

You might want to contact the University you wish to apply to and speak to the academic department about both courses and which one might be more suited to you?

Reply 3

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

18

Original post

by lottierose20007

I have wrote my personal statement tailored towards biochemistry but I'm unsure whether or not I want to do the subject. I'm thinking of doing biology because there are still some modules about biochemistry but not all focused on it. Also I'm unsure how much ill have to change my personal statement for the different subject

Hi @lottierose20007

The difference between biology and biochemistry will really depend on what areas of biology you like! Both are bioscience degrees, biology is just more general.

I chose to study biochemistry because I really like "smaller" biology - my interests are cellular, sub-cellular, and molecular biology. Taking biochemistry allowed me to take modules on the areas I was interested in while avoiding the areas of biology I didn't care for as much e.g. "larger" biology: the human body, ecology, zoology etc.

I'd look carefully at the module list available for each subject at the universities you are considering - pay close attention to which modules are compulsory and which are optional. See which degree appeals to you more! I personally don't think Natural Sciences would be as appropriate for you, as all of your interests seem to lie in the biosciences and I've always thought that a NatSci degree was better for people who were interested in multiple core science areas.

I doubt you'd have to adjust your personal statement much, as biochemistry is a key part of biology, you might just need to highlight your interest in some other biological areas as well.

Good luck with your choice, if you have any questions about studying biochemistry please let me know!
Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 4

McGinger

20

Original post

by CCCU Official

You might want to contact the University you wish to apply to and speak to the academic department about both courses and which one might be more suited to you?

Pointless. You'll get through to an admin person - who will just tell you to email central admissions.

I cant decide whether to do biology or biochemistry at university

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