About this major
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It combines principles of chemistry and biology to understand cellular processes, enzyme functions, and genetic information, equipping students with skills to pursue careers in research, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Student Experience
Academic Balance
I personally really enjoy learning about chemistry. However, I picked biochemistry because there’s one less physics class to take than a chem major. Learning about the concepts is difficult but the application in a laboratory setting could be more challenging. The workload is heavy and very challenging, but I enjoy this challenge. The good part is that there’s not too much math to do, besides the calc 1&2 requirement for biochemistry majors at USC. The faculty is supportive and professional, some are really good that teaching and are always happy to help. It might be hard to get internships/research opportunities because USC is such a big school, and therefore the competitive is intensive. Most biochemistry majors attend medical school or the MD/PhD program after their undergraduate career. But overall I would recommend this major only if you are very very very interested in both chemistry and biology and also the intensive amounts of labs to do.
Biochemistry is for students that actually like chemistry and enjoy the theoretical aspects of biology that then relate back to it all. I do not recommend for those that are looking for a broad major to open up their interests because of how heavy the workload is. This senator u have to take calc 2, molecular biology, and organic chemistry all in the same sem.
hardest class is organic chemistry. double majoring with math, classes are much easier for biochemistry/lifesciences-more memorization heavy
It is one of the longer majors and has several weeders. People freak out about it a lot but you just need to be calm and probably sacrifice some other things for studying.
Less math prereqs than I thought. Pretty fun major
It's so fun! it challenges your ability to study and think. So many interesting concepts! I am excited to go to grad school, and would 100% recommend to others.
Very tough, it is going to be a lot of studying, a lot of procrastinating, and a lot of regretting the procrastinating
It is very interesting, make sure to stay on top of everything.
My passion for biochemistry comes from my father. Taking chemistry in high school opened my eyes to the world of the physical sciences
I love biology and i love chem. Biochemistry is great!!!
I haven’t had much experience tbh but excited to learn more! I love the courses and potential opportunities