Biotechnology traces its roots back to 1919, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that researchers performed the first successful recombinant DNA experiment. Biochemists analyze the chemical characteristics and processes that are involved with all living organisms.
A career in biotechnology can be terrific and rewarding, but it’s going to take a lot of work. As of 2016, there were an estimated 9,550 biochemistry degrees awarded to graduating college students. If you’re serious about breaking into the biochemical field, you are going to need to work extremely hard and study even more. First, let’s take a look at some of the best schools in the country for biochemistry degrees. Keep in mind, however, there are dozens of other schools that offer excellent biochem degrees.
Here are some of the most popular universities around the country when it comes to biochemistry:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Capella University
- CDI College
- John Hopkins University
- The George Washington University
- Grand Canyon University
- Purdue University Global
Once you’ve selected and got into a school that offers biochemical courses, that’s when the real work begins. Here are some study tips for biochem students:
- Get quality scientific lab notebooks — You’re going to have all sorts of notes that you’ll need to refer back to again, and again, and again, and again. It’s nearly impossible to pass the easiest classes in the world without taking notes. In an educational field like biochemistry, not taking notes is the biggest mistake you can make. Everything you learn over your educational career, write it down in your scientific lab notebook.
- Try not to memorize information — Memorizing facts and statistics can help you get a high score on a single test, but you won’t actually be able to retain that information when you’ll need it later on. Instead of just focusing on memorization tricks and tactics, try to really learn concepts. That’s why it’s important you write down things in your own words inside your laboratory notebooks. This way, you’ll actually be able to understand the information that you’re being taught.
- Break up the work — There are going to be nights where you study for five long hours… but it has to be done. You can’t sit down for five hours and expect to comprehend the material, however. You need to actually break up everything. To switch it up, which will help avoid exhaustion, try spending an hour on one topic and taking a 10- to 15-minute break and then repeat.
If you’re ready to excel in school and begin your career as a future biochemist, purchase some quality scientific lab notebooks — give Scientific Notebook Company a call today and good luck!