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Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes of living organisms, which includes the chemistry of biological systems and biological products and the chemistry of life processes. Biochemists usually specialize in one of many areas in their field, but they need to be familiar with several scientific disciplines. Their work requires an understanding of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and computer science.
The student develops a broad understanding of the relationship between chemical compounds, systems, and interactions and the functioning of various biological systems. This, combined with a solid Liberal Arts curriculum, enables students to develop skills in planning and organization, analysis, critical and logical thinking, problem solving, communication, research and investigation, attention to detail and understanding relationships.
An undergraduate education provides a breadth of knowledge, while post-graduate studies allow students to probe deeply into specific areas and is required for more advanced career options in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry or medicine. Some students obtain licensure in Adolescent and Young Adult Education to teach in secondary education.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Animal scientist
Biochemist
Biochemistry technologist
Biomedical engineer
Biophysicist
Chemist, Food
Coroner/medical examiner
Criminalist
Cytogenetic technologist
Dentist
Dietitian/research
Environmental analyst
Food and drug inspector
Forensic pathologist
Histopathologist Illustrator - medical and scientific
Lawyer - patents, government regulations, medical ethics
Microbiologist
Mycologist
Ophthalmologist
Pathologist
Periodontist
Pharmacologist
Photographer, scientific
Physician
Physician assistant
Professor, college or university
Public health educator
Research assistant
Sales representative (chemicals and drugs)
Teacher, high school Veterinarian
Veterinary epidemiologist
Veterinary pharmacologist
Writer - technical/scientific
*Some positions may require advanced degrees and/or additional training
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Information on employment outlook for the occupations listed above may be found at America’s Career InfoNet, http://www.acinet.org, the Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org, or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/oco.
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Biotechnology companies
Chemical plants
Colleges and universities
Drug companies
Environmental agencies
Federal government:
Food and Drug Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
National Institutes of Health
High schools
Hospitals
Non-profit organizations
Regulatory agencies
State government
Local government
Hamilton Co. Dept. of Environmental Services
Scientific publishing companies
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Heizmann, Sam. The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century, Washington, DC: Island
Press, 1999.
- Fasulo, Michael & Kinney, Jane. Careers for Environmental Types and Others Who Respect the Earth,
Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2002.
- Goldberg, Jan. Real People Working in Science, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- Rosen, Donald, Holmberg, Kay & Holland, John. Dictionary of Educational Opportunities, Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., 1994.
- Woodburn, John. Opportunities in Chemistry, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2002.
Professional Associations
- American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.acs.org.
- American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1444 1 Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, http://www.aibs.org.
- American Pharmacists Association, 1100 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005-1707, http://www.pharmacist.com.
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814- 3996, http://www.asbmb.org.
Web sites
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