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Wajee
Student
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
3
Questions
Updated
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What are some skills (related to biochem, biotech, bioinf, genetics etc) I could learn to secure master in a good university/?
I am a biochem major planning to apply for masters in a good university abroad. I want to use this summer wisely to work on skills that would make my profile stronger. Could you suggest some trending skills related to my subject, and which platforms can I use to learn these? I am also thinking to gain some work experience in related field, However I dont know which areas can I apply to.
I am already enrolled in Coursera, edX, Udemy.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Wajee !
Since you are already a Biochemistry Major for your Bachelors Degree, you most likely have become familiar with the skill and knowledge portion of this path. Your Degree in Biochemistry is basically your in for the American Masters Program at an American University if that's where you're planning to obtain your Masters. You'll have the skills through getting your Bachelors Degree, but there are academic and procedural requirements that you will need to become aware of.
If you plan to go to University in the United States, you will need good grades in your undergraduate chemistry, calculus and physics courses that you took for your Bachelors Degree. Also, some universities require that you take the GRE exam. You'd have to take the TOEFL or the IELTS English Language Proficiency Test. You will also need two or three letters of recommendation from your undergraduate professors or an employer that has seen your work.
A Statement of Purpose will be needed. You would write about you career goals and why you are interested in that University's program. You'd need to have your current college send the foreign college all of your transcripts from all the colleges you've attended in your country and elsewhere. You will also need to include a Resume or a Curriculum Vitae which will show your work experience, academic achievements and any research you have done. The things you will need to get into the Masters Program can be worked on while doing your Bachelors Degree.
As you probably already know because you are a Biochemistry Major, the skills you should bring to the Masters Program are great communication skills, accurate and precise research skills, presentation skills, critical thinking skills. You also must have experience collaborating with others and working well among colleagues.
You would also want to learn hands on how to use lasers, fluorescent microscopes, x rays, and computer modeling software, and lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. Most likely at some point in your undergraduate path you may become familiar with them.
This is a field of work that really needs to be experienced in a Lab and not online. Since you're already taking online courses in addition to your university on site courses, I'd say that there really isn't any more you should take on. Let your Biochemistry Department provide you with hands on Lab Work and possible employment opportunities. I believe that online courses may not give you the best because you really need to interact with people and learn how to work as a team and independently in a Lab setting.
For guidance about available trending courses or subjects in your country, visit your on campus academic advisory office or a career center on campus if they have one. Your Biochemistry Degree, your good grades on your undergraduate courses, good scores on entrance and language exams and good reference letters showing your skills are what will matter for getting into the American University (if that's where you plan to study). Let your university teach you everything as well as provide Lab experience and research projects. There's really no need to be concerned about more skills, focus on what you need in order to be a biochemist.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Since you are already a Biochemistry Major for your Bachelors Degree, you most likely have become familiar with the skill and knowledge portion of this path. Your Degree in Biochemistry is basically your in for the American Masters Program at an American University if that's where you're planning to obtain your Masters. You'll have the skills through getting your Bachelors Degree, but there are academic and procedural requirements that you will need to become aware of.
If you plan to go to University in the United States, you will need good grades in your undergraduate chemistry, calculus and physics courses that you took for your Bachelors Degree. Also, some universities require that you take the GRE exam. You'd have to take the TOEFL or the IELTS English Language Proficiency Test. You will also need two or three letters of recommendation from your undergraduate professors or an employer that has seen your work.
A Statement of Purpose will be needed. You would write about you career goals and why you are interested in that University's program. You'd need to have your current college send the foreign college all of your transcripts from all the colleges you've attended in your country and elsewhere. You will also need to include a Resume or a Curriculum Vitae which will show your work experience, academic achievements and any research you have done. The things you will need to get into the Masters Program can be worked on while doing your Bachelors Degree.
As you probably already know because you are a Biochemistry Major, the skills you should bring to the Masters Program are great communication skills, accurate and precise research skills, presentation skills, critical thinking skills. You also must have experience collaborating with others and working well among colleagues.
You would also want to learn hands on how to use lasers, fluorescent microscopes, x rays, and computer modeling software, and lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. Most likely at some point in your undergraduate path you may become familiar with them.
This is a field of work that really needs to be experienced in a Lab and not online. Since you're already taking online courses in addition to your university on site courses, I'd say that there really isn't any more you should take on. Let your Biochemistry Department provide you with hands on Lab Work and possible employment opportunities. I believe that online courses may not give you the best because you really need to interact with people and learn how to work as a team and independently in a Lab setting.
For guidance about available trending courses or subjects in your country, visit your on campus academic advisory office or a career center on campus if they have one. Your Biochemistry Degree, your good grades on your undergraduate courses, good scores on entrance and language exams and good reference letters showing your skills are what will matter for getting into the American University (if that's where you plan to study). Let your university teach you everything as well as provide Lab experience and research projects. There's really no need to be concerned about more skills, focus on what you need in order to be a biochemist.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer this!
I’ve been focusing on building both academic knowledge and practical lab experience during my undergraduate studies, and I’ll definitely keep your suggestions in mind — especially regarding entrance exams, transcripts, and reference letters.
Wajee
You are welcome for the advice ! Have an awesome day !
Michelle M.
Georgina Maria
1
Answer
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Georgina’s Answer
Biotechnology, bioinformatics as well as genetics research
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
Hi,
To stand out, focus on three key areas beyond getting good grades.
1. Learn to Code for Biology. Don't just know genetics—learn to analyze genetic data. Get comfortable with Python or R. Handling large datasets is essential, and labs need this skill.
2. Master Statistical Thinking. Don't just perform tests—understand why you choose them. Know what makes a good experiment and how to find weaknesses in data. This depth of understanding is highly valued by professors.
3. Learn to Manage a Project. Take charge of a part of a research project, even if it's small. Track progress, solve problems, and communicate with your team. Being able to manage your work well is a big advantage in any lab.
To stand out, focus on three key areas beyond getting good grades.
1. Learn to Code for Biology. Don't just know genetics—learn to analyze genetic data. Get comfortable with Python or R. Handling large datasets is essential, and labs need this skill.
2. Master Statistical Thinking. Don't just perform tests—understand why you choose them. Know what makes a good experiment and how to find weaknesses in data. This depth of understanding is highly valued by professors.
3. Learn to Manage a Project. Take charge of a part of a research project, even if it's small. Track progress, solve problems, and communicate with your team. Being able to manage your work well is a big advantage in any lab.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Wajee,
Good question! That you're preparing ahead and using the summer to raise your profile is fantastic. That kind of drive will be very helpful to you, particularly as you get ready to apply for a master's degree overseas in a field as competitive as biochemistry. You can start honing a few practical abilities to make your application stand out since you have an interest in fields like genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics.
Start by prioritizing lab-related skills like PCR, gel electrophoresis, CRISPR, DNA sequencing, and cell culture methods that are highly regarded in research environments. Both academic and industrial labs rely on these. Knowing how to code in R or Python is quite beneficial if you're leaning toward bioinformatics.
These languages are frequently used for drug development, systems biology, and genomics data processing. Knowing how to use programs like BLAST, Bioconductor, or Geneious will further demonstrate your ability to work with actual biological datasets. To get started, look into beginner-friendly classes on sites like edX and Coursera. These websites provide top-notch biological sciences content from MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
Gaining competence in MATLAB, biostatistics, or even regulatory affairs can provide you a competitive advantage in the biotech industry. If you're unsure of how to use these abilities, you could explore for volunteer or internship opportunities in biotech businesses, hospital research labs, or research groups connected to universities. Even temporary positions as lab assistants or online research initiatives can provide practical experience.
If you're still in school, consider contributing to a professor's work or working on a modest independent research project to take things a step further. This shows initiative and can result in letters of recommendation that are quite positive. Showing a blend of technical expertise, research engagement, and interest for your field will be very beneficial if your goal is a solid master's placement overseas.
It's a great beginning that you are already enrolled in learning sites such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy. Especially if you want to apply to programs in research-heavy nations like the U.S., Germany, or Canada, highlight your practical abilities in a brief portfolio or resume and keep track of the courses you take. Last but not least, do not be afraid to contact current graduate students in your desired programs; they frequently offer the most practical guidance and might even point you in the direction of extra chances.
Your readiness to make plans in advance already demonstrates your seriousness, and you're headed in the correct direction. Maintain your curiosity, keep studying, and go cautiously. You can do this!
Best wishes!
Good question! That you're preparing ahead and using the summer to raise your profile is fantastic. That kind of drive will be very helpful to you, particularly as you get ready to apply for a master's degree overseas in a field as competitive as biochemistry. You can start honing a few practical abilities to make your application stand out since you have an interest in fields like genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics.
Start by prioritizing lab-related skills like PCR, gel electrophoresis, CRISPR, DNA sequencing, and cell culture methods that are highly regarded in research environments. Both academic and industrial labs rely on these. Knowing how to code in R or Python is quite beneficial if you're leaning toward bioinformatics.
These languages are frequently used for drug development, systems biology, and genomics data processing. Knowing how to use programs like BLAST, Bioconductor, or Geneious will further demonstrate your ability to work with actual biological datasets. To get started, look into beginner-friendly classes on sites like edX and Coursera. These websites provide top-notch biological sciences content from MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
Gaining competence in MATLAB, biostatistics, or even regulatory affairs can provide you a competitive advantage in the biotech industry. If you're unsure of how to use these abilities, you could explore for volunteer or internship opportunities in biotech businesses, hospital research labs, or research groups connected to universities. Even temporary positions as lab assistants or online research initiatives can provide practical experience.
If you're still in school, consider contributing to a professor's work or working on a modest independent research project to take things a step further. This shows initiative and can result in letters of recommendation that are quite positive. Showing a blend of technical expertise, research engagement, and interest for your field will be very beneficial if your goal is a solid master's placement overseas.
It's a great beginning that you are already enrolled in learning sites such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy. Especially if you want to apply to programs in research-heavy nations like the U.S., Germany, or Canada, highlight your practical abilities in a brief portfolio or resume and keep track of the courses you take. Last but not least, do not be afraid to contact current graduate students in your desired programs; they frequently offer the most practical guidance and might even point you in the direction of extra chances.
Your readiness to make plans in advance already demonstrates your seriousness, and you're headed in the correct direction. Maintain your curiosity, keep studying, and go cautiously. You can do this!
Best wishes!