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Biotechnology vs Biomedicine vs Bioinformatics

Hello everyone, i'am a non-traditional student and i'am transferring to a for year with an ultimate goal of applying to Medical school. However, I'am having a difficult time choosing a transfer major, at my home institution I've already completed a large majority of science courses from Mircobio to Physics. Since I've completed these courses, its only befitting for me to choose a major that will uptake my current credits. The majors of interest are biotechnology, biomedicine and bioinformatics. Now, although I've researched the hell out of these majors, i still don't know what a typical work day would look like for either profession or if it is a profitable and complementary pathway to my ultimate goals.

Someone please help, if you are in any of these fields.

Thank you in advance
#college-major #biotechnology #bioinformatics #biomedicine #Premed #Medicalschool #college-major

college-major premed biotechnology medicalschool bioinformatics biomedicine
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Yijing (Jenna)’s Answer

It probably depends on the school that you are going to, the three majors are indeed very much similar. Biotechnology in general is a more broad concept - for example, it may get into food industry - fermentation process is considered a very traditional biotechnology. You may also use fermentation or cell culture to make medicines. In that situation, it may sometimes be covered by bio-medicine.

Bioinformatics is based more on computer science, statistical model, instead of more traditional lab study.
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Yuezhe’s Answer

Hi Tina,

I am not sure what exact your situation is, but based on what I know, these three majors are very similar. I presume that the major course requirements are also similar. If you are interested in the one that may yield better job prospect, I would recommend you choose the major that is under engineering department.

I am not a medical student, but based on the background of MD/PhD students that I know of, major has little impact on whether you can get into a program. Indeed one MD did comment on that major didn't have much impact on whether you can go to a medical school. Your GPA and the institute may have greater impact. Knowing the faculty of the institute of your interest is also important.

To sum up, I am not sure whether these three different majors would make much difference. However, I would suggest you to look for summer research internships in the institutes that you want to. Making people know you will increase your chance. Also I am not sure whether you have entertained the idea of getting a MD/PhD. The PhD will pay for the MD.

I hope all these help. Good luck!
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Allen’s Answer

I'm surprised you haven't gotten a good idea of what the fields are like. There are huge differences and making a good choice will make the difference between having a job you hate and is limited towards one that is a good springboard for more opportunities.

Biotechnology is working with cell cultures. People with a bachelor degree work in labs. You must have a master's degree to have any level of supervisory responsibility. The lower level lab jobs are getting automated and probably don't have a good future. Here are some skills:
-flow cytometry, ddPCR, ELISA, in vitro potency assays; stem cell culture experience is a plus.

Biomedicine is another lab job but it focuses on molecular biology and biochemistry, mRNA is hot right now. Here is a typical skill set:
-· This individual will generate critical analytical characterization to support the RNA-based therapeutics development in discovery research and development using a suite of established methods (examples include qPCR, CGE and DLS)

Bioinformatics is working with health data. One spends their day analyzing data sets and programming computers to make sense of data points from research.

Medicine accepts any major so do what you would most like to do as a career and/or personal field of interest.
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