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degree for higher education and countries
I am an IB student and I want to end up getting a masters or a PhD in a science that has to do with biology and chemistry such as biochemistry or medical science etc. I am in Dubai currently. I want to go to canada as I like the universities there but there are financial issues and I might have to go to Turkey. Which I do not mind but the only course there is molecular biology and genetics which I am not that interested in as i want chemistry. Should I do it anyway or study Biology on its own or chemistry on its own or minor in chemistry? Then I can pursue higher education in Canada or Europe. #college #higher-education #science
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Wendy’s Answer
Hello! I recently graduated with a biology degree and I do think that a major in Biology (which does include some chemistry) and a minor in chemistry would be a great start to see which field you enjoy the most to continue pursing for higher education in the long run. Also in major in biology you will also take some biochemistry classes it will only be a brief overview of what is included in biochemistry it will help in seeing if biochemistry would be something you would want to pursue as well.
thank you ! this was very helpful
Rama
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Ajay’s Answer
This is a great question but difficult to answer in a specific manner. After almost 30 years in the real world ( i.e. after completing my undergraduate studies) I have realized that the lines between subjects is fuzzy at best. Biology is related to chemistry and viceversa. Graduate school is where the research starts focusing in - so a broad based undergrad is always helpful. In this case biology with a minor in chemistry is good - also molecular biology and genetics is also a key research area these days - for which both biology and chemistry are key.
thank you so much this helped a ton
Rama
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Andrew’s Answer
It is important to set an academic goal early on your life journey. On the other hand, we should be cognizant of the possible twists-and-turns as well as the necessary meanders along the way. In the end, we may end up in a different place from the one we plan in the beginning. The alternate endpoint may be equally or even more rewarding. We should be focused on our goal, but we be willing to be flexible at the same time.
We should appreciate that biochemistry or medical science are specialties in the general field of chemistry and biology. If your main objective is an advanced degree in biochemistry or medical science, you should first build a strong foundation in chemistry and biology. The time to acquire this foundation is in your undergraduate years. A viable path in achieving your goal is to earn a degree majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology. By then, you will be ready for the graduate school in which you can purse your interest in biochemistry or medical science.
When I was a high-school student over half a century ago, I fancied myself in working on the inertial guidance system (of which I really had no idea what that was about) or nuclear physics in my future career. My teacher then insisted that I should focus on the foundation of physics, which was the best advice I ever got. I majored in physics in my undergraduate years with a heavy emphasis in mathematics. In the three years that I worked on my master’s degree, I was drawn into solid state physics, and ended up in solid state geophysics for my Ph.D. thesis. Interestingly, after a year of postdoctoral fellowship at the Carnegie Institute for Science, I ended up in working as a consultant scientist at NASA working on gravity field for many years. Yes, the precise information of the Earth’s gravity field is vital to inertial guidance system! Anyway, I switched over to the study of large-scale statistical analysis of global climate data for about a decade later. After two decades at NASA, I accepted a professorship in mathematics and statistics and worked about fourteen years before my retirement recently. I might not have achieved my original goal set in my high-school year, but I am happy with my long journey.
We should appreciate that biochemistry or medical science are specialties in the general field of chemistry and biology. If your main objective is an advanced degree in biochemistry or medical science, you should first build a strong foundation in chemistry and biology. The time to acquire this foundation is in your undergraduate years. A viable path in achieving your goal is to earn a degree majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology. By then, you will be ready for the graduate school in which you can purse your interest in biochemistry or medical science.
When I was a high-school student over half a century ago, I fancied myself in working on the inertial guidance system (of which I really had no idea what that was about) or nuclear physics in my future career. My teacher then insisted that I should focus on the foundation of physics, which was the best advice I ever got. I majored in physics in my undergraduate years with a heavy emphasis in mathematics. In the three years that I worked on my master’s degree, I was drawn into solid state physics, and ended up in solid state geophysics for my Ph.D. thesis. Interestingly, after a year of postdoctoral fellowship at the Carnegie Institute for Science, I ended up in working as a consultant scientist at NASA working on gravity field for many years. Yes, the precise information of the Earth’s gravity field is vital to inertial guidance system! Anyway, I switched over to the study of large-scale statistical analysis of global climate data for about a decade later. After two decades at NASA, I accepted a professorship in mathematics and statistics and worked about fourteen years before my retirement recently. I might not have achieved my original goal set in my high-school year, but I am happy with my long journey.
Updated
Kriti’s Answer
Hi Rama, I know this fix :) However, what I know most definitely from some 15 years of work-ex is that the streams don't matter. Your hands-on work experience and ever-evolving passion will take you in the right direction. Don't be a stickler when it comes to a specific stream. Try to have this conversation with yourself about what truly keeps you up. What 'problem' is it that you truly want to solve? Most schools offer hybrid courses and give you the flexibility to co-major, specialise and add new courses based on your interest trajectory. Finances, migration and the whole geo-political shebang is good to consider given the volatile times we are living in, but what will help you sail through is your passion and a laser sharp focus to achieve it.