Carol Said:

What are the differences between biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology?

We Answered:

Biochemistry: deals with the study of individual molecules like proteins, DNA, RNA, RNA enzymes, etc.

Molecular Biology: deals with molecular pathways like apoptosis, DNA replication, RNA synthesis, MAPK pathway, DNA repair, chromosome crossover, etc.
Mainly this studies all of th eproteins in a pathway and how they interact.

Cellular Biology: deals with the study of cells and cell structures like ER, golgi, RER, cell membrane, etc.


If you are going into forensics, I would major in biochemistry. With forensics, you deal with mainly DNA and protein/nucleic acid extraction from cells.
It is best to know biochemistry.
For me, my major in college is biochemistry and molecular biology (they combined the two). My main interest is protein folding and protein strcture.
So I would choose biochemistry for my graduate research work.
good luck.

Leona Said:

What government jobs are open to one who graduates college with a degree in biochemistry & molecular biology?

We Answered:

go to usajobs.com the website above is not through the federal government. I have some friends who are environmental scientist and they have masters degree not PHd.

Rosa Said:

Can someone tell me the difference between microbiology and molecular biology and biochemistry majors?

We Answered:

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Molecular biology deals with biology on a microscopic level, such as DNA transcription and translation. Both micro and molecular bio are overlapping. What you learn in one course, such as micro, may be covered in molecular bio as well. Biochem is similar to both of the subjects but requires that more knowledge of chemistry be applied. If you like science, I'm sure you'll enjoy all three.

Courtney Said:

Can some provide me with a list of Rugg's recommendations on Biochemistry/Molecular Biology?

We Answered:

I don't have that book, but rankings are always somewhat variable. Here's what US News and World Report says:

Biological Sciences Specialties: Molecular Biology
Ranked in 2007*

1. Harvard University (MA)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University (CA)

Biological Sciences Specialties: Biochemistry/Biophysics/Structural Biology
Ranked in 2007*

1. Harvard University (MA)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University (CA)

Irene Said:

what is a fun career for someone with a biochemistry and molecular biology major?

We Answered:

Not with a BS. You can usually find lab tech positions which you consider boring or you can teach. Most of the more challenging jobs require at least a MS or PhD.