Jimmie Said:

Which would be a better major, integrative biology or cellular/molecular biology?

We Answered:

I was faced with the same choice. I took introductory corses is in both classes. Integrative was alot easier but I find that molecular cellular bio is WAY more interesting. I think that you probably have more opportunities with an integrative bio degree but if you were thinking med school I think that molecular cellular would prepare you better.

I go to the University of Illinois and how it works here is you declare biology undecided as your major. Then you take an introductory course in each class and your sophomore year you declare what biology you want to go to. So don't sweat it. Just go into what ever one you find more interesting.

I chose MCB by the way.

Steve Said:

How much do post docs (biology, cellular and molecular biology phd, or maybe virology phd) get paid?

We Answered:

$36,996 - $51,036

Tom Said:

Which is the easier college class, intro chemistry or intro cellular/molecular biology.?

We Answered:

Chem involves a lot of math; usually once you know how to do the problem its not too hard, but if you aren't so good at math and don't really remember about equations, I would suggest you take a refresher algebra course too. You also may want to explain your dilemma to your college advisor (you should have one) and they can help you out.
good luck, I want to be a doctor too=) (though i'm in hs)

Randall Said:

Anyone familiar with the book "molecular and cellular biology" by Stephen L. Wolfe?

We Answered:

I don't think so, however he did contribute to Biology: The Dynamic Science (2007).

Jerry Said:

Is there a difference between Molecular biology and cellular and molecular biology?

We Answered:

Cellular biology is just the biology of a cell. This takes aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics and applies it to the cell. Instead of focussing on individual genes and proteins, it would deal with how a combination of them results in a particular outcome for the cell. For example, cell signalling would be discussed which is a biochemical process. The cell cycle, protein targetting and cell structure are other examples of cell biology topics. The different compartments of cells would also be discussed in cellular biology, eg the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi etc

Molecular biology is similar to Biochemistry in that it deals with the structure and function proteins (but less on how to study them), but it also deals with genes much more strongly. Molecular biology and biochemistry can both deal with how genes are expressed in cells, but molecular biology takes genes further by considering genetic approaches to things - e.g. genetic engineering and how to study genes.

Ivan Said:

If I major in Molecular Biology instead of Cellular/Molecular Biology can I still get my dream job?

We Answered:

Yep that's fine. You could major in just about any type of biology and still do research/ get into grad school for cell and molecular biology.

Also, you can work on stem cells without a PhD. A Bachelors degree is good enough to get a job as a research technician in a stem cell lab.

I would look into what types of research are going on in the various schools you're applying to. Surely many of them have some stem cell research going on and you can most likely get a job as an undergraduate assistant in one of those labs.

I'd check out UT Southwestern... it's a very good school for research.

EDIT "Not" is right... find some other stuff to do for sure. I was in the band as an undergrad and always had a job. Make sure you keep up with the studying though. To be good at things like organic chemistry you have to study a couple hours every day.

It's very easy to get science burn out, especially once you're doing research. When most of what do doesn't work (which is common in science) it's very easy to get discouraged. Just remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.