Biomedicine and Biochemistry

[Philman]

well, im applying to 4 Medical schools for 2006 entry, but am also looking at filling my 5th and 6th choices with either biochemistry or biomedical science, but am not sure of the relative employment prospects of the two courses, ive tried to look up things about the two courses, but both of them seem to end in either research or teaching, is this the only real prospects for biomedical scientists or biochemists? or are there other things that i just cannot seem to find?

[Jass1nonly]

Hi there,
Both biomed science and biochemistry are both good science based degrees. However in my opinion, as a biochemist and from my experience in working with biomed science students I would say that Biochemistry has better job prospects. On the other hand if ur jus looking to fill the 5th and 6th choice on your ucas form then I would suggest that you put down biomedical sciences. This is because sum unis such as St georges, kings, Queen Mary's and a few others allow entry into the 2nd year of medicine based on academic performance (>60% average) in 1st year of biomed science. Also bradford run a partnership scheme with leeds medical school, if I remember correctly the top 20 students in the Clinical Sciences course are recommended for entry into 2nd year of medicine at leeds.

Hope that helps and good luck with application.

[Philman]

hey, thanks there Jass, thats helpful, although now im in two minds as to weather to go for the better job prospects, or the extra chance of getting to medicine...

[Jass1nonly]

whether it biochem or biomed sciences its entirely up to you - find out what really interests you. Since you have As in your A levels I wouldn't bother with the 5th and 6th choice because you can reapply for next year if unsuccessful. After three years u may feel that biochem or biomed wasn't the course 4 u and also you have to take into account the financial considerations applying as a graduate.

Good luck for 2006

[Philman]

well, ive already been unsuccessful, and am on my re-application, i really dont want to be spending 2 years out of education while applying to medical schools...

I think i'l apply for the biochemistry for my 5th and 6th choices, it will interest me, and if i dont get into medicine this year, i think i may well be too bitter to try and apply to get in through biomedical sciences next year...

[Little White Dragon]

If you think that you might be interested in staying in science after doing a degree, then try to find a Biochem course with a good chunk of molecular biology (DNA stuff) - at the moment a lot of available jobs are in this area.

[ElizabethA]

My experience having done BSc Biological Sciences at Leicester is that this course could be a good choice. You can specialise in Biochemistry/Pharmacology/Genetics/anything you want after the first year, and when I was there at least you were guaranteed an interview for the GEP at Leicester/Warwick. If might not be true anymore but could be worth taking a look at. Also other GEP unis may have the same thing if you take their Biochem/Biomed course.

As far as careers go, I definately think Biochem is the better option. I have a friend who did Biomed as most employers she goes to seem to have the pre-conception that she is a failed medic who isn't really interested in working for their company. Not always the case but many more traditional employers are fonder of 'tradional Biochem' than the newer courses. Hope my somewhat biased opinions are of some help