Biomedical Chemist
What is a biomedical chemist? Where do they work?
Are you interested in science and medical research? Biomedical chemists are medical scientists. They perform scientific research and apply chemical principles to study human diseases, their origins, and how to best treat them. They also create and study new pharmaceutical drugs to treat them. As a biomedical chemist, you can work in medical or even in veterinary research. Many biomedical chemistry majors opt to pursue medical school. Some choose a career in the medical industry and some pursue a career in medicinal chemistry. You could work in pathology labs or for government agencies or private companies that are involved in quality control or regulation of pharmaceuticals. Other options are teaching, research and development, forensics, or becoming a physician.
Become a Biomedical Chemist
- Career Plan: How to Become a Biomedical Chemist
Biomedical Chemist Resources…
- Biomedical Chemist Certification
- Duties and Statistics: Biomedical Chemist
- Related Biotechnology and R&D Careers
How do biomedical chemists contribute to health care today?
Chemistry deals with properties of elements and the reactions of their combinations. Applying this discipline to studying biology can help advance understanding and treatment of human disease. Through this kind of research, there have been developments in fighting cancer, AIDS, alcoholism, Parkinson’s disease, malaria, and other diseases. With the explosion of medical advances, scientists and physicians still must utilize the fundamental chemical concepts and apply them to new endeavors. Chemists can begin with a very basic chemical concept, and develop new approaches to complex biochemical, biological, or medical challenges. If you are interested in merging your love of science and research with imagination, you can do that in this field, applying basic science of chemistry toward novel advancements.
Required education and training for biomedical chemists
To become a biomedical chemist, you will need a minimum degree of a bachelor of science (BS) in biological chemistry. This multidisciplinary degree merges chemistry with life sciences. Coursework will cover organic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemistry research, biochemistry, synthesis, inorganic chemistry, pre-med courses, oncological chemistry, differential equations, and biostatistics. Mathematics and statistics will also be covered, as well as a basic core curriculum. But clearly, you must possess a proclivity as well as a love for science! If chemistry is your favorite science subject, but you are also interested in the life sciences, or possibly in medicine, consider pursuing a bachelor of science in biomedical chemistry. The coursework will be challenging, but can also lead you into many fulfilling and intellectual directions, with many opportunities to contribute to the field of medicine.
To learn more about becoming a biomedical chemist, you may wish to explore schools that offer degrees in biological chemistry or related programs. You may also be interested in learning more about the certification process for biomedical chemists across the country or, if you are still trying to determine the right career choice, take some time to explore additional careers in health care.
