Bio...Chem..Biochem? Part 3 (yes, another series)

So far in this series we have covered information about the biology and chemistry major.Today we will be concluding our series with the biochemistry major, along with some of our final thoughts within these awesome sciences.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical reactions necessary for life to exist (for example- photosynthesis). A student interested in biochemistry will study substances such as carbs, fats, and proteins, fats and proteins. One may also study about amino acids and their effects and functions within the human body.

The major is designed to prepare students for biochemical research, or graduate study in biochemistry. It helps prep students for molecular biology as well as prepare students for professional education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and other health sciences. Biochemistry is an area where getting involved in almost vital to a students future success. Students who seek out study groups, student organizations, and research opportunities develop more experience outside of just the class room to build on their skills.

Transferable skills:

Ability to utilize mathematical and scientific methods to solve problems

Comprehend research material

Work  with spreadsheets and statistical software

Critical thinking

ability to communicate and convey information effectively

Adapt to new findings in the field

A master degree is the least amount of education one would need in order to teach in a college or directing research and a PhD is preferred overall.

Please check out this link for Career options for this major. It includes the following career options:

Research

Scientific Technical Recruiting

Professor

Science Teacher

Doctor of medicine

Grant Writer

Here are a few links for further information

 https://access.bridges.com/cx/majors/Profile.do?majorId=65
http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=1188&content_id=CTP_003379&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=cb725b08-719d-47bf-87e4-c00a47f5cbaa

So let's recap!

Biology studies living organisms-- humans, animals, and microscopic organisms. There are many different subfields to biology.

 Chemistry is the study of atoms and elements and how they react when combined or separate. Chemistry focuses on the properties of biology. So one is needed for the other.

Biochemistry is the combination of both organisms and their reactions to different chemical structures.

Each area has a different focus but overlaps into another area of the sciences. When choosing which one best may suit you, focus on which area you find most satisfying and exciting. No matter which area, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I enjoy laboratory work and research?

2. Do I enjoy solving problems through scientific methods?

3. Am I creative in my thinking?

4. Do I often ask the question why and wonder how things work?

5. Do you enjoy working with your hands and preforming routine work?

For each of the three, students should possess investigative, artistic, and realistic interests. 

Well, this concludes our series on Bio, Chem, Biochem! Until our next Tuesday! :) 

Bio...Chem..Biochem? Part 2 (yes, another series)

Chemisty!!! Let's just jump right in. 

When you think of Chemistry, what comes to mind? What came to my mind when I started thinking about it was probably "The Magic School Bus" with Ms. Frizzle!! I learned so much from that show when I was growing up!

It always covered information about chemicals and reactions; particles and molecules, ecosystems, astronomy, etc.

You may have had the same thoughts. Or maybe yours were a little like the picture to the left.

Whatever you thought chemistry was should center around the fact that chemistry is a science centrally concerned with the structure of atoms and elements and their reactions when combined or separated. Like biology, chemistry can focus on cells, and things that are microscopic.  Sometimes I like to think about biology and chemistry as one being a "bigger picture" and the other more detail oriented.Chemistry looks primarily at the properties of atoms and elements that make up biology. Chemistry is everywhere and is seen as the central science while it involves and overlaps all others.

With a chemistry major, you  will learn about molecules, and formulas; the periodic chart information.However, these are some of the transferable skills that you can use in this field of study or in others:

- utilize math and science rules to solve complex problems

- apply general rules to specific problems, form general rules or conclusions by combining pieces of information

-communicate effectively

-computer skills

-ability to see details at close range

-comprehension of research materials and written documents

Some basic interests that some students have that are interested in Chemistry should be the following:

Investigative- problem solving, discovery, asking the question "why" and "how"

Realistic- more practical, hands on labor that takes more of a simplistic vs. theoretical 

Conventional- more structured, routine work that consists of detailed precise measures

Education: Different parts/subcategories of chemistry require a different level of education. For research and development, a PhD is required. For quality control, analytical testing or assisting a senior chemist, a bachelors degree is the minimum. Medical school is another option for students who want to become doctors. As the market becomes more competitive its becoming more evident that the graduate level of either a masters or Ph.D level will help to give students a greater edge when it comes work placement.

 Lastly, when it comes to jobs, please don't believe that the only work for chemistry majors is lab work, although it is a common area.

Here's a list of other common careers:

Analytical Chemist
Chemist
Animal Nutritionist
Environmental Health Specialist
Chemical Reactor Operator
Food Chemist
Forensic Chemist
Pathologist
Physician
Pharmaceutical sales rep.

*Some of this list may require further education. Check this link out for more career options!

For more information, please check the links below. As always, enjoy! 
What is chemistry?
OU Chem Dept.

Bio...Chem..Biochem? Part 1 (yes, another series)

 

Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry? What's the difference between these disciplines? All three can lead to med school. All three may look at things microscopically. All three take a scientific approach at evaluating problems, but what makes these 3 areas stand out from each other? And how do you know which one will work best for you?Today we will be covering information about biology first. (this blog entry will be full of videos :D)

Biology is the study of all living organisms, whether that be in part (microscopically) or as a whole.  A biology major prepares students who are interested in laboratory work, medical school (or other specialty areas of medicine such as dentistry, optometry, veterinary, podiatry, etc.)There are many facets and subfields to biology. Let's just talk about a few that are most common. 

Some subcategories:

Microbiology-microscopic organisms and their

Anatomy- human body; organ, systems, and all

Botany- Plant biology

Zoology- Animal biology

Ecology- Study of the environment and us

Physiology- interaction of cells, organs, and muscles

Genetics- Study of hereditary features

Evolutionary Biology- The changes within cells and organisms over time through species adaptations

Virology- Study of viruses and the like

Neurobiology- Study of nerves and their information processing

Microbiology up close! 

Search Youtube for other specific subcategory videos!

 

For some students, it's hard to see past the typical jobs of just teaching biology or working in a laboratory. Although those are areas that individuals who are interested in biology can find careers in, there are other areas. The biggest question you have to ask yourself is what are your career goals, and what area of biology do you most find interesting?  Here's a list of other careers to consider as well as a video below :) 

Careers:

Laboratory Technician

Food and Dairy Quality Control Executive

Agricultural Scientist

Environmental Technician 

Forensic Scientist

Geneticist

Marine Biologist

Health related areas: Veterinarian, Physician Assistant, Podiatrist, etc. 

other career choices in biology

At the end of the day, one may need to ask the following questions:

1. Is researching an area I find stimulating or is the thought mind numbing?

2. Do I like to explore and looking at things more simplistically?

3. Am I interested in problem solving? Am I good at it?

For further information please check out this link, as well as the OU Biological Sciences page. 

Have a good one!

MTD: Music Theatre and Dance (part 3. Dance)

"EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!!!.... dun dun duh duh dun"- When you hear C&C Music Factory's Everybody Dance Now song, doesn't it make you want to just start dancing?!

Today's topic is the last of the 3 for our MTD series. I hope you are enjoying them so far. 

Dance is a universal action and movement. From culture to culture, dance represents many different things. For some it may be a way of expression. For some, it may fulfill a ritual. For others, it may be telling a story. Dance is evolving still and always changing in many directions. What may have been "cool" back in the day, such as the "Macarena" of the 90's, may not sit well with this generation that's more into maybe "the dougie", or crowd surfing (I categorize that as somewhat of a dance). Dance is a very popular art form with many different genres as well. 

The dance major allows for students to study and appreciate the art form, develop intricate skills and perfect current ability. It also allows for the expansion of knowledge amongst diverse types of dance. Because of dance's ability to express emotion yet also exert energy, here's a variety of venues that dance is a part of:

Group Workouts

Commercials

Choreography

Competition/ entertainment

or maybe, Business Presentations- Ted.com 

Transferable skills gained:

Problem solving- attention to detail, critical thinking, adaptation of techniques, forming perceptions, seeing connections

Communication- awareness of body language and control, ability to give and receive criticism, making keen observations

Artistic/Technical- working independently, creating and performing with ambition, completion of accurate and detailed work

Organizational- spatial memory, self-discipline, time management, meeting deadlines and working under pressure

Common jobs for Dance majors:

Dance Therapist

Professional Dancer

Choreographer

Arts Manager

Teacher

Community Dance Instructor

Dance Notator

College Professor

Workout Instructor

Booking Agent

Public Relations Manager

DANCE!!

Dancers can work in a number of venues, it doesn't always have to happen on University, School, or Theatre Hall stage. With as many transferable skills as this major provides, finding a job outside of dancing is quite the possibility. 

As we conclude our MTD: Music Theatre and Dance series, I leave you with a video from OU. Enjoy!!!