A look into UC Riverside's biochemistry

Currently a junior looking to pursue a major in biochemistry, and UC Riverside is on my radar. Wondering if anyone can give me some insight into their biochemistry program? What's the curriculum like? Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated!

The Biochemistry major at UC Riverside is indeed a rigorous program that prepares students for a wide range of careers related to biosciences, from pursuing a research career to moving onto professional schools. At UCR, the biochemistry major is offered through the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS), which is well-regarded for its robust science programs.

The curriculum for biochemistry is a combination of courses that span biology and chemistry. This trans-disciplinary approach provides a thorough understanding of the molecular aspects of life processes. You begin with the fundamentals: general biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus. As you progress through your major, you'll take more specialized courses, like Molecular Biology, Physical Biochemistry, and even elective courses in advanced topics such as medicinal chemistry and genomics.

There are also numerous opportunities for undergraduate research at UCR, which is critical for students interested in this field. Depending on your interests, you could work on projects ranging from RNA biology to the biochemistry of diseases.

Lastly, you'll be glad to know that UCR has excellent pre-health advising services which can offer guidance if you're interested in using your biochemistry degree as a pathway to medical, dental, or other professional schools. These advisors can help with course planning, finding internships, other professional development, and even navigating application processes for grad programs.

Hope this gives you a deeper look into the biochemistry program at UC Riverside! As always, you should reach out to the university's admissions department or the department itself to get the most detailed and up-to-date info. Good luck!