Dropping my Chemistry degree to take Molecular Biology?

[GuppyPal]

I'm currently working towards a BS in General Biology, a BA in Chemistry, and minoring in Anthropology. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but after listening to a few Chemistry seminars, I've decided Chemistry is definitely not where I want to end up. I think I want to be a Biological Anthropologist, but could see myself working in Physiology, Ecology, Evolution, or Ethology (most like some combination of the four). I definitely want to go to grad school and get an MA/MS if not the PhD (I'm leaning more and more toward the PhD idea as I become more engrossed in my studies). The thing is, I'm about 2/3 of the way done with my Chemistry degree, and there's not enough time to add a Molecular Biology major. If I dropped my Chemistry degree, I'd end up with a BS in Biology, minor in Anthropology, and half a degree in Chem and MoBio. I guess I'm wondering what will benefit me more, an additional science degree that I won't use but may help me get into grad school, or more education in a more relevant field but only the single degree. Any advice from some grads?

Sorry if this isn't in the right section. I wasn't sure where to post it.

 

[nemesiss]

I'm currently working towards a BS in General Biology, a BA in Chemistry, and minoring in Anthropology. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but after listening to a few Chemistry seminars, I've decided Chemistry is definitely not where I want to end up. I think I want to be a Biological Anthropologist, but could see myself working in Physiology, Ecology, Evolution, or Ethology (most like some combination of the four). I definitely want to go to grad school and get an MA/MS if not the PhD (I'm leaning more and more toward the PhD idea as I become more engrossed in my studies). The thing is, I'm about 2/3 of the way done with my Chemistry degree, and there's not enough time to add a Molecular Biology major. If I dropped my Chemistry degree, I'd end up with a BS in Biology, minor in Anthropology, and half a degree in Chem and MoBio. I guess I'm wondering what will benefit me more, an additional science degree that I won't use but may help me get into grad school, or more education in a more relevant field but only the single degree. Any advice from some grads?

Sorry if this isn't in the right section. I wasn't sure where to post it.

id say finish Chemistry and in the next period when possible add Molecular Biology.
to me, i think it would be beneficial to have some good chemistry background, it may make it easier to go through MoBio. as for later, having both can give you an edge when looking for a job/internship.

 

[ExeFBM]

I'm gonna agree with Nemesiss. I have a degree in chemistry, and I'm working through my PhD now (organometallic synthesis with biological applications), so at the moment, I'm learning some biology on the fly to fully understand what I'm doing. If you want to go into molecular biology, organic chemistry will be a good qualification to have, and would give you an edge when applying for positions.

If you're serious about a PhD, make sure that you REALLY want to do it, and have a keen interest in the area you're looking at, not just doing it because it's another qualification/you want to be a doctor/it's easier than getting a job. I've known a few people who have started their PhD's for the wrong reasons, and they have a crap time, and most have dropped out.

 

[borrofburi]

If you're serious about a PhD, make sure that you REALLY want to do it, and have a keen interest in the area you're looking at, not just doing it because it's another qualification/you want to be a doctor/it's easier than getting a job. I've known a few people who have started their PhD's for the wrong reasons, and they have a crap time, and most have dropped out.

I started my bachelor's degree for the wrong reason and had a crap time. I had to take a semester off and figure out what the hell I wanted to do with my life (fortunately it turns out that a masters degree will be involved, and in getting my bachelor's I should only lose two to three semesters of my time). But basically, doing degrees for the wrong reasons is a terrible idea (mostly because you find yourself not caring about the work, and thus can't manage to do the work).

 

[c0nc0rdance]

It really won't matter what science your degree is in if your research experience and knowledge level about your chosen field is good. A BS is just a very basic education in the field of science.

I don't recommend an MS/MS in any field other than engineering. Stick to the BS and work experience, or the PhD and work experience unless an MS is required to advance in your field. But get your buttocks in a lab the first moment you can and demonstrate your ability to work independently and think critically. I'd rather have an undergrad who can think clearly than a PhD I have to constantly supervise and explain things to. A pre-trained technician is worth his weight in grant proposals.

For the record, a formulations chemist with a PhD and 3-5 years of experience in pharma or biotech is one of the highest paid employees in science, so long as they remain in industry. Molecular biologists make a lot less money, but (to me) the work is more interesting.

I made a video on "How to Become a Scientist" and a newer one on "A Day in the Life of a Research Biologist" that you might check out before you start this long road. Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is to identify someone at a nearby institution that does what you want to do, and interview them. Someone just like them will someday be interviewing you. Find out in advance what they look for in an employee.

 

[GuppyPal]

I'm gonna agree with Nemesiss. I have a degree in chemistry, and I'm working through my PhD now (organometallic synthesis with biological applications), so at the moment, I'm learning some biology on the fly to fully understand what I'm doing. If you want to go into molecular biology, organic chemistry will be a good qualification to have, and would give you an edge when applying for positions.

If you're serious about a PhD, make sure that you REALLY want to do it, and have a keen interest in the area you're looking at, not just doing it because it's another qualification/you want to be a doctor/it's easier than getting a job. I've known a few people who have started their PhD's for the wrong reasons, and they have a crap time, and most have dropped out.

That's interesting. My O-chem professor last year does the same thing. He uses a Pd catalyst and works with carbohydrates. UW?

Yeah, I know getting a PhD is serious business. I really like biology and biological anthropology (and science in general really), but with all the hype I've heard I thought I might just test the waters with a masters program and then use that as a stepping stone to a PhD program if I still thought that's what I wanted to do. I'm pretty sure I want to be a University professor, but if I decide not to get the PhD I'll probably teach high school. That's what I originally thought I wanted to do which is why I double-majored so I'd be more hireable. I've decided to just keep the chem major. It'll be another degree and with my biology degree I'll still have Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochem, and Intro to Molecular Bio, which should be a good enough foundation for more intense classes/labs later on.

 

[ExeFBM]

That's interesting. My O-chem professor last year does the same thing. He uses a Pd catalyst and works with carbohydrates. UW?

When I started the PhD there were plans to look at some Pd compounds but ran out of time in the end. I'm making platinum complex's with heterocyclic ligands for treating ovarian cancer. Trying to get the experimental wrapped up in the next month to be submitted in january.

 

[GuppyPal]

That's interesting. My O-chem professor last year does the same thing. He uses a Pd catalyst and works with carbohydrates. UW?

When I started the PhD there were plans to look at some Pd compounds but ran out of time in the end. I'm making platinum complex's with heterocyclic ligands for treating ovarian cancer. Trying to get the experimental wrapped up in the next month to be submitted in january.

That's awesome! Good luck. Hope everything goes well.