Essential Items for Newly Admitted Nursing Students: Getting admission into a tertiary institution can be exciting and worrisome. Exciting because you finally got admission after maybe, many years of application. Worrisome because you don’t know or are confused on about what things you should put together as a biochemistry student. I can relate! But after getting admission, preparing for your new life into school, accommodation and how you adapt to your new environment is sure going to be more complicated than you can ever imagine. In this guide, we give you the comprehensive list of the essential items you must get as a newly admitted biochemistry student.
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science that studies chemical processes in living organisms, combining chemistry and biology to understand and solve biological issues. It focuses on lipids, organelles, and proteins, enabling researchers to cure illnesses, understand living organisms, and educate others on health and diseases.
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How To Become A Biochemist
Gaining admission into any of the higher institutions is about the first step in your journey of becoming a biochemist.
A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry can lead to entry-level positions like research assistant, inspector, or technical sales representative. A master’s degree offers advanced opportunities in commercial industries like food manufacturing or marketing. A PhD program allows participation in research projects and focuses on specific areas.
Typically taking 5-7 years, PhD programs may offer financial aids and scholarships. Certificates can lead to teaching, lab work, marketing, sales, and administration in private or public sectors. In academic settings, students can teach and research, while entrepreneurs can set up their own labs or offices.
Common Course works to Expect as a Biochemist
Biochemistry majors receive a comprehensive education in biology and chemistry, focusing on genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. These foundational courses prepare them for advanced courses like inorganic chemistry, neurobiology, biophysical chemistry, and computational genomics.
Labs are required for experiments, involving teamwork and scientific writing. Most biochemistry majors also take physics and mathematics courses, including calculus.
Things you must Avoid as a Newly Admitted Biochemistry Student
- Don’t fall for the wrong impressions created by your senior colleagues about biochemistry
- Don’t fall for the fear created by your colleagues, seniors, or lecturers
- Avoid hating any lecturer. This might fire back at you as you may loss interest in reading the aspects of the course taught by the lecturer.
Career Options in Biochemistry
Professionals who work in biochemistry can serve in a variety of settings, from laboratories to clinics to pharmacies. Here are the most common careers in biochemistry you can pursue:
- chemical technician
- laboratory technician
- forensic science technician
- forensic scientist
- chemical engineer
- toxicologist
- professor
- environmental chemist:
- researcher
- molecular biologist
- physician
- clinician
- pharmacist
Read Also: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Biochemistry
Necessary Skills Needed To Succeed As A Biochemist
Biochemists require technical skills, such as computer software and equipment operation, to excel in their field. Interpersonal skills, such as attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork, are crucial for success. Writing skills are also essential for reports and assessments.
Essential Items for Newly Admitted Nursing Students
1. Laptops/Tablets
A laptop or tablet is crucial for students, as it stores, accesses, and downloads essential information, such as tutorials, videos, and research papers. It also aids in taking notes, creating documents, and downloading additional materials. Courses may require programs, webcams, and proper access, ensuring a good grade without causing technical issues.
2. Writing Materials
Biochemistry students need ballpoint or gel pens for clinical use, with gel pens suitable for patient notes, admission paperwork, observation charts, and discharge. Ballpoint pens are better for date dressings and IVs, as they hold up longer. Highlighters are essential for highlighting books, notes, and calendars, especially pathways.
3. Notebook
Notebooks are essential items for every biochemistry student. You can choose to have a spiral-bound notebook or a binder, depending on your preference. Spiral-bound notebooks keep notes together, while binders with loose-leaf paper allow for easy addition and removal of notes.
4. Sticky Notes
Sticky notes, post-it notes, and flags are useful tools for organizing and removing thoughts. Post-it notes are easy to remove and re-stick, while flags make pages accessible in textbooks or planners. Sticky Notes allow for extra notes and reminders during study, ensuring you don’t have to stop as ideas come to mind.
5. Planner
A planner is essential for biochemistry students, as it can help them stay organized and create a calendar, to-do lists, and more. Whether it is a hardbound book or a digital app, a planner is essential for nursing school.
Undated planners are great for summers and in between semesters, but consider your usage and breaks before choosing one.
Read Also: How to Prepare for Nursing Exams: Sure Tips for Success
Best Resources to Learn Biochemistry
There are a number of textbooks and resource materials that every biochemistry student must have handy to understand biochemistry. In most cases, you are going to have to have a bit of a background in basic chemistry. You may also need to have some statistics knowledge, and understanding the basics of organic chemistry in your skillset.
Overall, the best book for most people, and also the most overwhelmingly used all around the world for biochemistry courses is Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, originally published by the American biochemist Albert L. Lehninger.
Other useful textbooks are:
- Voet Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
- Garrett Grishman Biochemistry
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Biological, and Organic Chemistry
- Satyanarayana biochemistry
Conclusion
Biochemists are vital in maintaining the world’s existence, and those interested in the course should study the provided information to make informed decisions.
