between biochemistry and chemistry major, which one is harder to learn and why?

Question

what's the difference between them?

Answer 1

Biochemistry has more requirements, e.g. it has biology _and_ biochemistry (they are separate subjects) as additional requirements among other things. If you go by the number of requirements, biochemistry is more difficult.

However, because chemistry has fewer requirements, it may require more advanced coursework, namely quantum physical chemistry, which is not required in biochemistry. Since this is typically considered one of the most difficult classes in the chemistry department, you could make an argument that a chemistry major is actually more difficult.

So the short answer is, it depends on who you ask.

Answer 2

It depends on how deep you go into each field. Someone can always argue that one is more difficult than the other; it's not like comparing algebra one with calculus. There's still a lot to be learned about each field.

Biochem focuses exactly on what its name implies, biological chemistry. This means not just the chemistry around us, but how organisms use chemicals to function and react to other chemicals. Think of the molecules used in transmitting neurological signals throughout your body, for instance. You would need to know chemistry and biology for biochem, and physics as well.

Chemistry has its own disciplines as well, such as organic or physical. It's a broader subject, so as opposed to biochemistry, you can apply general chemistry knowledge to everything from household chemicals to how cars run on gasoline to how ink is colored to make a poster.

If you're trying to decide between majors or something, I would read up about both before choosing. I'll honestly say that I'm a biology major but I dread my biochem classes more than my chemistry ones, and I have a feeling that they'll be much harder. I also know several biochem majors who are completely bored and don't like their major at all (so I wonder why they chose it)...which is why I say, choose carefully!

Answer 3

bio is harder because organic(living things) chem. is included