I'm currently studying all of the general education, low-level science courses at my local community college. I'll be leaving for university May 2008 but I have not settled on a major yet.

Like many, I want to live forever (or at least as long as I want) and I want to be a part of this through my own research in the future. With the many numerous routes I could take for a Bachelor of Science degree I was wondering if anyone had advice on which direction I should take. My plans include a Ph.D in the future but I would like some advice on the B.S. first, where do I start?

Thanks in advance!

--Timothy

The university's science department should have a list of majors - I'd recommend checking that to see what sparks your interest. I'd imagine the actual specialization doesn't happen until graduate school. (I'm not a researcher though, so that may be wrong)

I suppose you'll want to take a lot of biology and chemistry in college - not at all like applying to law school, where you should do anything but pre-law :p

Might be best to contact your university and maybe meet with one of their academic advisers. They know what courses are available, how to best prepare for them and what graduate schools are looking for.


edit: Some schools offer a major in "Natural Sciences" which combines chemistry, biology and physics - that might be something to look into.

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**warning- long post**

a college that my dad works at has a bioengineering program for undergrads.
i believe that this is a 4 year degree as most of their programs are 4 years with a few being 2 years. with the omission of the college name here is what they say...

Studying Bioengineering at XYZ College will equip you to pursue a career in a wide variety of engineering focused professions. While studying aspects of chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, you will learn how to combine your engineering knowledge with your understanding of life sciences, physical sciences and mathematics to define and solve problems in a variety of fields including biology, medicine, health care and more. This interdisciplinary program is a combination of XYZ College’s nationally recognized Engineering Department and above average Biological Sciences Department. By studying Bioengineering at XYZ College you will have the foundation of technical skills and awareness of socially responsibilty to make a positive impact on your world.

further info: The bioengineering major is a joint program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Engineering.

the masters program has this degree:
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Masters of Science degree in biology designed to prepare for careers in research and teaching or continue their education through a Ph.D. subsequently entering careers in research or college and university teaching. The department offers options for research activities in a variety of areas, including molecular biology, immunology, physiology, marine biology, and behavior.

Another college I know of has this to offer:

The program in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology (BBMB) offers interdisci-plinary courses and a major at the interface of the physical and biological sciences. The cur-riculum focuses on the understanding of biological processes at the molecular level and seeks to prepare students to enter the rapidly developing fields of biotechnology, biomedicine, and structural biology. The BBMB courses will serve as major requirements in BBMB, biology, chemistry, and physics. Courses in the BBMB major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.

The BBMB major: Biology 111, 205; either Chemistry 125, 135, 126, 136, or Chemistry 140; 245, 246, 250; Physics 155, 156; Mathematics 125, 126, 225; BBMB 324, 325, 326, 334, 335, 336, 400, and three credits of 490 or 498; at least seven additional credits taken from biology, chemistry or physics courses numbered 200 and above and approved by the BBMB faculty.

In the senior year, all BBMB majors must take a senior comprehensive exam containing both an oral and written component. The written component consists of the GRE exam in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology. A score in the 20th percentile or higher is required to Pass. The oral exam consist of a one-hour comprehensive question exam with two or more participating faculty.

They dip into infectious diseases in the last year.

Another course by this same college is Physics with a concentration in Environmental Studies.

The program overview is this:

You understand that environmental problems are multi-causal phenomena that require multidimensional solutions. It’s why you’re looking for an interdisciplinary program — one that combines your interest in the physical sciences with your passion for the environment, one that prepares you to be a successful scientist as well as an effective environmental citizen and leader. Whitman’s physics-environmental studies major may be the program you seek.

* Take advantage of an innovative and challenging curriculum, an emphasis on interdepartmental coursework, and a wide variety of course options and requirements encompassing the sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities.
* Learn the fundamentals in the field of physics as well as how they relate to contemporary and forward-looking debates about the environment.
* Build lifelong relationships with mentor professors who believe as much in the power of science to address complex environmental issues as you do.
* Enjoy access to the combined resources, facilities, and opportunities offered by both the Physics Department and the Environmental Studies Department. These range from the outstanding laboratory facilities available on the ABC campus to innumerable hands-on learning opportunities across the nation.

Lastly this same place offers Chemistry with a concentration in Environmental Studies

Interested in using science to address some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times? Looking to explore, understand and appreciate the interaction between different natural and ecological systems at the molecular level? As a chemistry - environmental studies major at Whitman, you will not only develop a deep understanding of the impact of chemical alterations and degradations on our environment but also gain the tools you need to do something about it.

* Take advantage of an interdisciplinary curriculum that not only focuses on basic chemistry but also enables you to understand U.S. environmental laws and address such issues as environmental pollution, water quality, water scarcity, water and wastewater treatment strategies and processes, as well as the impact of acid rain, global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion.
* Enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge facilities and technologies to gain a practical understanding of modern chemical instrumentation and processes. Beginning from your very first year at Whitman, you will find yourself in experiments involving pH meters, analytical balances, and visible spectrophotometers. Subsequently, you may also be introduced to atomic absorption, infrared, fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemistry.

Hope this helps give you a small glimpse of what is out there that has some bearing on what is done here.

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@Soriak & Greg

Thanks for the info! I'm leaning towards Biochemistry although that BBMB major looks quite interesting too.

--Timothy

@Soriak & Greg

Thanks for the info! I'm leaning towards Biochemistry although that BBMB major looks quite interesting too.

--Timothy

A touch more info on the BBMB thats at a college in a small town in eastern washington unless you find a different one with a similar program closer to where you live.

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