Blaghoblargho
Oh man, school is so much fun this semester. There's nothing I like more than to spend every waking moment thinking of chemistry. What's also cool is that now I get to start stressing out about my future! Oh joy.
Since I haven't really posted about it:
Biochemistry I: Yeah, this is my major right here. Holy shit is it hard. Remember those pathways from biology? Glycolysis, etc.? Now I get to memorize every step, its stereochemistry, specificity and kinetics! And if that weren't difficult enough, our tests are riddled with "Which of the following is false" followed by 8 probable statements and a "none of the above". I'm still 10 points above the average on each test, which would be good if the average were even remotely close to being above 50%.
Fundamental Genetics: Easy. I already learned 90% of it just through work, and the rest is covered by reading the book. Ironic fact: The class is boring, so I usually just read during lecture. What am I reading? A book on modern genetics.
Organic Lab II: It's so much fun spending three weeks on a single experiment. Did I mention we have an abstract and synthesis writeup due this week?
Spanish 101: Hahaha I haven't gotten anything lower than a 96%.
Thermodynamics: Go go physical chemistry! This class is rape and I hate it. It's everything I loathed about physics, but I have to actually learn this stuff because it's applicable to my major.
I also have to start worrying about what I'm doing after my undergrad degree is finished. There's a lot of choices I have to work through, since I'm really not sure what I want to do anymore. Anyone else in this conundrum or with experience on the subject, feel free to offer advice.
Grad School: PhD
PROS: I get to be referred to as a doctor, hell yeah. Plenty of opportunities in academia as well as a definitive pay boost if I get roped into teaching or industry.
CONS: Do I really want to spend six more years in biochemistry? Also, I was told not to consider this path unless I was extremely committed to my work. Apparently the doctorate mantra is "Prepare to be underpaid, underappreciated, overworked and exhausted for up to six years."
Grad School: MS
PROS: Less workload than a PhD, and probably more applicable to what I want to do in life. I have no interest in leading a lab and scrambling for grants, so having a masters opens up more in regards to industry than it does in regards to academics.
CONS: I'm going to school for another 3-4 years, why shouldn't I just spring for the PhD? Lots of stress and lots of work, but I guess it's good that I don't have to do a defense.
Straight into Industry
PROS: Apparently a third of all biochem undergrads go straight into industry and make a fair chunk of money. Considering I'll have no debt when I exit college, it would be amazing to jump right into the workforce with a good paying job in an interesting field.
CONS: The ceiling is set a bit lower, and going back to school is more difficult the longer you wait. I'm sure I'd be satisfied so long as there was plenty of opportunity for advancement in whatever industry I worked in, but still - no grad degree.
Med School
PROS: I'd be a doctor and I'd make a lot of money.
CONS: I'd be going to med school. I'm sure I could get in (my GPA, while not stellar, is higher than most people I know, and I'll have 2.5 years of applicable research on my record. I'd be going into medical research anyway, not a private practice).
Sheesh.
Since I haven't really posted about it:
Biochemistry I: Yeah, this is my major right here. Holy shit is it hard. Remember those pathways from biology? Glycolysis, etc.? Now I get to memorize every step, its stereochemistry, specificity and kinetics! And if that weren't difficult enough, our tests are riddled with "Which of the following is false" followed by 8 probable statements and a "none of the above". I'm still 10 points above the average on each test, which would be good if the average were even remotely close to being above 50%.
Fundamental Genetics: Easy. I already learned 90% of it just through work, and the rest is covered by reading the book. Ironic fact: The class is boring, so I usually just read during lecture. What am I reading? A book on modern genetics.
Organic Lab II: It's so much fun spending three weeks on a single experiment. Did I mention we have an abstract and synthesis writeup due this week?
Spanish 101: Hahaha I haven't gotten anything lower than a 96%.
Thermodynamics: Go go physical chemistry! This class is rape and I hate it. It's everything I loathed about physics, but I have to actually learn this stuff because it's applicable to my major.
I also have to start worrying about what I'm doing after my undergrad degree is finished. There's a lot of choices I have to work through, since I'm really not sure what I want to do anymore. Anyone else in this conundrum or with experience on the subject, feel free to offer advice.
Grad School: PhD
PROS: I get to be referred to as a doctor, hell yeah. Plenty of opportunities in academia as well as a definitive pay boost if I get roped into teaching or industry.
CONS: Do I really want to spend six more years in biochemistry? Also, I was told not to consider this path unless I was extremely committed to my work. Apparently the doctorate mantra is "Prepare to be underpaid, underappreciated, overworked and exhausted for up to six years."
Grad School: MS
PROS: Less workload than a PhD, and probably more applicable to what I want to do in life. I have no interest in leading a lab and scrambling for grants, so having a masters opens up more in regards to industry than it does in regards to academics.
CONS: I'm going to school for another 3-4 years, why shouldn't I just spring for the PhD? Lots of stress and lots of work, but I guess it's good that I don't have to do a defense.
Straight into Industry
PROS: Apparently a third of all biochem undergrads go straight into industry and make a fair chunk of money. Considering I'll have no debt when I exit college, it would be amazing to jump right into the workforce with a good paying job in an interesting field.
CONS: The ceiling is set a bit lower, and going back to school is more difficult the longer you wait. I'm sure I'd be satisfied so long as there was plenty of opportunity for advancement in whatever industry I worked in, but still - no grad degree.
Med School
PROS: I'd be a doctor and I'd make a lot of money.
CONS: I'd be going to med school. I'm sure I could get in (my GPA, while not stellar, is higher than most people I know, and I'll have 2.5 years of applicable research on my record. I'd be going into medical research anyway, not a private practice).
Sheesh.