If you are interested in studying biochemistry at any accredited Nigerian university, you need to meet certain requirements, both at the O’Level and UTME levels. In this blog post, we will explain WAEC and JAMB subject combination for Biochemistry, what are the requirements and how you can prepare for them.
Overview of Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that take place in living organisms, such as metabolism, DNA replication, and enzyme catalysis. Biochemistry is a fascinating and rewarding field that can lead to various careers in research, medicine, biotechnology, and more.
O’Level Requirements for Biochemistry
To be eligible to study biochemistry, you need to have at least five (5) credits in your SSCE (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB) in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
These subjects must be obtained in not more than two (2) sittings. You also need to register for these subjects in your JAMB UTME.
JAMB Subject Combination for Biochemistry
The JAMB UTME is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge and aptitude in four (4) subjects. To study biochemistry, you need to choose the following subjects in your JAMB UTME:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics or Mathematics
You need to score at least 180 in your JAMB UTME to be considered for admission into most universities that offer biochemistry. However, some universities may have higher or lower cut-off marks, depending on their admission policies. You can check the JAMB brochure for the specific cut-off marks of each university.
How to Prepare for Biochemistry JAMB Exam
To ace your JAMB UTME for biochemistry, you need to study hard and smart. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Get the JAMB syllabus for biochemistry and study the topics and objectives for each subject.
- Get the recommended textbooks for biochemistry and read them thoroughly. You can also use other relevant books and online resources to supplement your reading.
- Get the JAMB past questions and answers for biochemistry and practice them regularly. You can also use the JAMB CBT practice app or software to simulate the exam environment and test your speed and accuracy.
- Join a study group or online forum where you can discuss and solve biochemistry questions with other candidates.
- Revise and review what you have learned and identify your areas of strength and weakness.
- Eat well, sleep well, and stay healthy before the exam. Arrive at the exam venue early and follow the instructions given by the invigilators.
Best Universities to Study Biochemistry in Nigeria
Top 10 Universities to study biochemistry in Nigeria with their admission requirements
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Ilorin
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- University of Port Harcourt
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
What Jobs can you do with Biochemistry?
Here are some of the main places you can work with a biochemistry certificate:
- Biotechnology companies
- Food production companies
- Government agencies
- Forensics labs
- Universities and research institutes
- Hospitals and private testing labs
- Pharmaceutical and medical sales
Frequently Ask Questions on Biochemistry
What is the Jamb Subject Combination for Biochemistry?
The JAMB subject combination for Biochemistry is Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. These four subjects provide the foundational knowledge required for studying biochemistry at the university level. Students need a strong grasp of all four subjects.
What are the main Subjects for Biochemistry?
The main subjects in biochemistry curriculums are biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics. These cover the core topics like biomolecules, metabolic pathways, cell biology, thermodynamics, kinetics, and regulation of biochemical processes. A broad understanding is required.
Can I do Biochemistry without Physics?
It is very difficult to properly study biochemistry at an undergraduate level without physics, as a conceptual understanding of many physics principles and concepts is essential for key topics in biochemistry. Physics lays the groundwork for thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, kinetics, and more.
Can a Biochemistry student become a Doctor?
Yes, with further study in medical school, a biochemistry graduate has an excellent educational foundation to become a medical doctor. The biochemistry knowledge can be applied to many health science careers like pharmacology, clinical chemistry, physiology, toxicology, and more.
Is Biochemistry harder than Physics?
Biochemistry involves a greater amount of memorization of complex biological pathways, chemical structures and sequences than physics. Physics relies more on concepts and mathematical formulas. Many students find the factual memorization requirements of biochemistry harder than the concepts in physics.
What is the hardest class in Biochemistry?
Physical biochemistry is often considered one of the most difficult classes for a biochemistry major. It rigorously covers thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics and their mathematical applications to biological molecules, processes and systems. It is very challenging.
Is Biochemistry a Medical Course?
Biochemistry is not directly categorized as a medical course, however, it provides tremendous foundation knowledge for medicine and other health sciences like pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, endocrinology and more. It is great preparation for medical studies.
Is biochemistry heavy in Math?
Yes, biochemistry requires applied calculus, statistics, and some physics-related mathematics to fully understand topics like enzyme kinetics, binding equilibria, diffusion, thermodynamics, membrane transport, cell gradients, and more. Comfort with math is important.
Is it hard to pass Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is considered difficult and requires consistent hard work – immersing oneself in dense textbooks, memorizing complex structures and sequences, and practising challenging problem sets and data analysis are necessary to pass biochemistry exams and classes. The diligence pays off in the end.
Is Biochemistry a lot of Memorization?
Yes, memorization of amino acid structures, intermediates in metabolic pathways, steps in glycolysis, nucleotide sequences, and enzymes are essential for success in biochemistry classes and labs. Strong recall skills are very important due to the factual nature of the material.
