I want to major in molecular biology, but I'm confused?

L

LoLo

New member
I'm a junior in high school and I want to go to a University of California school to major in molecular biology. I mean I think that's what I want to do. I want to be one of those people who works to find cures for AIDS and malaria and stuff like that. What type of degree do I need to get? I don't want to be a doctor or go to medical school. Can anybody give me an example of what somebody with this profession does in a normal day at the job? Thanks so much!
 
You'd need a PhD to do medical research like that. You can spend your summers in college doing internships in the field to get a feel for what those researchers do on a daily basis and get some experience for graduate school.
 
Many UC schools have programs that provide access to basic science researches.

In case of UCSD, there's HCOP, HCOE, etc.

In terms of studying AIDS or infectious disease, this is the path I would recommend.

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology (Molecular biology, Genetics are good too. I would strognly recommend that you become friends with genetics. that's the current trend of disease research is going).
Masters in Epidemiology focusing on infectious disease (provides you on hand experience opportunity).
Doctoral degree in Genetics and Complex Diseases.

Please note that you can't do your own research with bachelors degree these days. So aim to continue your educaiton 'til doctoral degree.
 
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