Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the explanation of life in chemical terms. It involves the study of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, which are the fundamental molecules of life. Biochemists try to understand how these molecules interact in living organisms, in health and disease.
Biochemistry is one of the fastest-growing areas of modern science. By taking a combination of papers from both Biological Sciences and Chemistry, students will gain a solid grounding in the molecular and chemical principles underlying biochemistry.
Career Opportunities
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Food Biochemist
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
School subjects required
Students who wish to study Biochemistry should take biology and chemistry at secondary school. Mathematics or statistics may also be useful. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.
PLANNING YOUR DEGREE
Biochemistry is available as an interdisciplinary major jointly taught between the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry.
To complete a major in Biochemistry, students must complete 120 points above 100 Level, including 60 points at 300 Level, from compulsory papers.
Year 1
100 Level – Papers are worth 15 points.
Prerequisites
» BIOL101 – Cellular and Molecular Biology
» CHEM102 – Chemical Change and Organic Compounds
Students are strongly advised to include the following papers:
» BIOL102 – The Biology of Organisms
» CHEM101 – Chemical Concepts
» STAT121 – Introduction to Statistical Methods or STAT111 – Statistics for Science
Year 2
200 Level – Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
Compulsory papers
» BIOL210 – Introduction to Genetics
» BIOL251 –Biochemistry
» CHEM201 – Organic Chemistry
Students are strongly advised to include the following paper:
» CHEM204 – Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Techniques
Year 3
300 Level – Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
Compulsory papers
» BIOL310 – Advanced Genetics
» BIOL351 – Advanced Biochemistry
» CHEM301 – Advanced Organic Chemistry
Students are strongly advised to include the following papers
» BIOL362 – Molecular Biology and Biotechniques
» CHEM306 – Advanced Analytical Chemistry
