Outline
Outline
Biochemists study the molecular structures and processes that form the foundation for living matter. They draw upon techniques from biology, chemistry and physics.
In this course, you will study the core principles of chemistry, molecular structure and chemical reactivity, and how they can be applied to biological molecules.
You will take second- and third-year units in biological, medicinal and natural product chemistry, along with complementary units in cell biology, molecular biology and molecular genetics.
You will investigate molecular systems that regulate cell growth, including signalling and defence, together with related metabolic pathways. You will also study molecular recognition, including its applications in biosensors, drug design and optimisation, and in monitoring the effects that exogenous compounds can have on living systems.
You can specialise in one of the following streams:
Chemistry
You will explore how an understanding of the molecular world can influence areas such as bionanotechnology, IT and new biocompatible materials.
Depending on your interests, you can learn to use sophisticated scientific instrumentation to solve complex, real-world analytical problems, or you can learn how to rationally design and synthesise new molecules for a variety of purposes.
Environment
You will gain first-hand knowledge of how biochemistry and molecular biology are implemented in an environmental setting.
You will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a variety of environmental applications of biochemistry. This includes detecting the biochemical signals of pollution, and conducting genetic sequencing of soil microbial systems to assess the impact of human activity.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
How to apply
This major sits within the Bachelor of Science degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Science. In step 3 of the application process, you will be asked to confirm the major you wish to study.
Applying as an undergraduate student is easy. For information tailored to your situation, visit our easy to follow instructions to get your application started.
Ready to apply?
What jobs can the Biochemistry course lead to?
Careers
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Forensic scientist
- Medicinal scientist
Industries
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
What you'll learn
- apply biochemistry knowledge, principles and concepts
- apply critical, creative and reflective thinking to biochemistry problems
- access, evaluate and synthesise information relating to biochemistry
- effectively communicate biochemistry ideas and concepts
- use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data
- work as responsible, self-directed and motivated learners
- apply internationally accepted scientific conventions, standards and protocols
- demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
- work safely, effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment
