Future Students

Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the molecular functions of all living organisms, bacteria, plants and animals (including human beings). Life itself functions by chemical means, and these chemical processes are much the same in all life-forms, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale.

Biochemistry deals with the way in which molecules are organised and interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and of the organism. Together with the closely related disciplines of genetics and molecular biology, it investigates three main areas: the information stored in DNA; molecular interactions; and how organisms gain and use energy.

Level 1
At Level 1 you study biology or human biology, including an introduction to the molecular biology of the cell, plus chemistry and mathematics (and/or physics) to provide the necessary background for higher levels.

Level 2
Level 2 units lay the foundation for the study of biochemistry.  All aspects of the field are broadly covered and the sub-disciplines of genetics, molecular biology, metabolism and cell biology are put into perspective.

Level 3
At Level 3 you will build your knowledge of important biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. These units provide the basis for advanced study in molecular biology and cell biology.  You will explore cellular function from the perspective of the cellular macromolecules - DNA, RNA and protein - as well as protein targeting, signal transduction and the life-cycle of cells: growth, differentiation, cancer and cell death.

You will also discover genetic systems and the effects of genetic variation, the mechanisms of metabolic regulation, the role of enzymes and energy generation, which explain how cells cope with environmental changes and stress, and aspects of cell-cell interaction, including receptor function and intracellular signalling.

You will receive practical instruction on a range of tecniques that are currently used to explore the workings of cells and tissues.  You will undertake projects that will introduce you to many aspects of research work, including planning, experimental design, database searching, working at the laboratory bench, data interpretation, report-writing and oral presentation of results.

Career opportunities

Biochemistry graduates have a sound training in problem-solving and investigation that can provide a background for careers as diverse as industrial management, patents and the foreign service.

Those who continue in biochemistry itself find employment in -

• Research in universities, hospitals, CSIRO, government departments, research institutes and industry
• Diagnostic services in pathology, hospital and agricultural laboratories
• Teaching in universities, schools and public education (such as Scitech)
• Biotechnology industry, food-related industries.