Biochemistry

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What are genes? How do hormones work?
How does the brain work? How is the genetic code read?
What goes wrong in a cancer cell?
Why can’t everyone run a two-hour marathon?
How do plants trap and store the energy of sunlight?
Why are enzymes so extraordinarily good at speeding up biochemical reactions?

These are just a few examples of the questions that interest biochemists.

Biochemistry involves the molecular functions of all living organisms, bacteria, plants and animals (including human beings). These processes are chemical in nature because life itself functions by chemical means. The amazing thing is that 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:

Information: The discovery of the coded information stored in the base sequence of DNA has led to great advances in our understanding of the regulation of gene expression. Techniques based on this understanding allow manipulation of genetic information, leading to new approaches to medical diagnosis and treatment, plant-breeding, genetics and even forensic science.

Energy: All living organisms require energy to maintain their function. Fermentation, muscle contraction and photosynthesis were some of the earliest systems to be studied. Today this area is as important as ever and this knowledge is being applied in areas as diverse as sports training, modern biotechnology and the utilisation of solar energy by mankind.

Structure: The structure and function of all living things depends on the molecules they are made from and the way in which these molecules fit together to build cells and carry out chemical reactions. Enzymes, for instance, are large molecules that are the catalysts of living organisms, and are more efficient than the reaction systems used by chemists. As a result enzymes are increasingly being used in industrial processes.

Studies in biochemistry are strengthened by exploration of the related scientific areas of molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics.

Biochemistry can be studied as a major in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) or the Bachelor of Health Science, or as a component of the following BSc specialised programmes: Biomedical Science, Biophysical Sciences, Genetics, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Neuroscience or Bioinformatics. You may be able to study individual biochemistry units in other degrees.

Course Structure

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 techniques 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.

Duration of Course

Bachelor of Science: 3 years full time, up to 10 years part time. Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science): 3 years full time, up to 10 years part time. Bachelor of Health Science: 4 years full time, and up to 10 years part time.

Career Prospects

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 (Scitech etc.) 
• Biotechnology industry, food-related industries.