Biochemistry explores the functioning of living organisms from a molecular and cellular perspective. It provides an essential basis for detailed understanding of biology and medicine. The range of biochemical and molecular biology topics covered by units in this discipline includes:structure and function of important biological macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins;
Biochemistry: Metabolism & Nutrition
Molecular Biology in Health & Disease
Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry
Techniques in Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry
Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Many science graduates majoring in biochemistry (which includes molecular biology) find positions in medical research, where there is a high demand for graduates (particularly those with honours degrees). They also find employment in industry, in particular those dealing with biotechnology, medical, pharmaceutical and food products (research and development, quality control, sales and technical services, technical/general manager); education (university teaching and research, school teaching and management); hospitals (dieticians, laboratory analysts, research, management), and government agencies (environmental monitoring, forensic science, health standards monitoring, nutrition, research and development). Some career options available to students include: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical chemistry, agricultural chemistry, environmental chemistry, nutrition and dietetics, science writing, patent and intellectual property law, marketing and commerce. Entry into some of these areas requires further study after completion of a BSc.
Many professional biochemists and molecular biologists are members of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Because biochemists and molecular biologists work in diverse areas, they often belong also to a society that reflects the emphasis of their employment, for example, the Australian Society for Medical Research.
(For research trained degrees, see the Research section.)
This 3-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course is offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and is available at Hobart and Launceston. The main intake to the Bachelor of Science is February, however a mid-year intake in July is also available. Interested students would study a major or minor in Biochemistry in Hobart.
This 3-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course is offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and is available at Hobart. This course specifically aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies and awareness in preparation for employment in industry and research organizations working in the expanding biotechnology sector as well as for research in higher degrees.
(For research trained degrees, see the Research section.)
This 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time (maximum) course is available at Hobart and, subject to available supervision, at Launceston. It aims to provide advanced training in the major area of the student's pass degree, opportunity for training in research, to prepare candidates for further research study (eg MSc and PhD) and employment in research organisations, and an in-depth knowledge in a single area of science, such as Biochemistry.
This one-year full-time or two-year part-time course is available at Hobart. This course specifically aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies and awareness in preparation for employment in industry and research organizations working in the expanding biotechnology sector as well as for research in higher degrees. Interested students would apply for Honours in Biochemistry.
The Graduate Diploma in Science allows students to obtain a science major in an area outside their specialisation, such as Biochemistry. Applications are open to graduates from all disciplines provided that the prerequisites for the field of specialisation are met, or other evidence of fitness to undertake the work is provided.
The Graduate Diploma of Science with Honours allows graduates to obtain the necessary science major to pursue higher degrees in Science. It offers advances training in the area chosen with a research Honours year, such as Biochemistry.