Biochemists study the molecular structures and processes that form the foundation for living matter. They draw upon techniques from biology, chemistry and physics, working in an exciting interface between these fields.
This course provides a solid foundation in chemistry, based on a molecular-level understanding of biological processes, with second- and third-year units in biological, medicinal and natural product chemistry.
You will investigate molecular systems that regulate cell growth, including signalling and defence, together with related metabolic pathways. You will study principles of molecular recognition, including their applications in biosensors, drug design and optimisation, and in monitoring the effects that exogenous compounds can have on living systems.
Students in this course gain a practical laboratory chemistry experience throughout their discipline-based units. Work-based learning is encouraged though an elective unit.
You can specialise in one of the following streams:
Chemistry
In this stream you will explore how an understanding of the molecular world can influence areas such as bionanotechnology, IT and new biocompatible materials. Depending upon 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
In this stream 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, from detection of biochemical signals of pollution to the genetic sequencing of soil microbial systems to assess the impacts of anthropogenic stressors.
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.