Biochemistry

The need to develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives is fueling a demand for biochemists. These individuals study the chemical and physical principles of living things and biological processes such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. Biochemists can then apply this knowledge in research and commercial enterprises, typically working in laboratories and offices where they conduct experiments and analyze results. Students who complete this degree will have the foundational knowledge needed to work in chemistry, healthcare, business and environmental science or to move into graduate work in the health professions. Graduate work may include research as well as medical, pharmacy, veterinary or other professional school.  

The Field

Biochemists are highly skilled scientists who specialize in the study of living things. They analyze the chemical reactions that occur during life's natural processes, such as metabolism, aging and disease. This work can involve advancing the understanding of living things, or it can involve using that understanding to create biological substances, like hormones, to improve life.

Career Opportunities for Biochemistry Majors

A biochemistry degree can open doors to employment in a good number of fields. Biochemists can perform in a wide variety of disciplines and work for a wide variety of organizations.

Potential Career Paths

• Medicine and Health
• Drug Manufacture and Design
• Agriculture and Related Industries
• Forensic Science (Crime Lab Science)
• Professional School
• Other Industries: recruitment agencies, sales, management and computing
• Bioinformatics
• Forensic science

Biochemistry and Study Opportunities

Biochemists also gain opportunities once they earn a higher educational credential--honors, masters or PhD level qualification. As in many other science-related fields, higher level credentials such as a PhD may give graduates an advantage over students with a baccalaureate degree. Students completing a PhD may bring practical experience along with research and development skills obtained as part of their in-depth training. In research fields, those with graduate degrees may have better long term promotion and career opportunities. Some specializations for postgraduate biochemistry courses include:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Toxicology
• Biomedical engineering
• Pharmacological research
• Molecular biology