Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life
If you've ever wondered how living things work, where they
get their energy from, how they make the components they
need or what it is that your genes do, then biochemistry is
for you.
 Biochemists describe life by applying the molecular approach
of chemistry to the study of biological molecules. Biochemists
also explore the molecular basis of disease, generating
insights into how disease can be managed and treated.
Biochemistry occupies a central place in the life sciences.
It is fundamental to our understanding of the structure,
function and development of all life. It doesn't matter which
area of biology you are interested in, biochemistry will
enhance your understanding of life.
“ I started doing general science and fell in love with Biochemistry. My
lecturers were great and really approachable. I like having my brain
challenged and biochemistry does that. It touches many different areas,
so you can go off in any direction.”
Monica Singh BSc (Hons),
Ovita
Why study Biochemistry?
A biochemistry degree from Otago is not just
about gaining an internationally recognised
qualification in one of the key life sciences.
You will also learn practical, analytical and
critical thinking skills that are highly valued in
the modern, knowledge-based economy that
is developing in New Zealand. Biochemistry
is central to all of the life and health sciences
and provides a valuable base for courses in
the biological sciences and for specialised areas
of commerce and law.
Biochemistry describes life by considering an
organism’s biological molecules: their functions,
their interactions (both amongst themselves
and with molecules in the environment), and
how they can be affected by the environment
itself. Biochemists are experimental scientists,
so your study of biochemistry has a large
hands-on component, involving practical skills
and sophisticated instrumentation.
Biochemistry is a rapidly developing science
and is at the heart of cutting-edge
developments in molecular medicine and the
biotechnology industry.
Molecular medicine is poised to revolutionise
human health. Better methods for diagnosis,
drug design and therapeutic treatment at the
molecular level will improve health outcomes
for society. An understanding of the underlying
biochemistry of both normal and diseased cells
is central to the development of these advances.
Internationally and in New Zealand the
biotechnology industry is undergoing rapid
growth. From the use of plants to make the
next generation of biopolymers and biofuels
to the production of safe medicines such as
recombinant insulin for diabetics, biochemistry
underpins many of these developments.
Biochemistry at Otago
Biochemistry is part of the required syllabus
for a variety of degrees. Biochemistry is a
major subject option for a Bachelor of Science.
It is a three-year degree, with a fourth-year
Honours programme available. Biochemistry
can also be taken as a minor subject option
with any other major, or included in any degree
programme. A biochemistry-based option for
the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (The
Molecular Basis of Health and Disease) is
available, and Biochemistry forms part of the
core syllabus for all health science professional
degrees (e.g. medicine, dentistry).
At first year an introductory paper is taken in
the second semester. In second and third
year a variety of paper options are available,
covering a wide range of topics, including:
human health and disease, molecular biology,
gene expression, protein structure and
engineering, human and comparative
metabolism, biotechnology, cell signalling, cell
architecture, bioinformatics and functional
genomics. Papers in genetics and plant
biotechnology can also be taken to
complement your biochemistry degree.
There are a variety of post-graduate degree
options available, up to and including PhD level.
Background required
There are no school subjects you have to do to
study biochemistry. However you will need to
pass a first year chemistry paper before doing
biochemistry, so NCEA Level 2 and/or Level 3
chemistry will be helpful.
Careers in Biochemistry
Otago biochemistry graduates are recognised
worldwide and are actively sought by New Zealand
employers. Biochemists can choose from a diverse
array of job opportunities. Careers in research,
product development, forensics, public health,
bioinformatics, agribusiness, patent law, science
policy, publishing, teaching and science
communication, and commerce and marketing
are all avenues available to biochemists.
A career as a research biochemist will allow you
to explore any area of biology: from pure to
applied science. Universities as well as government
and private research institutes need biochemists
to study areas of human health such as cancer,
Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, infectious disease,
arthritis and heart disease. Plant biochemists have
career options at both universities and Crown
Research Institutes. Research includes; how plants
can be used to make environmentally friendly,
biodegradable "plastics", the production of flowers
with commercially attractive scents and colours,
the medicinal properties of plants and the
protection of plants from disease and pests.
The New Zealand biotechnology industry has
opportunities for biochemists in livestock health
and quality, the development of food crops,
winemaking, the protection of native fauna,
pharmaceuticals, industrial and household products,
forestry and medicine.
With a degree in biochemistry you can pursue
your passion in any area of biology, anywhere in
the world.
Teaching style
The ways we teach Biochemistry at Otago are as
diverse as the subject itself. Of course there are
the traditional lectures, delivered by academics
who are recognised internationally as experts in
their field. Then there are the practical laboratory
sessions: a feature of all Biochemistry courses. It
is in this setting that the discipline comes to life.
Here, using modern hi-tech equipment, you will
learn all of the core biochemical techniques, and
have the opportunity to design and perform a
variety of experiments, including experiments on
yourself. Small group sessions (tutorials) and selfdirected
learning exercises will provide you with
the opportunity to develop your critical thinking
and analytical skills, and to learn the various skills
needed for clear oral and written communication.
PETER MACE
BSc (Hons) PhD
When Peter Mace started his undergraduate
studies he knew he wanted to do ‘some kind of
science’ and that he was ‘interested in human
disease and improving health outcomes.’ It was
the combining of biology and chemistry that ‘struck
me in first year’ and led Peter to choose
biochemistry as his degree major.
 After graduating with an honours degree, Peter
pursued his interests in health and disease by
studying the structures of certain proteins involved
in fertility, and trying to understand the function
of these proteins by exploring their threedimensional
shape. Now, developing a career in
health-related research as a post-doctoral fellow,
Peter is exploring how interactions between
certain proteins control whether cells divide or
die; a process that is important in diseases such
as cancer.
Peter found that the opportunity to develop his
‘critical thinking’ during his undergraduate degree
was particularly useful, and part of his motivation
for pursuing post-graduate studies, was that it
would allow him to have a career where he could
‘plan his own work.’ Having visited many labs
overseas, Peter thinks that ‘doing a PhD in New
Zealand gives you more flexibility to do what you
are interested in’ and that the skills acquired to
work independently ‘sets you in good stead to do
good science, and makes New Zealanders well
sought-after overseas.’
Peter's advice to those thinking about studying
life sciences, ‘biochemistry is definitely a good area
to get into, it underpins a lot of biological sciences
and the skills are transferable to other areas.’
Further information
Department of Biochemistry, University
of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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