Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the explanation of life in chemical terms. It involves the study of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, which are the fundamental molecules of life. Biochemists try to understand how these molecules interact in living organisms, in health and disease.

Biochemistry is one of the fastest-growing areas of modern science. By taking a combination of papers from both Biological Sciences and Chemistry, students will gain a solid grounding in the molecular and chemical principles underlying biochemistry.

Career Opportunities

• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist  
• Food Biochemist  
• Laboratory Technician  
• Medical Laboratory Technologist

Potential Employers

• Agritechnology Research Industry
• Biotechnology Industry
• Crown Research Institutes
• Food and Dairy Industries
• Medical Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Industry

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)

Biochemistry can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

Students who wish to study Biochemistry should take biology and chemistry at secondary school. Mathematics or statistics may also be useful. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical and Biological Engineering.

Papers

COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1
This paper introduces computer programming (assuming no prior knowledge) and a variety of concepts in computer science including representation, storage and manipulation of computer-based information, algorithms for problem-solving and an introduction to information systems.

BIOL102 The Biology of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of plants and animals and the principles of ecology. Topics include the diversity and function of protists, fungi, plants and animals, particularly nutrient procurement and processing, gaseous exchange, internal transport, regulation of body fluids, control mechanisms, reproduction and development.

CHEM101 Chemical Concepts
A study of chemical concepts fundamental to the sciences and technology. Topics include atoms, elements, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces, states of matter, gas-phase, solution, acid-base and redox equilibria, atomic structure, quantum theory, orbitals and electronic configurations, bonding and structure and systematic chemistry of main group elements.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

CHEM102 Chemical Change and Organic Compounds
An introduction to physical and organic chemistry with some emphasis on environmental, technological and biological relevance, chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and mechanism and the common organic functional groups and their typical reactions.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

STAT111 : Statistics for Science
This paper provides a first course in statistics for students in the School of Science and Engineering. Microsoft Excel is used throughout. Topics include the presentation of data, elementary probability calculations, principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression and the analysis of variance.
Prerequisite: admission to the BSc, or MATH168, or 18 credits at Level 2 in NCEA Mathematics, or 14 credits at Level 3 in Statistics and Modelling or Mathematics with Calculus

STAT121 Introduction to Statistical Methods
An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis, covering a number of the statistical tools required for the effective use of data in research and practice. Topics include: general principles for statistical problem-solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 2 in NCEA Mathematics, or 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Statistics and Modelling, or Mathematics with Calculus, or CIE Mathematics with a minimum C pass at AS level or a D pass at A level.

200 Level and Beyond
A range of topics from Biological Sciences and Chemistry are covered, including biochemistry, genetics, organic chemistry and analytical chemistry and instrumental techniques.