- Do you have a curiosity about the living world?
- Do you want to understand what makes it all work?
- Do you enjoy chemistry and its application to biology?
If so, biochemistry could be for you.
Biochemists are employed at all levels, from school teachers to experienced researchers with Ph.D. degrees. It is possible to enter as a laboratory technician straight from school. A bachelors degree is now becoming the norm for employment. Virtually every university in the country will offer a degree course in biochemistry, or one in which biochemistry is a major component. It is important to read the prospectuses carefully to find out what each course involves. The emphasis can be quite different depending on factors such as the other degree programs available. Many universities offer sandwich courses, which give the opportunity to spend a year working in industry. Because biochemistry is a research-based discipline many graduates continue into post-graduate training. This can involve research towards writing a thesis for an Master of Science (two or three years) or a Ph.D. (four or five years). Holders of these degrees usually go on to be the researchers of the future. |
