Biochemists study the molecular structures and processes that form the foundation for living matter.

In this major, you will study the core principles of chemistry, molecular structure and chemical reactivity, and how they can be applied to biological molecules.

You will study second- and third-year units in biological, medicinal and natural product chemistry; and complementary units in cell biology, molecular biology and molecular genetics.

You’ll investigate molecular systems that regulate cell growth, including signalling and defence, and related metabolic pathways.

You’ll also study molecular recognition and its applications in biosensors, drug design and optimisation, and in monitoring the effects that exogenous compounds can have on living systems.

You can specialise in either the Chemistry or Environment streams:

Chemistry

In this stream you’ll explore how an understanding of the molecular world can influence areas such as bionanotechnology, IT and new biocompatible materials.

Depending on 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’ll will gain first-hand knowledge of how biochemistry and molecular biology are implemented in an environmental setting.

You’ll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various environmental applications of biochemistry. This includes detecting the biochemical signals of pollution, and conducting genetic sequencing of soil microbial systems to assess the impact of human activity.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree.

Why study

The Chemistry and Resources Precinct, located at Curtin's main campus, is supported by the Chemistry Centre (WA). The world-class facilities and learning environment are the newest of their kind in Western Australia. Students study undergraduate biochemistry in the same building as practising graduate chemists and biochemists, maximising their exposure to industry, potential employers and real-world applications of biochemistry.

Curtin biochemistry graduates are fully trained and qualified chemists with a thorough understanding of molecular biology and biochemical principles. This major investigates the molecular basis of the mechanics of life, rather than focus heavily on the macroscopic biochemistry that characterises more traditional biochemistry courses.

Professional recognition

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Careers

• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Forensic scientist
• Medicinal scientist

Industries

• Agriculture
• Biotechnology
• Healthcare