You'll gain a sound understanding of how the human body functions in healthy and diseased states, barriers to health care, and methods for treatment. This degree could lead to careers in designing medicines to alleviate symptoms or vaccines to prevent diseases, or impacting public health policy.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale. In this major, you'll study the way molecules are organised and how they interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and that of the organism. Your investigations consider the information stored in DNA, molecular interactions, and how organisms gain and use energy. The major provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution, growth, development, reproduction and disease, plus the tools to improve our quality of life. This may be through the development of a drug or drought-resistant crop plant or understanding what controls an individual's health. At the end of the major you'll understand the theoretical basis of biochemistry and molecular biology and demonstrate critical analysis and the application of scientific method to biochemical problems. You will have solid technical competency in basic laboratory skills including solution preparation, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, and operation of general laboratory equipment. As well as careers in academic, medical and agricultural research, graduates with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are equipped for careers in patent law, scientific equipment sales, management of clinical trials, forensic science and many others.

Graduates may find a career in a range of areas including research institutes, universities, CSIRO, hospitals, the healthcare industry, the pharmaceutical industry, general and scientific sales, food manufacturing, government and advisory services, biotechnology, teaching in schools and universities, or diagnostic services in medicine and agriculture.