You will learn how cells survive, how they break down and how these processes are integrated. At a practical level, this translates to such issues as how HIV destroys parts of the human immune system and what forms the basis of human memory. The course is also concerned with molecular life processes, such as genetic structure, function and viral agents.

Biochemists and molecular biologists can work in the fields of medicine, agriculture and industry. Research is conducted at universities, institutes, hospitals, and other locations to understand the production, structure, organisation and activity of the molecules of life. Employment opportunities are available in pathology, hospital and research laboratories, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and in government departments.