Biochemistry is the study of the molecular design of life. It provides an understanding of the structure and function of the building blocks of life (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA). This subject area is also an integral part of medicine, as it helps us to understand the mechanics of how disease and disorders occur. It is also an essential component of biotechnology, where processes for the production of foods and fuels, and enzymes or other proteins are developed. Knowledge of the structure of proteins implicated in human disease is also useful for the design of new drugs. All major pharmaceutical companies have significant investment in biochemistry to help aid their pipeline of new drugs and therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and other pathological conditions.

This course equips you to work in all major aspects of biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology. You may decide to continue your studies at the postgraduate level and subsequently take up a career in industrial, medical or academic research. Alternatively, you will be qualified to work in hospitals and commercial laboratories dealing with biotechnology, food science, pharmaceuticals or diagnostics. Biochemistry graduates benefit from their training in terms of critical thinking, analytical reasoning and presentation and communication skills. Consequently, our recent graduates are in high demand in careers not directly related to biochemistry such as communications, information systems, teaching and management, accountancy, patent law and merchant banking.