Studying Biochemistry at Canterbury 2010
Biochemistry uses the techniques of chemistry, physics and molecular biology to probe the mysteries of biology.
At Canterbury biochemistry courses are taught as a collaboration between the Department of Chemistry and the School of Biological Sciences.
For Biochemistry students it is important to consider biochemistry, biology and chemistry courses when designing your degree.
Within the broad field of biochemistry, research interests at UC focus on the following key areas:
- Intermediary metabolism: studies of the integration of reactions in living cells; how cells make and use energy; biosynthesis of proteins; DNA & RNA; and cellular control mechanisms
- The molecular basis for biological phenomena: studies of molecular biology; gene expression and control; hormones and physiological phenomena
- The nature of enzyme-catalysed reactions.
- Ultrastructure: studies of the coordination of the structure and function of cells, their organelles and their proteins.
- The structure of biopolymers: studies of the structure of proteins, DNA & RNA, cell walls,etc.
- Applied biochemistry: studies of immobilised enzymes; biochemical engineering, food biochemistry, etc.
- Free radical biochemistry.
- Enzyme inhibition and drug design
- Natural products chemistry and drug discovery
Career paths
Biochemistry is a “central science” allowing employment across a wide range of disciplines - from chemistry to molecular biology; from medicine to food technology.
A Biochemistry major can prepare you for diverse careers including teaching and research in hospitals and medical fields, in the food and drink industries, in agriculture and in industry.
Postgraduate
BSc (Hons) - Students complete a fourth year of study comprising four 400-level papers and a research project.
PGDipSc - Students complete a fourth year of study comprising four 400-level papers.
MSc - Students complete a fourth year of study comprising four 400-level papers (part I), then proceed to a research project (part II), written up as a thesis.
PhD - Students complete a 3-4 year research project written up as a thesis. Entry is after successsful completion of either BSc(Hons) or an MSc.
Planning Your Degree
Below is a guide to help you select courses that will give you a well rounded degree in biochemistry.
Year 1
Essential
BIOL 111 Cellular Biology & Biochemistry
CHEM 112 General Chemistry or CHEM 114 & 115
Recommended
BIOL 112 Ecology, Evolution & Conservation
BIOL 113 Diversity of Life
CHEM 111 General Chemistry
STAT 101 Statistics or MATH 108 or MATH 101
Year 2
Essential
BCHM 201 Biochemistry 1
BCHM 202 Biochemistry 2 or BIOL 231 Molecular Genetics
BCHM 205 Bioorganic Chemistry (or CHEM 222/262 Organic Chemistry)
BCHM 281/CHEM 281 Synthetic, Chemical and Biochemical Techniques
Optional
BCHM 206 Organic Chemistry
BIOL 209 Introduction to Biological Data Analysis
BIOL 213 Microbiology and Genetics
BIOL 250 Principles of Animal Physiology
BIOL253 Cell Biology 1
BIOL 254 Plant Developmental Biology
CHEM 221 Inorganic and Structural Chemistry
Year 3
Essential
BCHM 301/BIOL 331 Biochemistry 3
BCHM 302/CHEM 325 Biological Chemistry
BCHM 381 Biochemical Techniques (for those intending to study to 4th year or beyond)
Optional
BIOL 330 Advanced Concepts in Genetics
BIOL 351 Cell Biology 2
BIOL 352 Plant Development and Biotechnology
CHEM 321 Inorganic and Structural Chemistry
CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 381 Advanced Synthetic Methods
Courses and Degree Structure
Check here for the most up to date information available.
Biochemistry B.Sc.
Year One
Biochemistry seeks to explain biological phenomena using chemical principles. First year Biochemists at Canterbury therefore take first year courses in both biology and chemistry.
The core biology course, which must be taken, is BIOL 111. The core chemistry course is General Chemistry B (CHEM 112), but this can be replaced by a combination of Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 114) and General Chemistry C (CHEM 115).
These core courses are prerequisites for advancing to Biochemistry 1 (BCHM 201) which is, in turn, the prerequisite for Biochemistry 2 (BCHM 301 /BIOL 331) and/or Biological Chemistry (BCHM 302 / CHEM 325).
Other first year courses that are recommended for biochemistry students include: General Chemistry A (CHEM 111); Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BIOL 112); Diversity of Life (BIOL 113).
Year Two
The core second year Biochemistry courses are BCHM 201 (22 points), BCHM 202 (11 points), BCHM205 (11 points), and BCHM 281 (11 points).
Biochemistry 1 (BCHM 201) begins with a look at the structure and function of biological molecules, with a particular focus on proteins. Later in the course this material is integrated in a study of metabolism. Here the focus is not just on the metabolic pathways themselves, but on how understanding these pathways allows us to answer fundamental biochemical questions, and provide innovative solutions to a wide range of problems, especially in the medical arena.
Biochemistry 2 (BCHM 202) comprises the first half of BIOL 230, covering the molecular biology and biochemistry of DNA, and how genetic information is expressed in cells. A laboratory component is part of this course.
Bioorganic Chemistry (BCHM 205) covers some of the key the principles and concepts of organic chemistry that are used by complex biological processes work. Organic chemistry provides a critical link between the molecular sciences and biology. A second semester course, BCHM 206, extends this work, for students who are interested in this area.
Synthetic, Chemical and Biochemical Techniques (BCHM 281) is an 11 point laboratory course for biochemistry students. Biochemistry is an experimental science, and this course aims to introduce students to the techniques of Biochemistry, so that they can begin to understand how biochemical information is obtained in the laboratory.
A range of second year courses are available in Biology and Chemistry to supplement the core biochemistry courses.
Year Three
The core third year Biochemistry courses are BCHM 301 (28 points) and BCHM 302 (28 points), together with the laboratory course BCHM 381 (14 points).
BCHM 301 includes more a more advanced discussion of aspects of the structure and function of molecules and their role in metabolism, with a particular emphasis on medicinal applications and the molecular basis of inheritance. This course includes a tutorial component, to give students a more active understanding of the material they are covering.
Biological Chemistry (BCHM 302) covers some of the more chemical aspects of advanced biochemistry, including enzyme kinetics, bioinorganic chemistry, natural products and drug action and design. This course also includes a tutorial component.
Neither BCHM 301 nor BCHM 302 contains a laboratory component.
Biochemical techniques are taught in a separate 14 point course – BCHM 381. This is a 12 week, second semester course, covering the essential practical techniques required for a practicing biochemist. An element of research may be included.
Supplementary courses are offered from both the chemical and biological sciences. Once again, the modular structure of the third year allows students to select a range of courses to best suit their interests.
Biochemistry B.Sc.(Hons)
Students with good grades in 300 level courses may be invited to enrol for the B.Sc.(Hons) degree. This is often used as a ‘fast track’ to the Ph.D. programme (compared to completing a M.Sc. before enrolling in Ph.D.). Entry requirements: 84 points in 300 level courses: 70 points from BCHM 301 (BIOL 331), BCHM 302 (CHEM 325) and BCHM 381; and additional points normally from CHEM 321, 322, 324, 361, 362, 381 or BIOL 313, 352, 330, 350, 351. Students are also recommended to take BIOL 301 or STAT 220 if they are considering postgraduate work in the School of Biological Sciences.
Biochemistry 400 level courses
Four courses and a project (BCHM 480) as approved by the Programme Coordinator. Normally at least three courses to be taken from the following group (recommended preparation for these courses is added in brackets):
BCHM 401 / BIOL 436 Medical Biochemistry (BCHM 301)
BCHM 403/ BIOL 435 Protein Science (BCHM 301 and BCHM 302)
BCHM 405 / BIOL 434 Molecular Biology for Biosecurity (BCHM 301 or BIOL 330 (PAMS/ZOOL 309) or BIOL 313 (PAMS 303))
BCHM 406 / BIOL 430 Genomics (BIOL 330 (PAMS/ZOOL 309))
The balance may be selected from, for example:
CHEM 402 General Organic Chemistry (CHEM 322 or CHEM 362)
BIOL 432 Cell Biology (BIOL 351 or ZOOL 306)
BIOL 453 Plant Environmental Physiology (BIOL 352 or PAMS 310)
BIOL 431 Genetics (BIOL 330 or PAMS/ZOOL 309)
BIOL 451 Environmental Animal Physiology
BCHM 407-9 Special topics, as arranged.
or such courses as approved by the Programme Coordinator. Note that not all courses may be available in any one year.
BCHM 480 Project
The topic for the project shall be approved by the Programme Coordinator and may be carried out under the supervision of staff in the School of Biological Sciences or the Department of Chemistry . The written report on this project must be completed and presented to the Registrar at a time determined by the host department.
Biochemistry PG.Dip.Sc.
Four courses as for Biochemistry Honours 400 level, selected with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator. Students who have not passed BCHM 302 or BIOL 330 (PAMS/ZOOL 309) may be required to achieve concurrently a satisfactory standard in this course.
Biochemistry M.Sc.
For Part I: Four courses as for Biochemistry Honours 400 level, selected with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator. Students who have not passed BCHM 302 or BIOL 330 (PAMS/ZOOL 309) may be required to achieve concurrently a satisfactory standard in this course.
For Part II: A thesis on a research project selected with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator. The research project will normally be supervised by a member of the academic staff from the School of Biological Sciences or the Department of Chemistry – see below for advice on choosing a supervisor. To be eligible for honours, the thesis shall normally be presented to the Registrar not later than 16 months after the date of enrolment for Part II, otherwise, the time limit for submission of the thesis is 24 months. In determining the class of Honours, Part I and Part II are weighted in the ratio 2:3.
Biochemistry Ph.D.
Students who complete a B.Sc.(Hons) or M.Sc.(Hons) degree with at least Second Class Honours are eligible to register for a Ph.D. This normally requires 3-4 years of full-time research that is supervised by a member of the academic staff from the School of Biological Sciences or the Department of Chemistry. Advice about selecting a research topic and supervisors is provided below. At the conclusion of your research a thesis is submitted to the Registrar and is examined by two external examiners plus the candidate’s supervisor and associate-supervisor. Usually, there is also an oral examination.
PhD candidates are expected to attend research seminars and are encouraged to participate in the academic and social life of their host departments.
How to choose a supervisor and research topic
At any stage of your University career, but particularly during your final undergraduate year, you may have developed an interest in a particular area of research. The first action that you should take is to approach a staff member with interests in that area and discuss possible research; all staff members welcome such approaches. Hopefully a research topic of mutual interest will emerge and further meetings will detail ways and means of tackling the investigation and sorting out logistic problems such as equipment and laboratory facilities.
After satisfactory completion of your academic course work you will meet with your supervisor who will arrange a thesis committee - a small group of staff, including your supervisor, who are familiar not only with your research topic but able to provide advice on experimental and academic problems. Apart from frequent contact with your supervisors, your research progress will be monitored by the submission of regular progress reports to your thesis committee.
Overseas Students
If you are an overseas student interested in taking a postgraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Canterbury, you should contact those staff members whose research interests you and indicate your own interests. Staff members will be able to help you not only with the development of a possible research topic but also with advice about finance and university regulations. They will need to know your past academic record, and the names and addresses of at least two scientists or university teachers who can provide information about your suitability for postgraduate research.