Studying Biochemistry at Canterbury
Biochemistry uses the techniques of chemistry, physics and molecular biology to probe the mysteries of biology.
At UC 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 successful 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 B *
* Note: Students with fewer than 9 credits of
NCEA level 3 chemistry (or equivalent) will need
to take CHEM 114 before doing CHEM 112.
Recommended
BIOL
112 Ecology, Evolution & Conservation
BIOL
113 Diversity of Life
CHEM
111 General Chemistry A
STAT
101 Statistics 1 or MATH
101
Year 2
Essential
BCHM
221 Biochemistry A - Biomolecules and their interactions
BCHM
222 Biochemistry B - Metabolism - the reactions of molecules in cells
BCHM
202 Molecular Genetics
BCHM 212 Chemical Reactivity
BCHM
281 Practical Biochemistry
Optional
BCHM
206 Organic Chemistry
BIOL
209 Introduction to Biological Data Analysis
BIOL
213 Microbiology and Genetics
BIOL
251 Exercise and Health
BIOL253 Cell Biology 1
BIOL 254 Plant Developmental Biology
CHEM 211 Molecules
Year 3
Essential
BCHM
301 Biochemistry 3 (co-coded as BIOL
331)
BCHM
302 Biological Chemistry (co-coded as CHEM
325)
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