If you’ve ever wondered how living things work, where they get their energy from, how they make the components they need or what it is that your genes do, then Biochemistry is for you.
Biochemists apply molecular approaches to understand life and death, how cells can be turned into bio-factories, how to make improved crops, how trillions of cells assemble to form you, why you get old, and what causes diseases like cancer.
Biochemistry occupies a central place in the life sciences. It is fundamental to our understanding of the structure, function, and development of all life. It doesn't matter which area of biology you are interested in, Biochemistry will enhance your understanding of life.
A Biochemistry degree from Otago is an internationally-recognised qualification in one of the key life sciences. You will learn practical, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued in New Zealand's knowledge-based economy.
Biochemists are experimental scientists, as a result the study of biochemistry at Otago has a large hands-on component, involving practical skills and sophisticated instrumentation, all of which help prepare you for career opportunities following graduation.
Biochemists can choose from a diverse array of job opportunities, and Otago biochemistry graduates can be found all over the world.
Careers in research, product development, forensics, public health, bioinformatics, agribusiness, patent law, science policy, publishing, teaching and science communication, commerce, and marketing are all available to biochemists.
The New Zealand biotechnology industry has opportunities for biochemists in livestock improvement, the development of food crops, winemaking, the protection of native flora and fauna, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and household products.
With an Otago degree in Biochemistry, you can pursue your passion in any area of biology, anywhere in the world.
Biochemistry is a rapidly-developing molecular science that studies living processes by considering an organism's biological molecules: their functions, their interactions (both amongst themselves and with molecules in the environment), and how they can be affected by the environment itself.
Biochemistry is at the heart of cutting-edge developments in molecular medicine and the biotechnology industry. Molecular medicine is poised to revolutionise human health. Better methods for diagnosis, drug design, and therapeutic treatment at the molecular level will improve health outcomes for society.
Biotechonology will bring us more and better foods, new sources of energy, and new materials for engineering.
Following on from a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, there are a number of postgraduate options, including a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)), a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci), Master of Science (MSc), and doctoral (PhD) degree.
There are no school subjects you have to do to study Biochemistry.
However, you will need to pass a first-year Chemistry paper before doing Biochemistry, so NCEA Level 2 and/or Level 3 Chemistry will be helpful.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| 200-level |
Two of: BIOC 221 Molecular Biology BIOC 222 Proteins in Industry and Medicine BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism | 36 |
| 300-level | Two of: | 36 |
| Notes: (i) Prerequisite for BIOC 192 is CHEM 191; (ii) Prerequisites for BIOC 221 are CHEM 191 and CELS 191. | ||
| Total | 90 |
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOC192 | 2024, 2025 | Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC221 | 2024, 2025 | Molecular Biology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC222 | 2024, 2025 | Proteins in Industry and Medicine | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC223 | 2024, 2025 | Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC351 | 2024, 2025 | Advanced Protein Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC352 | 2024, 2025 | Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC353 | 2024, 2025 | Molecular Basis of Health and Disease | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC360 | 2024, 2025 | Research Perspectives in Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC461 | 2024, 2025 | Research Design and Analysis in Biochemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIOC462 | 2024, 2025 | Molecular Biology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC463 | 2024, 2025 | Contemporary Technologies in Biochemistry | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC464 | 2024, 2025 | Applied Biochemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIOC480 | 2024, 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| BIOC490 | 2024, 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| BIOC495 | 2024, 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
Department of Biochemistry
School of Biomedical Sciences
Email biochemistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/biochemistry
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.
