Career opportunities
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 at Otago
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.
Postgraduate study options
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.
Recommended background
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.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Biochemistry
Explore postgraduate study in Biochemistry at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a su...
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Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 | |
| CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 | |
|
At least one of: BIOL 112 Animal Biology BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body PTWY 132 Introduction to Plant Life STAT 110 Statistical Methods STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics PTWY 131 and PTWY 132 are only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | 18 | |
| 200-level | BIOC 221 Molecular Biology | 18 |
| BIOC 222 Proteins in Industry and Medicine | 18 | |
| BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism | 18 | |
| 300-level | BIOC 351 Advanced Protein Biochemistry | 18 |
| BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics | 18 | |
| BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease | 18 | |
| BIOC 360 Research Perspectives in Biochemistry With Head of Department approval, one 300-level BIOC paper may be replaced by another relevant 300-level paper. | 18 | |
| Plus |
162 further points (GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics strongly recommended); must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
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 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
BIOC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOC192 | 2025 | Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC221 | 2025 | Molecular Biology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC222 | 2025 | Proteins in Industry and Medicine | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC223 | 2025 | Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC351 | 2025 | Advanced Protein Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC352 | 2025 | Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC353 | 2025 | Molecular Basis of Health and Disease | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC360 | 2025 | Research Perspectives in Biochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC461 | 2025 | Research Design and Analysis in Biochemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIOC462 | 2025 | Molecular Biology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| BIOC463 | 2025 | Contemporary Technologies in Biochemistry | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| BIOC464 | 2025 | Applied Biochemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIOC480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| BIOC490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| BIOC495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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