Biochemist

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Biochemists study the chemistry of living organisms to increase scientific knowledge and develop ways to apply this knowledge in areas such as medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, environmental science and manufacturing. Biochemistry provides a basis for all the life sciences. FutureGrowthModerate

ANZSCO ID: 234513

Specialisations:

Biochemist at work

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • enjoy chemistry, biology and mathematics
  • able to think logically and analytically
  • able to work independently or as part of a team
  • creative and imaginative.

Duties and Tasks

Biochemists may perform the following tasks: Culturing cells

  • study the chemical processes which occur within individual cells
  • Studies the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination.
  • Investigates the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms.
  • Examines micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and uses the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes.
  • study processes which involve whole organisms, such as digestion and growth
  • undertake detailed chemical analysis using sophisticated instruments and techniques
  • prepare, or supervise the preparation of, scientific reports and papers for journals based on observations and experiments.

Working conditions

You would normally work standard hours, Monday to Friday. For some jobs you may need to work shifts, and during busy periods you may work longer hours. Part-time work is also available.

Your work would mainly take place in a laboratory. In the manufacturing industry, you would also spend some of your time in production areas. You would be expected to wear protective clothing such as a laboratory coat and safety glasses.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a biochemist you usually have to complete a science or applied science degree at university with a major in biochemistry, environmental chemistry, molecular biology or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, mathematics and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.


Employment Opportunities

Employment of biochemists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

The aging baby-boom population and the demand for lifesaving new drugs and procedures to cure and to prevent disease likely will drive demand for biochemists involved in biomedical research.
Areas of research and development in biotechnology other than health, such as clean energy and genetically engineering crops, are also expected to provide employment growth for biochemists.

Greater demand for clean energy should increase the need for biochemists who research and develop alternative energy sources, such as biofuels. A growing population and rising food prices are expected to fuel the development of genetically engineered crops and livestock that provide greater yields and require fewer resources.

 

Did You Know ?

New understanding in biochemistry has enabled many advances in biotechnology such as the development of pharmaceutical drugs or methods for diagnosing disease.

Petri dish containing E.coli

It has also enabled genetic engineering, which can be used to produce biomolecules such as vaccines as well as to aid in
the treatment of genetic diseases.

Whichever way you look at it, biochemistry is at the very centre of the life sciences today.
(Source: BSc in Biochemistry, NUI, Galway)

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Entomologist

Conservator

Microbiologist

Agricultural Scientist

Industrial Designer

Inventor

Geneticist

Biotechnologist

Criminologist

Botantist

Agronomist

Historian

Geologist

Soil Scientist

Immunologist

Hydrologist

Anthropologist

Cartographer

Zoologist

Geophysicist

University Lecturer

Exercise Sports Scientist

Oceanographer

Astronomer

Political Scientist

Physicist

Toxicologist

Haematologist

Medical Laboratory Technician

Robotics Engineer

Pharmacologist

Biometrician

Epidemiologist

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Virologist

Demographer

GIS Officer

Herpetologist

Pathologist

Climate Change Analyst

Infectious Disease Specialist

Statistician

Endocrinologist

Bioinformatics Scientist

Ornithologist

Biologist

Domestic Animal Scientist