Biochemistry

What can I do with a major in Biochemistry

Forensics. Pharmacology. Food science. What do these three areas have in common? They are just some of the career paths you can take with a degree in biochemistry.

Biochemistry is the study of all living systems at the molecular level. It looks at the chemical and physical basis of life and how these living systems interact with their environments. It is a demanding field that combines expertise in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Versatility and intense curiosity are the hallmarks of successful biochemists, as they draw on knowledge from a variety of fields to investigate the molecules that facilitate life.

From the structure, function and dynamics of molecular machines, to the complex regulation of metabolic pathways and biological processes, biochemists study the extraordinary molecules that are produced and utilized by living systems. Consequently, many of the most spectacular advances in the sciences are driven by discoveries in biochemistry.

Biochemistry will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills, while emphasizing the chemical and physical basis of life. As a biochemistry student, you will gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technology used in chemistry, physics and biological sciences, such as molecular biology, protein crystallography and advanced biophysics. You will also develop skills in molecular techniques like DNA sequencing, gene cloning and enzymology.

Additionally, you will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. These facilities support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas such as cancer research, toxicology, crystallography, bioinformatics and molecular modelling, as well as applied research in medicine, disease research and food development.

Students interested in Biochemistry can complete:

  • Bachelor of Science

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Analytical & Technical Skills
  • Applying Scientific Concepts to Solve Problems
  • Communicating Ideas Clearly
  • Computer Knowledge
  • Creativity
  • Curiosity
  • Data Synthesis
  • Analytical & Technical
  • Applying Scientific Concepts to Solve Problems
  • Clear Communication of Ideas
  • Computer Knowledge
  • Creativity
  • Curiosity
  • Data Synthesis
  • Determining Probabilities
  • Formulating & Testing Hypotheses
  • Gathering Data & Completing Laboratory Work
  • Interpreting Results
  • Making Projections
  • Mathematics
  • Meeting Deadlines
  • Numerical Computation
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Teamwork
  • Understanding of Biological & Chemical Processes
  • Working Independently

Work Environment

Biochemistry graduates find employment in a variety of industries and organizations, such as cosmetics/perfume companies, educational institutions, environmental protection agencies, governmental agencies, healthcare providers, laboratories and research facilities, and various manufacturers. Graduates may also pursue careers working in administration, agriculture, biotechnology, conservation, drug development, education, environment, law, museums, or scientific publications/journals.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Antibiotics & Bio-Nanomachines
  • RNA Structure & Function
  • Biochemical Systems
  • RNA Processing
  • Cellular Protein
  • Plant Hormones
  • Cellular Effects of Ionizing Radiation
  • Genetic & Molecular Mechanisms
  • DNA Repair & Genome Stability
  • Plant Development & Pattern Formation
  • Cancer Research
  • Carbon Utilization

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Academic Assistant
  • Agricultural Planner
  • Archaeobotanist
  • Archaeological Field Technician
  • Archaeological Lab Technician
  • Archaeological Project Manager/Field Director
  • Archaeological Surveyor
  • Archaeologist
  • Archaeozoologist
  • Archival Clerk/Manager/ Director
  • Archivist
  • Cartographer
  • Census Geographer
  • Coastal Zone Specialist/Manager
  • Community Developer
  • Conservator
  • Contract Archaeologist
  • Cultural Resources Specialist
  • Curator
  • Demographer
  • Demographic Analyst
  • Draftsperson
  • Dredging Technician
  • Earth Scientist
  • Ecologist Industrial Planner
  • Environmental Assessment Officer
  • Environmental Impact Specialist
  • Ergonomist
  • Foreign Area Study Consultant
  • Forest Program Outdoor Educator
  • Geographer
  • Geographic Area Specialist
  • Geographical Laboratory Assistant
  • Geologist
  • Geomatics Field Supervisor
  • Geomatics Project Supervisor
  • Geophysics Assistant
  • Geospatial Application Analyst
  • Geospatial Data Analyst
  • Hazardous Waste Planner
  • Historian
  • Historical Prevention Officer
  • Historical Site Coordinator
  • Historical Site Interpreter
  • Hydrologist
  • Impact Analyst
  • Interpretive Naturalist
  • Land Surveying –Crew Chief
  • Land Surveyor
  • Land-Use Analyst
  • Map Editor
  • Museum Collections Manager
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Director
  • Museum Technician
  • National Historic Sites/ Park Interpreter
  • Natural Resources Specialist
  • Paleontologist
  • Park Ranger
  • Physical Scientist
  • Policy Advisor
  • Project Manager, Geomatics Section
  • Public Education and Outreach Coordinator
  • Public Utility Specialist
  • Regional Archaeologist
  • Research Archaeologist
  • Research Assistant
  • Soils Specialist
  • Tourism Developer
  • Traffic Manager
  • Transportation Analyst
  • Urban & Regional Planner
  • Water Resources Specialist
  • Weather Forecaster
  • Weather/Climate Specialist
  • Zoologist

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Academic Assistant
  • Agricultural Chemist
  • Agronomist
  • Anesthesiologist
  • Aquaculturalist
  • Arborist
  • Technologist
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Water Quality Inspector/Analyst
  • Zoologist
  • Professor
  • Protein Biochemist
  • Quality Standards Manager
  • Soil Scientist
  • Technical Writer Journalist/Editor
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician
  • Physiologist
  • Principle Investigator
  • Process Involvement Scientist/Manager
  • Parasitologist
  • Park Naturalist
  • Pathologist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Associate
  • Medical Researcher
  • Microbiologist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Occupational Hygienist
  • Online Science News Journal Writer/Editor
  • Lawyer
  • Marine Biologist
  • Materials Researcher
  • Medical Doctor
  • Medical Illustrator
  • High School Science Teacher
  • Hunger Policy Analyst
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Laboratory Demonstrator
  • Laboratory Scientist
  • Food Technology Researcher, Developer & Producer
  • Forensic Scientist/Worker
  • Genetic Engineer
  • Geneticist
  • Health Policy Planner
  • Experimental Computational Biologist
  • Fisheries Advisor
  • Food & Drug Inspector
  • Food Inspector
  • Food Technologist
  • Emergency Response Advisor
  • Entomologist
  • Environmental Chemist – Product Development Specialist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Equipment Validator
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Data Analyst
  • Drug Developer
  • Ecologist
  • Embryologist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Commercial Research Technician
  • Conservationist
  • Crime Scene Analyst
  • Cytologist
  • Brewmaster
  • Chemical Analyst/Technologist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Chemist
  • Chiropractor
  • Biochemical Engineer
  • Biologist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Biotechnologist
  • Botanist
  • Bacteriologist
  • Biochemist
  • Bioenergy Technician
  • Bioengineer
  • Bioinformatics Specialist

On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings

  • Atmospheric & Space Scientist
  • Chemical Equipment Operator
  • Chemical Plant & Systems Operator
  • Chemical Technician
  • Dentist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Environmental Auditor
  • Environmental Compliance Inspector
  • Forester
  • Gas Plant Operator
  • Hazardous Waste Management Technologist
  • Health & Safety Inspector
  • Hydrometric Technician/Technologist
  • Industrial Safety & Health Engineer
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Inventor
  • Journalist
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational Health & Safety Advisor
  • Patent Attorney
  • Policy Advisor
  • Pollution Control Technologist
  • Precision Agriculture Technician
  • Public Health Advisor
  • Quality Control Analysts
  • Reclamation Specialist
  • Remote Sensing Technician
  • Sales Representation
  • Water & Wastewater Operator
  • Water Resource Specialist

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.