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

Entry Level

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

Related Job Titles

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

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Possible Job Titles

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

Useful Resources

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists http://aspb.ab.ca/
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology http://www.asbmb.org/
BioTalent Canada http://www.biotalent.ca/
BIOTECanada http://www.biotech.ca/
Canadian Association of Science Centres http://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/
Canadian Bioethics Society http://www.bioethics.ca/  
Canadian Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/loi/cbc
Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists http://www.cscc.ca/en/
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science http://www.csmls.org/
Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences http://www.csmb-scbm.ca/
Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics http://pharmacologycanada.org/
Chemical Institute of Canada http://www.cheminst.ca/

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.

Connect with Others

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

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.

Applied Studies

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.

Student Clubs and Leadership

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.

Research Opportunities

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

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).

Community Involvement

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.

What can I do with a major in Biochemistry