Study Biochemistry at an international university

If you’re struggling to decide between Biology and Chemistry or you see yourself working as a scientist in a role that makes a real difference, Biochemistry may be the perfect choice for you.

1. What is Biochemistry as a science?

Biochemistry, as the name suggests, is where Biology meets Chemistry: it’s the study of living organisms at a molecular level or, to put it another way, the study of the very foundations of life. It helps you understand and apply topics as diverse as disease, genetics, evolution and DNA. Your understanding of Biochemistry enables the creation of safe synthetic drugs, helps forensic teams solve crimes, allows the development of agriculture and food and much, much more. Biochemistry can be divided in three fields:

• molecular genetics
• protein science
• metabolism

2. Is it worth studying Biochemistry?

Biochemistry can take you to many different places. You could work in a lab that researches on  bacteria or examines the regenerative properties of microorganisms. You could work with bees or flies and see how they react to various organic compounds synthesized from one common compound. You could examine feeding responses and digestive hormone levels in fish. You could focus on medical microbiology and study human infections. You could choose medical biochemistry and study vitamin deficiencies, genetic diseases, etc. in humans. The possibilities are endless. Biochemistry graduates also go into areas of applied biochemistry such as forensic science, dietetics, nutrition and medical diagnostics. Understanding biochemistry provides many opportunities for complementary careers, in a diverse range of jobs from sales and marketing to science journalism and from teaching to intellectual property law. Biochemistry graduates can also apply for graduate entry degrees in, for example, medicine or pharmacy. Because it lies at the crossroads of intensive research and practical application, biochemistry is the answer to many modern-times questions.

3. How will Biochemistry develop your personal set of skills?

Apart from a specialized degree in an extremely sought-after career, you’ll also pick up numerous transferable skills by studying this field. Biochemistry will offer you a set of new skills which will benefit your future applications for many jobs: As a lab-based subject, Biochemistry also develops:

• diligence and attention to detail;
• strong data analysis;
• problem-solving skills;
• decision-making skills;
• teamwork;
• communication;
• good presentations
• the ability to understand complex biological processes;
• observation skills;
• research and data analysis;
• planning and time management;
• the ability to work with deadlines

4. What kind of job can you get with a degree in Biochemistry?

The practical and technical skills you develop during your biochemistry degree - through laboratory-based work and your final year research project – will prepare you for a highly specialized research or technical position. You can choose to work or specialize further in these careers:

• Academic researcher;
• Analytical chemist;
• Biomedical scientist;
• Biotechnologist;
• Clinical research associate;
• Clinical scientist, biochemistry;
• Forensic scientist;
• Medicinal chemist;
• Nanotechnologist;
• Pharmacologist;
• Physician associate;
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Environmental engineer;
• Health and safety inspector;
• Neuroscientist;

Biochemistry is a commercially valuable degree that will come in useful for a range of well-paid jobs in many important industries.

5. In which countries can you study Biochemistry?

Its applicability in a variety of industries, makes biochemistry one of the fastest developing fields in science. Fast-paced growth and the need for constant innovation has led to the creation of top-notch English-taught biochemistry programmes and related degrees at universities in Belgium, the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands and USA. While studying abroad as a biochemist major you’ll have the chance to learn from renowned scientists in the field and to become part of groundbreaking research projects. Preponderantly universities from the UK offer a great variety of study programs in the Biochemistry area. They also offer opportunities both during and after finishing your studies like summer courses that help you improve your skills, internships or even jobs. It's important to enhance your degree with extra skills and experiences, which show that you are a proactive person engaging with the world around you. After obtaining a Bachelor degree you have the chance to continue your studies with a Master and also a PhD in the specialization that you have chosen.

6. What universities offer Biochemistry and related study programmes?

Here are just a few universities that rank particularly well in the field internationally. Check out the curriculum section to see what modules you would be studying and the career prospects and ask your EDMUNDO counsellor about the academic and English entry requirements and about the available funding for students, such as governmental loans, scholarships, grants, fee waivers, etc.:

Bachelor

• Business Academy Aarhus, Denmark
• HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
• Hawaii Pacific University, USA
• Keele University, England
• The University of Queensland, Australia
• Swansea University, Wales
• University of Central Lancashire, England
• University of Lincoln, England

Master

• Aarhus University, Denmark
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
• Lancaster University, England
• Oregon State University, USA
• Radboud University, Netherlands
• University of Birmingham, England
• University of Strathclyde, Scotland

  Want to find out how you can study Biochemistry abroad and what funding is available to students? Contact us for free counselling for the entire admissions process, including further information about studying at international universities, student funding and how the admissions process works. Also, our counsellors can help you apply for the university that best suits you and the entire counselling process is free of charge for bachelor and master degrees. EDMUNDO can help you apply for free for Biochemistry and related courses at international universities. You can also contact us on Facebook and Instagram.