Biochemistry University of Pretoria

Overview

In the third year, the study of the genome, transcriptome, proteome and lipidome of a living cell is pursued. Proteome analysis, crystallography, cell structure and function, enzymology and immunology are applied to understand the molecular basis of disease.

Ideally, biochemistry is combined with chemistry, microbiology, genetics, human physiology, plant science, zoology and food science. All these subjects include both theoretical and practical aspects. Students of the Biochemistry programme from University of Pretoria may choose elective modules related to their studies.

Postgraduate studies in Biochemistry include honours, master’s and doctoral degrees. The one-year honours degree is open to students from the biological or chemical sciences and includes exposure to a range of technologies, some self-study and a research project. At the master’s and doctoral levels, students conduct research in fields such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, anti-microbial drug resistance, diabetes, other human diseases and plant-derived medicines.

Career Opportunities

Biochemistry offers many opportunities for exciting and challenging careers in the food and pharmaceutical, fine chemicals and waste-processing industries. Careers at research councils, such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Water Research Commission (WRC) are possibilities, as are academic institutions, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and forensic and pathology laboratories. Possible careers include that of researcher, teacher, lecturer and medical representative. Graduates are comfortable in work environments such as universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and related industries.