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Study Biochemistry at Otago

    Study life at the molecular level and contribute to finding innovative approaches to challenges in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture. Biochemistry has been at the forefront of many scientific breakthroughs, from the discovery of the DNA structure to the development of new and improved drugs. If you want to be part of the exciting new discoveries still to come, Biochemistry could be for you.

    Why study Biochemistry?

    Biochemists find out how the molecules in living things work. You’ll focus on processes at a molecular level and use this knowledge to explore how cells and organisms behave. You’ll study how cells communicate with each other and with molecules in the environment, and how they can be affected by the environment itself.

    Biochemistry is fundamental to our understanding of the structure, function, and development of all life. Biochemists also look at the biological, chemical and sometimes structural basis for disease, including genetic disorders, infection, neurodegeneration and cancer. You’ll learn how diagnosis, drug design, and therapeutic treatments at the molecular level are improving health outcomes for society.

    Career opportunities

    Biochemistry unlocks a wide range of career opportunities and Otago graduates can be found all over the world in fields as diverse as:

    • Research
    • Product development
    • Forensics
    • Public health
    • Bioinformatics
    • Agribusiness
    • Patent law
    • Science policy
    • Publishing
    • Teaching and science communication
    • Commerce
    • Marketing

    The New Zealand biotechnology industry has opportunities for biochemists in livestock improvement, the development of food crops, winemaking, the protection of native flora and fauna, and pharmaceuticals.

    How you will learn

    In your first year, you’ll cover a broad range of topics, moving on to more detailed papers in the second and third years. Teaching involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions in laboratories, supported by a close-knit scientific community. You’ll learn practical, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued worldwide.

    Because biochemists are experimental scientists, hands-on learning is a fundamental part of this course. You’ll gain essential practical skills using specialist scientific equipment, setting you up for a wide range of career opportunities.

    Biochemistry underpins many of the other life sciences, giving you opportunities to specialise in a range of different subjects, including genetics, forensics, microbiology and agricultural science.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    There are no required subjects to study Biochemistry.

    You will need to pass a first-year Chemistry paper before doing Biochemistry, so NCEA Level 2 and/or Level 3 chemistry will be helpful.

    Biology, calculus or statistics, and a language-rich subject provide useful preparation.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    testimonial-image

    Biochemistry staff are friendly as well as professionals in their respective fields and are more than happy to go out of their way to help whenever possible.

    Max Spiers

    Studying for a Bachelor of Science (Major: Biochemistry, Minors: Botany, Genetics)

    Learn from a close-knit community of scientists who are at the forefront of their field

    At Otago, you’ll study Biochemistry in a supportive community with dedicated lecturers who provide expert guidance and mentorship.

    Our lecturers are active researchers leading innovation in a diverse range of biochemistry-related fields, including molecular biology, cell signalling, metabolism, genetics, structural biology, and bioinformatics. Through collaboration and teaching, you’ll learn about the latest developments in this fast-moving and exciting area of science.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry 18
    CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology 18
    CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health 18
    At least one of:
    BIOL 112 Animal Biology
    BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World
    CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture
    HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1
    HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2
    PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body
    PTWY 132 Introduction to Plant Life
    STAT 110 Statistical Methods
    STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics

    PTWY 131 and PTWY 132 are only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.

    		 18
    200-level BIOC 221 Molecular Biology 18
    BIOC 222 Proteins in Industry and Medicine 18
    BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18
    300-level BIOC 351 Advanced Protein Biochemistry 18
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics 18
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease 18
    BIOC 360 Research Perspectives in Biochemistry

    With Head of Department approval, one 300-level BIOC paper may be replaced by another relevant 300-level paper.     		18
    Plus 162 further points (GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics strongly recommended); must include 54 points at 200-level or above.

    Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.     		162
    Total   360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry 18
    200-level Two of:
    BIOC 221 Molecular Biology
    BIOC 222 Proteins in Industry and Medicine
    BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism     		36
    300-level

    Two of:
    BIOC 351 Advanced Protein Biochemistry
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease

    36

     Notes: (i) Prerequisite for BIOC 192 is CHEM 191; (ii)  Prerequisites for BIOC 221 are CHEM 191 and CELS 191.  
    Total   90

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    BIOC papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    BIOC192 2025 Foundations of Biochemistry 18 points Semester 2
    BIOC221 2025 Molecular Biology 18 points Semester 1
    BIOC222 2025 Proteins in Industry and Medicine 18 points Semester 2
    BIOC223 2025 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18 points Semester 2
    BIOC351 2025 Advanced Protein Biochemistry 18 points Semester 1
    BIOC352 2025 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics 18 points Semester 1
    BIOC353 2025 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease 18 points Semester 2
    BIOC360 2025 Research Perspectives in Biochemistry 18 points Semester 2
    BIOC461 2025 Research Design and Analysis in Biochemistry 20 points Full Year
    BIOC462 2025 Molecular Biology 20 points Semester 1
    BIOC463 2025 Contemporary Technologies in Biochemistry 20 points Semester 2
    BIOC464 2025 Applied Biochemistry 20 points Full Year
    BIOC480 2025 Research Project 40 points Full Year
    BIOC490 2025 Dissertation 60 points Full Year
    BIOC495 2025 Master's Thesis Preparation 40 points Full Year

    More information

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