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Undergraduate Handbook

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
 UNSW Main Campus

Description

Biochemistry is the study of molecules and chemical reactions that take place in all living organisms. Many of the recent advances in the life sciences have resulted from an amalgamation of biochemistry with molecular and genetic approaches. For example, biochemistry looks at reactions that turn food into energy, how DNA works to make us look the way we do, and how plants trap and use the energy of sunlight.

One of the most exciting areas of modern biochemistry is often referred to as "Molecular Biology". This area of biochemistry has contributed much to our understanding of how genes function by using the techniques of genetic engineering and DNA technology. Molecular Biology has made extensive contributions to the fields of medical DNA analysis, immunology, tissue transplantation, environmental monitoring and many other diverse areas affecting the daily life and health of all of us. It is a fundamental part of medical science and plays an increasingly important role in modern medical practice.

Traditionally, biochemists have found work in hospitals, clinical and pathology labs, food and agricultural industries. While they are still employed in these areas, the recent explosion in molecular biology has spawned biotechnology-based industries which offer new opportunities for biochemistry graduates. Biotechnology industries, medical analysis laboratories, scientific and medical research, forensic science and bioinformatics are all possible areas of employment. Combining biochemistry and molecular biology with law or commerce also provides the potential to move into new fields such as patent law or policy making.

Studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNSW

The study of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNSW is primarily through the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (www.babs.unsw.edu.au). At an undergraduate level, students can specialise in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science) and the Bachelor of Medical Science programs. Please refer to the table below for related combined degree programs and opportunities for postgraduate study in this discipline.



Biochemistry can be studied in the following Programs 

Program Code & Name At the Level of Plan
3529 Commerce/Science Major
Honours
BIOCA13529
BIOCAH3529
3821 Science/Medicine Major
Minor
Honours
BIOCA13821
BIOCA23821
BIOCAH3821
3930 Science/Arts Major
Honours
BIOCA13930
BIOCAH3930
3931 Advanced Science/Arts Major BIOCA13931
3935 Science/Social Science Major BIOCA13935
3970 Science Major
Minor
Honours
BIOCA13970
BIOCA23970
BIOCAH3970
3972 Advanced Science Major
Honours
BIOCA13972
BIOCAH3972
4075 Science/Education Major BIOCA14075
4770 Science / Law Major
Honours
BIOCA14770
BIOCAH4770
   

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Genetics can be studied in the following Programs 

Program Code & Name At the Level of Plan
3529 Commerce/Science Major BIOC13529
3755 Bioinformatics/Science Major BIOCC3755
3930 Science/Arts Major
Minor
Honours
BIOCC13930
BIOCC23930
BIOCCH3930
3931 Advanced Science/Arts Major
Honours
BIOCC13931
BIOCCH3931
3935 Science/Social Science Major BIOCC13935
3970 Science Major
Minor
Honours
BIOCC13970
BIOCC23970
BIOCCH3970
3972 Advanced Science Major
Honours
BIOCC13972
BIOCCH3972
3983 Science/Computer Science Major
Honours
BIOCC13983
BIOCCH3983
4770 Science / Law Major
Honours
BIOCC14770
BIOCCH4770
   

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Molecular Biology can be studied in the following Programs 

Program Code & Name At the Level of Plan
3529 Commerce/Science Major
Honours
BIOCE13529
BIOCEH3529
3711 Mechanical & Manf Eng/Science Major BIOCE13711
3930 Science/Arts Honours BIOCEH3930
3931 Advanced Science/Arts Major
Honours
BIOCE13931
BIOCEH3931
3970 Science Major
Honours
BIOCE13970
BIOCEH3970
3972 Advanced Science Major
Honours
BIOCD13972
BIOCDH3972
3994 Media & Communications Major BIOCE13994
4770 Science / Law Honours BIOCEH4770
   

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Molecular Genetics can be studied in the following Programs 

Program Code & Name At the Level of Plan
3930 Science/Arts Honours BIOCDH3930
3970 Science Honours BIOCDH3970
4770 Science / Law Honours BIOCDH4770
   

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.