Undergraduate

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Studying this major provides a deep understanding of the molecular functions of all living things, and opens up opportunities in biotechnology, food production, medical diagnostics and public health.
75
ATAR
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

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Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Email

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

A bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UWA is highly recognised amongst employers. Career opportunities may include biotechnology, drug development, food production and quality control, fermentation industries and chemical production. Biochemists and molecular biologists find jobs in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, veterinary health, toxicology and in broader public health. Opportunities beyond the laboratory include education, patent law and policy-making, as well as in agriculture and the environment, sales and marketing for medical, research and pharmaceutical industries. With their specialist knowledge of living systems, biochemists can work as journalists and science communicators. A degree in biochemistry and molecular biology is a starting point for specialised courses such as bioinformatics, synthetic biology or forensics. Many biochemists and molecular biologists choose to follow further study towards a higher degree by research, so that they can reach more senior positions in research and development, whether in academia or in industry.

To prepare you for these diverse career pathways, UWA’s unique degree structure provides you with the widest range of specialisation options amongst Western Australian universities. For example, it is possible to do the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a second major in Chemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Data Science, Neuroscience, Human Biology, or Population Health. You can use your personal interests as a basis for your choice of subjects to study, and, ultimately, to direct your career. Through the unique design of the UWA curriculum, a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will enable you to become the next leader in biotechnology, synthetic biology, biomedicine or science communication.  

Some international, Australian and WA-based companies and institutions include:

• Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. Pfizer, CSL, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline, EvansPetersen Healthcare)
• Biotechnology companies (e.g. Dimerix, PYC Therapeutics, Orthocell*, Novozyme, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche, Merck)
• Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest, Safe Work Laboratories)
• Biochemical/protein analytical laboratories (e.g. Proteomics International)
• Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)
• Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Telethon Kids Institute, Ingham Institute, Garvan Institute for Medical Research)
• Top-ranked universities around the world

Career Pathways

A bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UWA is highly recognised amongst employers. Career opportunities may include biotechnology, drug development, food production and quality control, fermentation industries and chemical production. Biochemists and molecular biologists find jobs in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, veterinary health, toxicology and in broader public health. Opportunities beyond the laboratory include education, patent law and policy-making, as well as in agriculture and the environment, sales and marketing for medical, research and pharmaceutical industries. With their specialist knowledge of living systems, biochemists can work as journalists and science communicators. A degree in biochemistry and molecular biology is a starting point for specialised courses such as bioinformatics, synthetic biology or forensics. Many biochemists and molecular biologists choose to follow further study towards a higher degree by research, so that they can reach more senior positions in research and development, whether in academia or in industry.

To prepare you for these diverse career pathways, UWA’s unique degree structure provides you with the widest range of specialisation options amongst Western Australian universities. For example, it is possible to do the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a second major in Chemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Data Science, Neuroscience, Human Biology, or Population Health. You can use your personal interests as a basis for your choice of subjects to study, and, ultimately, to direct your career. Through the unique design of the UWA curriculum, a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will enable you to become the next leader in biotechnology, synthetic biology, biomedicine or science communication.  

Some international, Australian and WA-based companies and institutions include:

• Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. Pfizer, CSL, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline, EvansPetersen Healthcare)
• Biotechnology companies (e.g. Dimerix, PYC Therapeutics, Orthocell*, Novozyme, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche, Merck)
• Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest, Safe Work Laboratories)
• Biochemical/protein analytical laboratories (e.g. Proteomics International)
• Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)
• Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Telethon Kids Institute, Ingham Institute, Garvan Institute for Medical Research)
• Top-ranked universities around the world

Further Study

By undertaking Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, you will develop an understanding of the research process and your abilities to conduct independent research. You will acquire training and practice in skills such as experimental methods, problem solving, literature searching, data analysis, computing, team building, and written and oral communication.

Further Study

By undertaking Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, you will develop an understanding of the research process and your abilities to conduct independent research. You will acquire training and practice in skills such as experimental methods, problem solving, literature searching, data analysis, computing, team building, and written and oral communication.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below. 

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
View full details

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.

Admission requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.

Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.

Domestic Pathways

  • Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines. 
  • Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.

International Pathways

Course details

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major investigates how the natural world works. You'll gain an insight into the mechanisms of evolution, growth, development, reproduction and disease, plus tools to improve our quality of life. As well as careers in academic, medical and agricultural research, graduates with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are equipped for careers in patent law, scientific equipment sales, management of clinical trials, forensic science and many others.

About the course

Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale. In this major, you'll study the way molecules are organised and how they interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and that of the organism.
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About the course

Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale. In this major, you'll study the way molecules are organised and how they interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and that of the organism. Your investigations consider the information stored in DNA, molecular interactions, and how organisms gain and use energy. The major provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution, growth, development, reproduction and disease, plus the tools to improve our quality of life. This may be through the development of a drug or drought-resistant crop plant or understanding what controls an individual's health. At the end of the major you'll understand the theoretical basis of biochemistry and molecular biology and demonstrate critical analysis and the application of scientific method to biochemical problems. You will have solid technical competency in basic laboratory skills including solution preparation, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, and operation of general laboratory equipment. As well as careers in academic, medical and agricultural research, graduates with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are equipped for careers in patent law, scientific equipment sales, management of clinical trials, forensic science and many others.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 15-30 hours per week
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-BCHMB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
View full details
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 15-30 hours per week
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-BCHMB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science

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Richer student experiences

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Study abroad options

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen

The Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is one of Europe's oldest universities. Several hundred years of history in the sciences and humanities have been written here. Today, Tübingen remains a place of research and teaching. In addition to the nearly 85,500 inhabitants, there are some 28,300 German and international students. Some 4500 academic staff teach at the University's seven faculties. Teaching at the University of Tübingen reflects the broad, interdisciplinary spectrum of its research. More than 280 courses are on offer.

Tubingen, Germany
Europe

"The best part of exchange is the people you meet from all over the world. The second best thing is learning to live in a new country with a foreign culture. If you're a language student, it's particularly rewarding that, after all those years, you get to put it into practice and communicate with people. My perspectives have been broadened by my exchange, living in a new country and meeting people from all different cultures; you realise the world's a much bigger place. I can't say anything bad about Tübingen. It was a fantastic place to be on exchange and experience a student town where everything revolves around the students, because we don't have that in Australia." Rosie Blood, Bachelor of Arts - German and Psychology, 2011-2012
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Sungkyunkwan University

For more than six hundred years, Sungkyunkwan University has held a special place in the history of Korea. Since its establishment, the school's educational tradition has emphasised the four principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom. Sungkyunkwan University has also evolved to incorporate a modern educational paradigm that prioritises cutting-edge research and innovative education. This has led to important advances in the arts, sciences, medicine and technology in ways that allow greater synergy with other leading universities and institutions throughout the world.

Seoul, South Korea
Asia

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Teachers and students hail from all around the world, and it has a total of 61 departments under the faculties of arts, business administration, education, engineering, law, medicine, science, and social science. Currently, it has about 21,000 students undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs.

Hong Kong, China
Asia

View program

Visit Global Studio for more details and to apply to study abroad.

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Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.