what can i do with my major ?
bachelor of science biochemistry
*biochemistry faculty of arts & sciences, ubc’s okanagan campus
The Major in Biochemistry provides a strong background in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, giving students the opportunity to move on to
graduate school, or work in allied fields such as microbiology, environmental sciences, plant science, food science, pharmacology, pharmaceutical
sciences, industrial applications of molecular techniques, and biotechnology. This program is also suitable for students who would like a career in
health or medical sciences, molecular diagnostics, and government agencies dealing with medicinal biochemistry. There are three options leading
to a Major in Biochemistry: General Biochemistry, wine or plant, or medical. *Honours option available in this subject area. See the UBC Okanagan Calendar for
detailed program information not included in this handout.
if i studied biochemistry, i could…
develop my ability to:
build a career in various occupations:
• Analyze data and prepare reports
• Analytical chemist
• Technologist
• Apply computer skills to the analysis and presentation of data
• Biochemical educator
• Immunologist
• Biochemical researcher
• Industrial hygienist
chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectroscopy
• Biomedical researcher
• Nurse
• Articulate the theory and application of techniques
• Biotechnologist
• Nutrition researcher
used to address biochemical problems
• Cancer researcher
• Pharmaceutical research assistant
• Assist in conducting biological, microbiological, and
• Clinical biochemist
• Physiotherapist
biochemical tests and laboratory analyses
• Drug development officer
• Public health inspector
• Conduct lab and field research to collect data and samples
• Environmental auditor
• Scientific journalist
• Describe how cells recognize and communicate with one another
• Environmental health officer
• Toxicology assistant
• Design, synthesize, and test new chemical products
• Food product inspector
• Various careers in medicine
(e.g. drugs, foods, fuels, paints, new materials)
• Food science technologist
and dentistry
• Measure pollutants in air, water, and soil
• Forensic analyst
• Wine and beer
• Observe health and safety practices
• Genetic technician
production technologist
• Think logically, creatively, and independently
• Hazardous waste
• Wine scientist
• Apply methods and techniques, such as microscopy, histochemistry, • Understand how biochemistry is used to study and treat disease
• Understand the biochemistry of gene function
Additional education or certification may be required for some fields and
occupations (e.g. completion of association registration, a professional
program, or other specialized studies).
seek employment opportunities with:
• Biochemical, biological, engineering, environmental control,
health care, or scientific research firms
• Government ministries, research, or health agencies
• Manufacturing or processing industries (e.g. agriculture, aquaculture, beverage, biotechnical, biomedical, chemical, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food, medical instruments, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, wine and brewing)
get involved and learn more:
• Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC): www.aic.ca
• Association of Professional Biologist: www.apbbc.bc.ca
• BIOTECanada: www.biotech.ca
• Canadian Federation of Biological Societies: www.cfbs.org
• Canadian Society for Chemistry: www.chemistry.ca
• Medical, clinical, or diagnostic laboratories
• Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cellular Biology: • Post–secondary institutions
www.csbmcb.ca
• Toxicological sciences, including RCMP and cancer research institutes
• College of Applied Biology BC: www.cab-bc.org
for additional information and resources, including links to sites that describe occupations listed above and an information
interviews tip sheet, visit www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/careers
ADVISING & INVOLVEMENT CENTRE
Okanagan campus – University Centre 207
october 2011