MJRU-BICHE

Biochemistry

Undergraduate major

From forensic science to clinical research, a biochemistry degree can lead to a range of fascinating career paths.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Biochemistry Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline
Biochemistry

Outline

Outline

Biochemists study the molecular structures and processes that form the foundation for living matter.

In this course, you will study the core principles of chemistry, molecular structure and chemical reactivity, and how they are applied to biological molecules.

You will study second-year and third-year units in biological, medicinal and natural-product chemistry; plus complementary units in cell biology, molecular biology and molecular genetics.

You’ll investigate molecular systems that regulate cell growth, including signalling and defence, and related metabolic pathways.

You’ll also study molecular recognition and its applications in biosensors, drug design and optimisation, and in monitoring the effects that exogenous compounds can have on living systems.

You can choose to specialise in either Chemistry or Environmental Biology.

Chemistry

In this specialisation you’ll study advanced aspects of chemical science. You’ll use complex equipment and procedures to understand the science that underpins biochemistry; and make, analyse and monitor chemicals in the environment.

Environmental Biology

Environmental scientists are needed to understand ecological functions and apply this knowledge to solve issues related to land degradation, urban and regional development, impacts of resources extraction and processing, biodiversity loss and pollution. In this specialisation you’ll develop skills in experimental design, statistics, critical thinking and communication, gaining the expertise to undertake environmental research and apply it to real-world challenges.

What jobs can the Biochemistry course lead to?

Careers

  • Biochemist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Medicinal scientist

Industries

  • Agriculture
  • Biotechnology
  • Healthcare

Further study

What you'll learn

  • have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in biochemistry that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of biochemistry, GC1
  • can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to biochemistry, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within biochemistry, GC2
  • understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in biochemistry using digital technologies, GC3
  • can gather and interpret relevant data within biochemistry to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with biochemistry, and how these impact upon the practice of biochemistry, GC4
  • understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of biochemistry, GC5
  • display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

Why study Biochemistry

Professional recognition

As a graduate, you may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Specialist pathways

Our Chemistry specialisation enables you to delve into bionanotechnology, IT and biocompatible materials; or you can specialise in Environmental Biology to focus on the  the environmental applications of biochemistry.

Professional recognition

This course with the Chemistry specialisation is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Biology ATAR and Human Biology ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Biology ATAR and Human Biology ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    • A TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field of study, if you are not sure if it is relevant, check with the course co-ordinator for the major they are going into.

    • Curtin College Diploma of Information Technology does NOT meet the MAM requirements for the data science major. Alternative offer B-MTDSC to be given

     

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Biology ATAR and Human Biology ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Met the admission criteria for minimum entry
  2. Met the ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)
  3. Met the ATAR Chemistry prerequisite (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information
The ATAR Mathematics Applications can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1015 Linear Algebra 

The ATAR Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider. 

In addition, you need to have:  

  1. Met the ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)
  2. Met the ATAR Chemistry prerequisite (or equivalent)

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Biology ATAR and Human Biology ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

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  • Curtin course code: MJRU-BICHE
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2024

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