Career opportunities in Medical Biochemistry Degree

Biochemistry involves studying the chemistry of living things such as substances, compounds and processes. Biochemists combine the fields of microbiology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry, cell biology, and physics in their day-to-day work or experiments. They get into the most, minute characteristics of organisms, and their biological processes. They may be identifying the way in which DNA, which carries the genetic information, is

transferred between cells and can be manipulated. Biochemistry finds application in clinical and forensic science and in the food and pharmacological industries. Biochemists are contributing to advances in a wide variety of areas, including health, agriculture and the environment. The screening of unborn babies for disease and investigation of possible cures for illnesses such as cancer and AIDS are possible due to progress in the biochemical understanding of disease The work environment could be the government, private sector, laboratories, hospitals, universities, and other educational and research institutions. 

USEFUL ATTRIBUTES 

Problem-solving, research and analytical skills, and curiosity are important traits for future biochemists. Good oral and written communication skills are critical as many scientists work as part of a team, write research papers or proposals, and have contact with clients or customers with non-science backgrounds. Observational, planning, team work, organizational, and computational skills are important for all scientists, including biochemists. 

EDUCATION 

It is started with science in plus two/equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths for future career in Biochemistry. Completing the BSc (Hons) degree in Medical Biochemistry will give you a firm grounding in modern biochemistry, with particular reference to the ways in which this relates to medicine and health issues. Along the way you will gain not only subject knowledge but also important transferable skills that should make you an attractive prospect for future employers.

The programme for the first year incorporates relevant components drawn from both the Medicine and Biological Sciences degree streams.

Key Skills modules, designed specifically for this course, will help you develop your communication and data handling skills, serving you in good stead both for your other studies and your career. 

In the   second and third years, you can begin to develop Medical Biochemistry with, if you would like, a leaning towards Genetics, Microbiology or Physiology. Modules on proteins, gene expression, molecular cell biology, metabolism and molecular machines are taken in the second year, along with a module on molecular medicine and biomedical ethics exclusively for Medical Biochemists.  A third of the material in the year is then chosen by you to reflect your particular interests.

In the   final year, Biochemical mechanisms of Human Disease, a core module specifically for the Medical Biochemists, is studied along with three units of your choice. The options include Biochemistry modules Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Proteins: Structure, Dynamics and Engineering and the Molecular Biology of Gene Expression as well as one or two units coordinated by other Departments, including the popular Understanding Disease module.

In addition to your taught courses, you will undertake a research project that may be depending upon the resources available of your medical school/University. You can do either hospital based or community based research projects.

Although some universities do offer biochemistry during graduation, post-graduation really establishes you as a biochemist. After your post-graduation degree, you could lead to a lectureship and a career in research and development, consulting or allied work. Some medical colleges may offer MD Biochemistry open to MBBS graduates/BDS graduates. 

Career Opportunities

In the recent, the graduates from the Medical Biochemistry degree stream can go on to a wide variety of further training and careers. These have included M.Sc. programmes in, for example, molecular genetics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, forensics and pathology & toxicology. Others may have gone on to do PhDs in diverse fields, including cancer research, molecular biology and membrane physiology.

First career destinations have included employment as a research assistant, medical sales representative, systems analyst and medical archivist. If anyone choses the academic field, they could do their job as various faculty position in Medical school. The entry level will be Assistant Professor.

Other Employment prospects

Biochemists may work in vaccine research, hormone production, virology or immunology; food science jobs; plant science jobs; or zoology jobs in areas from marine biology to entomology. They could be placed in industry, hospitals, forestry, agriculture, dietetics, research institutes, education and associated areas. They may work in pharmaceutical, food, brewing, biotechnology and agrochemical companies not just to develop new products but also to monitor the production, quality control and safety of existing ones.