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BIOCHEMISTRY the career guide for 16–18 year olds considering their options Over the past 100 years, have been responsible for a huge number of important scientific breakthroughs THE IMPACT OF that have helped to develop our understanding of living . These discoveries have had a big impact on many areas of , including , , veterinary science and .

UNDERSTANDING THE OF OUR BRAINS Understanding how the messages in our to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit brains are transmitted has allowed us to study Hyperactivity Disorder, Parkinson’s , and behaviour at a new level, and develop a wide schizophrenia. Biochemists are also researching range of that we use in our everyday how we feel pain, and form new memories. . It has lead to the development of REVOLUTIONIZING Biochemists have discovered that everyone has understand the evolutionary origins of their own unique genetic code or “fingerprint”, like sickle anaemia. DNA analysis is also which has led to huge developments in forensic invaluable in police investigations, with genetic science and evolutionary history. We can now testing being used in criminal forensics and track the of family histories, and immigration cases. HELPING FIGHT DISEASE Biochemists have discovered some of the not only diagnoses possible and more efficient, mechanisms behind many serious diseases, but has also led to the development of ground such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, breaking new drugs and treatments. In the future, cystic fibrosis, and many more. Understanding scientists hope these could be tailored to the these diseases at a molecular level has made patient’s genetic make-up. PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR KNOWLEDGE In recent decades there have been great scientific and Alzheimer’s develop. Today, scientists around advances, such as the discovery of DNA, how the world research and develop new and exciting cells communicate with one another using practical techniques, with the aim of furthering signalling and how diseases such as HIV, cancer our scientific knowledge and changing the future. 3 Biochemistry is the branch its . This information of science that explores the allows biochemists to predict how chemical processes and reactions might interact with each within living organisms. It is a other, and to design drugs based laboratory based subject that on this. uses chemical knowledge and techniques to understand and Biochemistry also helps us to solve biological problems. decode the genetic information found in our DNA. Biochemists Biochemistry focuses on processes identify specific and, in at a molecular level, and uses turn, the they code this knowledge to explain how for, and use this information to cells and organisms behave. investigate the functions of the It examines what is happening within the cell. All this within our cells, studying information helps to enhance our components like proteins, , knowledge of how cells work and and organelles and how they all how processes are regulated, so work together. It looks at how that we can develop methods to cells communicate with each fix them when things go wrong. other, for example during growth or development. Biochemistry Since biochemistry is the study also looks at the biological, of at the molecular level, it chemical and sometimes structural provides the foundations of a basis for disease, including wide range of other scientific genetic disorders, , disciplines, including genetics, neurodegeneration and cancer. forensics, , science, and medicine. This SO, WHAT IS Central to biochemistry is an breadth makes it difficult to understanding of how the draw a neat border around 3-dimensional structure of a “biochemistry”, and highlights just BIOCHEMISTRY? biological relates to how important the subject is. 4 5 Want to be part of the scientific movement? Because of the fundamental of biochemistry, you can find biochemists working BIOCHEMISTRY CAN in a variety of places, for example: HOSPITALS UNIVERSITY LABS FOOD INDUSTRY analysing samples researching ensuring the safety from patients anything from of our food to advising therapy to new TAKE YOU THERE… on treatments cancer treatments

Biochemists play an important Biochemistry also contributes to role in contributing to advances protecting the environment, by LAW FIRMS THE COSMETIC PHARMACEUTICAL dealing with INDUSTRY LABORATORIES in a wide variety of areas, combating pollution and designing scientific creating safe development or including , agriculture and biocompatible products. The specific cases or more carrying out research the environment. Progress in the genetic of has effective products into different diseases biochemical understanding of led to advances in agriculture which disease and complex molecular include crop improvement and structures has led to medical resistance to pests and disease. applications including the PUBLISHING SALES AND THE GOVERNMENT screening of unborn babies for Biochemistry is often a collaborative commissioning, MARKETING advising on current disease, investigation of possible field, requiring biochemists to work proof reading selling the latest scientific issues and reviewing technology to the cures for illnesses such as cancer and communicate as a team with scientific articles right people and AIDS, and the formulation of professionals from a variety of new and improved medicines. disciplines to achieve their goals.

“The problem solving and critical thinking is quite appreciated by the Financial Sector and so it was a bit of a surprise to hear that some went for a career in Finance after having completed a Science degree.”

6 Martin, an undergraduate student at the University of Glasgow. 7 The importance of biochemistry is demonstrated by the variety of different fields biochemists are working in today, to help to make the world a better place to live in. By studying biochemistry, you would be able to contribute to a brighter future and be a part of the exciting new advances still to come. Since biochemistry underpins many of the other life , it allows you to specialize in a range of different subjects at a later date. This flexibility allows you to keep your career options open.

After studying a biochemistry degree, ANALYTICAL SKILLS there are numerous options available to you. You can stay in Higher Education NUMERACY AND MATHS and study for a PhD or a Masters Degree in science (a good route into research EXPERIENCE OF and working in industry). Or you could WRITING REPORTS apply your scientific knowledge to a range of other careers, including patent PRESENTATION SKILLS law, teaching or science . TIME MANAGEMENT

Alternatively, you may pursue a career CREATIVE THINKING outside of science. The skills you will develop during your studies are PROBLEM SOLVING transferable across a number of career areas, meaning you could end up working as anything from an accountant to a IT SKILLS WHY STUDY marketing manager or event organizer. These transferable skills, which are PLANNING

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS TRANSFERABLE sought after by employers, include: BIOCHEMISTRY? OBSERVATIONAL SKILLS WORKING IN A TEAM

8 9 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSC)/BACHELOR OF ART COMBINED DEGREES (BA) COURSES Combined degrees, such as ‘Biochemistry with . . . ‘ or These are usually three years full time study (four years in ‘Biochemistry and...’ (e.g. Biochemistry with French or Scotland). The course provides a good science basis, after Biochemistry and Business management) normally involve which you can go on to take part in post-graduate study splitting your time between two subjects. The time spent or numerous scientific or other careers. Previous scientific on each may be split equally, or you might spend more time qualifications are needed, such as A-levels or Highers. Most on one subject than the other. If considering this type of bioscience courses will follow a common first year, then combined degree, it is important that you check how the specializing in the second and third years when you can time is split between the disciplines on each course you are normally choose some optional modules in the areas that considering, as it may vary between different universities. interest you most. Although this allows you to have a more varied degree and learn another discipline, it is important to consider whether MSCI/ MBIOLSCI/ MBIOCHEM COURSES this may affect your future career when applying for jobs These courses are normally four years full time study (five against students who’ve had more in depth teaching in one years in Scotland). The final year involves a more in-depth of the areas. You may also want to consider the second study of the subject in order to enhance the qualification to a subject being one related to biochemistry, in order for higher Masters level. Most courses will involve an extensive them to support each other, such as biochemistry and research project during the final year, where you will learn or . and develop research and practical skills. All the courses have the same Masters status, the title simply distinguishes Alternatively, some universities offer combined degrees what area it specializes in. that encompass a broader science - for example, a Natural Sciences degree. Again, check individual university BIOCHEMISTRY WITH A YEAR ABROAD/IN INDUSTRY courses for further details. Some courses are available with a “sandwich” year option. This essentially means the course is a year longer, so you FOUNDATION COURSES If you decide you want spend the penultimate year of your course studying abroad These courses offer a broad introductory year covering to study biochemistry or working in the sector. Biochemistry with a year in industry the more basic scientific disciplines. They are suitable for allows you to gain valuable work experience, normally students who have either not studied the required subjects at university, you will working in a lab at a pharmaceutical company or research to start a biochemistry degree, or have recently completed next need to decide lab. These placements are often paid. Biochemistry with advanced apprenticeships or NVQ’s (level 3), instead of which type of degree a year abroad involves studying at an overseas university, A-levels or Highers which are the more traditional entry normally in Europe or the USA. During this time you will requirement. The study methods can be very flexible, is best for you. For follow the programme of lectures at the host university, which means you may be able to get a job and earn whilst TYPES OF example, some courses before returning to the UK for your final year. you learn. can include a year During a year in industry or studying abroad, most A full-time course usually takes one to two years. Part- BIOCHEMISTRY working in industry, or a universities expect you to still pay fees, however this is time courses may take longer, although this is not always year studying abroad. normally at a reduced rate. the case. UNDERGRADUATE Below are some useful descriptions of the types DEGREES of degrees available: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COURSE TYPES VISIT WWW.UCAS.COM

10 11 WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO STUDY I NEED BIOCHEMISTRY? DO MATHS ?

Maths plays an important role in some parts of biochemistry and a good understanding of the subject will help you throughout The most common route to entering your studies. It will help when designing , carrying university to study a biochemistry-related out research, analyzing your results, and understanding degree is to first complete A-levels, or some key concepts in biochemistry. Although it may not be a equivalent qualifications, in and requirement for all biochemistry courses, you should consider chemistry, however some universities will studying it at AS or A-level, or consider a form of tutoring or a accept Maths as a substitute for one free standing Maths course to make sure you are up to scratch. of these subjects. Some universities will If you have not studied Maths at A-level but are keen to pursue accept students with one science A-level a bioscience related degree, some universities will offer extra or equivalent, so it’s worth checking the support in the form of tutorials and extra classes to help you in entry requirements before applying. Some your studies. universities will also consider some BTEC courses as supporting qualifications.

If you are concerned you do not have the necessary qualifications, you may want to consider taking a foundation NOT STUDYING MATHS? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED course, or access course, before A FREE STANDING MATHS QUALIFICATION (FSMQ)? embarking on a degree. To help ensure your Maths is up to scratch, or develop your knowledge in a particular area, you may want See our biochemistry prospectus at to consider taking an FSMQ. These are designed for all post-16 students, and can be taken at three levels, www.biochemistry.org/Education/ foundation, intermediate or advanced. Schoolsandcolleges/Qualifications.aspx for more information on entry requirements. Find out more information at www.nuffieldfoundation.org/fsmqs/about-fsmqs

12 13 Whilst at university, teaching will “I wanted to keep my degree as involve a combination of lectures broad as possible so that I could and practical sessions which are specialize in an area later on usually in laboratories. Depending on the university, lectures can be for in my career and biochemistry anything between 50 to 300 students, allowed me to do this.” normally with one tutor at the front. Leyla, now a PhD student Students are often also expected to at the University of Bristol. attend tutorials; these are classes with smaller numbers. The level of practical work is different depending on which course you choose and where you study, but normally undergraduate courses contain 10- 15% practical work.

A biochemistry course will normally involve a broad first year, moving on to more detailed optional modules in the latter years. Subjects you can expect to cover at degree level include:

Cell Biology and signalling Neurobiology

Genetics and DNA Biochemical techniques

Structure and function Plant biochemistry of molecules All university courses Microbiology and viruses will vary slightly in Enzymology WHAT DOES Disease mechanisms course structure, module Proteins and membranes STUDYING topics, amount of time in the lab, and assessment. Assessment whilst at university is normally in the form of It is important you do essays, projects (normally based on practical work), and BIOCHEMISTRY your research and check sometimes presentations. Most universities will have a wide range of learning resources online, including lecture the details with specific notes, access to research journals, links to more informa- NORMALLY universities before tion, and tips for writing up reports and essays. applying to any course. 14INVOLVE? 15 “I have become adept at many techniques, NOT SURE IF A CHOOSING THE RIGHT have produced many fantastic experimental findings, and found the process of discovery to be DEGREE IS THE absolutely thrilling.” DEGREE FOR YOU Hazel, an undergraduate student RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

If you would like a career related to biochemistry or the biological sciences, but are unsure if a degree is right for you, there are careers related to biochemistry that Attending open days at university you can access without having a degree. You may be able to become a laboratory technician through an is a good way to help you choose Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship scheme. The where to study. Some universities range of schemes available in your area will depend on will also have subject specific days, the local jobs market and the types of skills employers which are a great way to learn need from their workers. You can find out more at www.gov.uk/further-education-skills/apprenticeships more about the courses available in detail. Visiting a university will Many clinical laboratory support and laboratory help give you a good idea about technician jobs and Apprenticeships offer access to whether you like the campus, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) or Higher location, and general feel of the National Diplomas (HNDs) as part of their training. place, and help you answer any An NVQ is a competence based qualification, which questions you may have. For a list allows you to develop the knowledge and skills to do a of useful questions to ask yourself particular job. when deciding which course and A HND is a 2 year full time course (or 3 years part time), university to choose, see aimed at preparing you for careers in specific areas of www.biochemistry.org/ industry, but can lead on to entry into the final year of a Education/Schoolsandcolleges/ degree. They are more vocational than degree courses. See www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels- Choosingtherightcourse.aspx mean/overview for more information.

16 17 MALAVIKA LEGGE IS A PUBLISHER Right through school, the in a lab, and this is what led me to working in study of life science fascinated scientific publishing. me, and led me to a degree BIOCHEMISTS in biochemistry that revealed As a Publisher I now work with a team of editors a world of molecular signals to produce and deliver peer-reviewed journal and processes that shape and articles. Understanding the information-needs of govern all of life. I then learnt researchers and meeting these needs through more about the molecular publishing is a big part of the job. Skills needed AT WORK structures and mechanisms at for the role include collaboration, financial play when viruses bind to human cells during a planning and communication, but perhaps most BEN CHAFFEY IS A CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Masters degree. A research component of the important of all is a commitment to creating degree revealed to me that I was better suited quality content. I love the fact that what I do helps MANAGER AT LTD. to a communicative role as opposed to working to further scientific research. I can’t remember a time when I develops products that help improve and guide wasn’t interested in science and disease diagnosis and treatment. HELEN WATSON IS A LECTURER IN AT THE UNIVERSITY technology. My first degree was a Studying biosciences taught me how to think BSc in Molecular Biology, a course logically and how to prioritize tasks. I also learned OF EXETER which gave me a good basic level how to design and manage projects, as well as I wanted to be a scientist because I am now a lecturer in biomedical sciences with a of knowledge across a broad developing research and analytical skills. I liked practical science at school focus on education. I help to design and implement range of life-science subjects. and have always been fascinated our curriculum and I also stay up to date with These skills are essential in my current role, by living things. I studied a BSc in my area of biochemistry as I supervise specialist After completing my PhD in Applied where I have a wide range of responsibilities, biochemistry because it offered research projects. I can now pursue my interests Immunobiology and an academic post-doctoral from writing technical marketing literature and exciting topics to study like in biochemistry as well as education and science position, I moved from academia to industry. grant funding applications, through pharmaceuticals and . outreach. Studying biochemistry at university Currently, I work at Biosignatures Ltd., an and design and development to project I enjoyed the research aspect opened up this career path and gave me the innovative medical informatics company which management, IP and regulatory affairs. of my degree so I did a PhD and then worked as a knowledge and experience I need now. postdoctoral researcher in a similar field. FIONA RUSSELL IS A POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY IN CANADA RICHARD HINDE IS A PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT I graduated from university with In my job I study the nerves found in our The best part of my degree After university I didn’t want to do any further an integrated Masters degree joints. The lab I work in investigates the role of was the freedom - you can studies or lab work, but instead wanted a business in Molecular and Cellular nerves in controlling inflammation and pain in choose how you learn and role where I could use my scientific knowledge. Biochemistry, which included 3 joints, by studying disorders such as arthritis are encouraged to think The seemed an ideal fit. months working in a research and injury. about things in your own way. lab. During my project I fell in University really is the cutting In my current role I get to work with some of the love with research and decided I love it that science gives me the opportunity edge where you have access largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. to do a PhD. I enjoyed the freedom of science to travel – to international scientific conferences to the best equipment, some Knowing that my work can impact the way they research in an academic environment. And you as well as for different jobs. It’s allowed me to fantastic lecturers and the most up to date do business and the way patients are treated is get to use your brain a lot of the time! make friends all over the world. information available. one of the best parts of my job.

18 19 June 2015 © Biochemical Society Writers and contributors: Hannah Russell and Rachel Burnett. Designer: Rowena Weedon www.biochemistry.org