Scroll to the bottom for a list of Institutions that offer Biochemistry
WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY AND WHO IS A BIOCHEMIST?
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within living organisms and those related to them. It is a field and lab based science that brings together biology and chemistry. Biochemistry covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including genetics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, microbiology, forensics, plant science and medicine. An expert in this branch of science is called a biochemist. Biochemists may choose to work in different fields such as clinical biochemistry, industrial biochemistry or agriculture biochemistry. In general, biochemists provide many industries and government departments with services necessary to boost both the local and national communities economy and welfare.
WHERE DO BIOCHEMISTS WORK?
Biochemists can work in the government for the departments of health, agriculture and livestock, water and sewerage, works and supply, mines etc. Here, they explore the many living and nonliving components of the environment and how they relate with living organisms like human beings, plants, animals and microbial organisms. Non-governmental organizations like the WHO, world vision and FAO to name a few, also utilize the services of biochemists in ensuring that essential basic needs like food and healthcare are provided for all people of all ages. A biochemist may as well specialize in cosmetics developer programs that could save as good entrepreneur initiatives. Biochemists may work with the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) or Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) which carry out federal regulation of biochemical products including drugs, food and other manufactured materials. With their good backgrounds in metal analysis, chemistry and microbiology, biochemists can aid mineral exploration expeditions for mineral exploration companies or the government when looking for new mineral deposits.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Research and analysis, data capture and interpretation, innovation and discovery are the main tasks biochemists deal with on a daily basis. Clinical biochemists working in a medical laboratory help diagnose and manage a number of diseases through the analysis of blood, urine and other body fluids. The clinical biochemists carry out tests requested by the doctors on such samples and ensure that accurate results are produced.
In the field of agriculture, biochemists focus on the study of both the chemistry and biological components of plants and animals which are important in agricultural production. They further on handle the processing of raw products into foods and beverages in addition to environmental monitoring and remediation. Other biochemists working for the government agencies like ZABS and ZAMRA test and monitor the quality of food and drugs in the country to ensure they are up to standard.
For the biochemists working in the mineral exploration activities, their work involves going out in the field alongside geologists and other chemists to survey and understand the area. This is because such areas of mineral and oil exploration are typically remote and inhabited with a variety of living organisms like oil inhabiting bacteria and iron-oxidizing bacteria. Iron-oxidizing bacteria are a special kind of bacteria that obtain their energy by feeding on dissolved iron minerals directly from the iron rich soil and rocks. Biochemists will collect such soil and rock samples containing these mineral and oil dependent micro-organisms for laboratory and biochemical analysis to determine if the actual site of these collected samples may have mineral or oil deposits around them.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A BIOCHEMIST?
The work schedule or shifts of a biochemist may vary from one organization to another. If one is working for a government department, they will typically stick to the normal 08hrs to 17hrs five day working routine from Monday to Friday. Night shifts may be common among clinical biochemists working in hospitals, this may be so because of the urgent need for the results and data needed for medical emergencies. Industrial and agricultural biochemists working in private organizations may work according to a specific companies working schedule which may or may not be similar to government schedules.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Interestingly, the job market for biochemists lies in these areas listed below and the chances of finding a job may depend on your level of qualification, work experience and the quality of grades from your previous institution of study. A biochemist can find a job in a hospital, pharmaceutical company, agricultural field, industries or drug and food regulatory government agencies like ZABS. Other potential employers include NGOs such as WHO, World Vision, Food and Agriculture Organisation etc. Manufacturing companies such as Trade Kings, Big Tree Foods and National Milling also employ biochemists
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED
Successful biochemists tend to be investigative individuals, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people .They often spend their time being artistic, creative and original in what they do. Thus, they work well in a setting that allows for self-expression. The love for science-based subjects, laboratory work and adaptation to new and improved technical tools and methods of analysis account for their great achievements in this field. In their first years at higher learning institutions, they are taught these many skills in the natural sciences field and are urged to pass in these courses. Before graduating, biochemists are mostly advised to engage in internship programs with their companies of choice, so as to earn the experience they need for their career. Furthermore a biochemist should develop his\her; Analytical, Communication, Critical-thinking, Interpersonal skills, Perseverance as well as Math and other Problem-solving skills.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Biochemistry
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Enrolling at a university with the view to studying biochemistry requires an individual to learn A-level natural sciences in the first year i.e., mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. In the following years they start to narrow down to more specific subjects of biochemistry like (organic chemistry, analytical chemistry microbiology, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, animal and plant physiology, plant and animal pathology and many others.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Like other science-based programs, it is competitive and entry depends on the levels of competition in the University. Typically, they look for 12 points or better at grade 12 which should include Mathematics, Science, and English.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A BIOCHEMIST?
To work as a biochemist, one has to undergo college or university training in this field as there is no other alternative, and so typically a Zambian biochemist needs to have a BSc degree in biochemistry.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Once you study biochemistry, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree in many other courses including clinical biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical studies, industrial and agricultural management and more others. A master’s degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from acquiring these general skills, you have taken a keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one could become a university lecturer as well.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER BIOCHEMISTRY
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree) / 2 years (Master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 125 4406
E-mail: dean-ns@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/natural-sciences/about
MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: January and August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 215 228004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm
GIDEON ROBERT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Engineering and Biosciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 969 899875
E-mail: vc@gideonrobertyuniversity.com
Website: gideonrobert.education