Study of biochemistry

Biochemistry is a discipline that studies the chemical processes within living organisms and the chemical composition of cells and molecules of living organisms.This major is indispensable in many fields, such as medicine, agriculture, pharmaceutical industries, and scientific research, making it a promising field with diverse job opportunities and a bright professional future for its graduates.

So we will offer in this article all the information you need about the study of biochemistry: pros and cons, duration, top universities in the world, and available job opportunities for biochemistry graduates. keep reading.

What is the biochemistry specialty?

Biochemistry is a branch of science that explores chemical processes within living organisms. Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry using chemical knowledge and techniques. Biochemists can understand and solve biological problems.

Biochemistry focuses on processes that occur at the molecular level—that is, what happens inside cells. Biochemistry studies cell components such as proteins, lipids, and organelles. It also investigates how cells communicate with each other during growth, disease resistance, and other processes.

The importance of study of biochemistry specialization

• One of the main reasons why biochemistry is so essential is that it encompasses concepts from two crucial scientific fields: chemistry and biology. Therefore, biochemistry combines various techniques and methodologies that integrate these two fields. 
• It contributes to the development of medical sciences such as physiology, pathology, anatomy, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and nuclear medicine.
• Contributes to the understanding of genetics.
• Clinical biochemistry is used to study how drugs affect biological systems, and to analyze biological samples such as blood and urine to diagnose diseases.

Fields of Biochemistry

Biochemistry's interests can be divided into three main areas:

• Medicine: Studying the causes of diseases and their treatments
• Agriculture: Examining soil and fertilizers, and improving crop cultivation practices
• Nutrition: Studying ways to maintain health and the effects of malnutrition.

Basic Chemistry Departments

1.Organic Chemistry

The study of the properties, structures, and reactions of organic compounds

2.Inorganic Chemistry

The study of the properties, structures, and reactions of inorganic compounds

3.Biochemistry

The study of chemicals and chemical reactions within living organisms

4.Physical Chemistry

The study of the physical foundations of chemical reactions

5.Analytical Chemistry

The study and analysis of samples of matter to determine its chemical composition.

6.Theoretical Chemistry

Focuses on theoretical principles and computer models to understand chemical reactions and molecular properties.

7.Nuclear Chemistry

The study of nuclear properties and reactions, and the uses of nuclear elements and radiation in medical and other applications.

Biochemistry Major Courses

The following are the most important core courses in the study of Biochemistry major:

• Molecular Biology
• Nucleic Acids and Genes
• Biochemistry
• Cellular Biochemistry
• Enzymes
• Gene Expression
• Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
• Medical Biochemistry
• Biopharmaceuticals and Natural Materials
• Toxicology and Oncology
• Genetics
• Enzyme Biochemistry
• Medical Virology and Bacteriology
• Biochemistry and Nutrition
• Advanced Methods and Techniques in Biochemistry

Read also: Top 3 medical specializations to study in Turkey

Skills and knowledge acquired by biochemistry students and graduates

• Possess scientific research skills.
• Familiarity with biology and molecular chemistry.
• Knowledge of the symbols and terminology of genetics and biochemistry.
• Understand the structures, functions, and interactions between cellular components and biomolecules.
• Familiarity with the chemical properties of biomolecules.
• Ability to use biochemistry techniques with genetics techniques.
• Skills in conducting scientific experiments.
• Ability to write and publish scientific and professional research and reports.
• Skills in collaboration, teamwork, communication, organization, and time management.
• Skills in formulating and selecting biological hypotheses.
• Possess a high level of proficiency in mathematics and statistics.
• Scientific problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based professional analysis.
• Ability to use laboratory tools and equipment.
• Ability to explain complex information in a simplified, concise, and concise manner.
• Ability to engage in self-directed and continuous learning.

Duration of study for the Biochemistry major

• Bachelor's degree: 3-4 years
• Master's degree: 1.5-2 years
• PhD degree: 3-5 years

Job opportunities for biochemistry graduates

• Working in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, whether in schools, especially secondary schools, or as a university professor at universities and academic institutes.
• Working in scientific research centers
• Working in the fields of genetic and hereditary engineering
• Working in hospital laboratories
• Working in factories related to biochemistry, such as petrochemicals
• Working in pharmaceutical factories and companies
• Working in forensic and criminal laboratories
• Working in environmental research bodies and centers
• Working in petrochemical companies
• Working in molecular biology laboratories
• Working in medical centers and medical fields such as dentistry
• Working in laboratories and food science
• Working in genetics and genomics
• Working as a bioinformatics analyst
• Working in biostatistics
• Working as a medical sales representative
• Working in toxicology laboratories
• Working in a pharmaceutical chemistry position developing treatments for cancer and other diseases.
• Working in scientific journalism, writing for scientific journals and websites.
• Working in quality centers and laboratories.

Pros and Cons of Studying Biochemistry

Like other specialties, study of biochemistry has many advantages and disadvantage as the following: 

Pros

• Increasing demand for this specialty worldwide
• High salaries for professionals in the specialty
• Ability to work independently on research projects
• Regular office or laboratory work hours
• Biochemistry is interconnected with many other sciences

Cons

• Requires a study period of up to 7 years for graduate studies.
• Handling hazardous materials and machinery
• Constant competition, especially in research funding areas
• Required travel abroad
• Laboratory work is tiring, with long hours

Subspecialties in Biochemistry

1. Enzymology

The study of enzymes, their biological functions, mechanisms of action, and the influence of environmental factors on their activity.

2. Molecular Biology

Focuses on the study of the environment, function, and interactions between biomolecules such as DNA and proteins.

3. Clinical Biochemistry

The study of biological samples to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment by assessing chemical compounds in the body.

4. Metabolomics

The study of the group of metabolites in cells and it helps in understanding metabolic processes.

The most important challenges and future developments in biochemistry

First, the challenges:

1.Antibiotic resistance

This requires the development of new methods for detecting antibiotics, especially as the world is threatened by the era before their discovery.

2.Environmental changes

This requires sustainable strategies to combat pollution.

3.Bioethics

This raises questions about the ethical limits of genetic engineering.

Second: Future Developments

1.Personalized Medicine

This involves developing specialized treatments in human medicine based on the genetic units and biological characteristics of an organism.

2.CRISPR Technologies

These technologies are characterized by their precision and speed in genetics research and future medical innovations.

3.Artificial Intelligence

AI enhances research through data analysis, drug development, and genetic analysis. Thanks to these capabilities, AI is expected to revolutionize biochemical research and treatment methods and improve health outcomes.

Top Universities in the World for the study of Biochemistry

• King's College London, UK
• University of Oxford, UK
• Australian National University
• National University of Singapore
• Tsanga University in China
• University of Toronto in Canada
• Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands
• Stanford University in the USA
• Gran Sasso University of Science in Italy
• University of California in the USA
• University of Cambridge in the UK
• University of Copenhagen in Denmark
• University of Montpellier in France
• Harvard University in the USA
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States
• Ege University Izmir in Türkiye
• Istanbul technical university 
• Hacettepe University 
• Ankara University 

How can New Horizons help you study biochemistry?

New Horizons offers several services to students seeking university admission, including:

• New Horizons provides comprehensive support to students in obtaining the equivalency of their university degrees in Turkey.
• The company provides a service for translating documents and certificates into Turkish with notarization.
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• Consultations are provided regarding partial or full scholarships, depending on the university system.
• A service is provided to meet the student's family at the airport and host them in suitable accommodation.
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Contact us now for more information about studying in Turkey.

Conclusion 

The study of biochemistry offers an exciting and diverse field with endless potential to contribute to scientific and medical advancements. With the right preparation and a passion for discovery, graduates of this major can expect a career filled with accomplishments and significant contributions to their community and the world.