University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours programme builds on core biochemistry and molecular biology knowledge and places strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills, experimental design and data analysis. You will study advanced topics such as enzyme kinetics and regulation, metabolic pathways, molecular genetics, protein structure and function, and biochemical techniques including chromatography, electrophoresis, PCR and spectroscopic methods.

The final honours year is research-focused: you will complete an individual supervised research project that includes literature review, experimental work, data interpretation and the preparation of a thesis. Coursework in the honours year typically includes subjects that develop research skills, bioinformatics, statistics for the biosciences and professional scientific communication.

• Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Laboratory Practice
• Enzymology and Metabolism
• Molecular Biology and Gene Expression
• Structural Biology and Protein Chemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Statistics and Experimental Design for Life Sciences
• Independent Research Project (Honours thesis)

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours programme normally requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree with a major in biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related discipline. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record in relevant coursework and sufficient preparation in chemistry, molecular biology and laboratory practice.

School-leaver entry to a Bachelor of Science with intentions to progress to honours typically requires successful completion of prerequisite senior secondary science subjects (including chemistry) and the university's general admission requirements. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide equivalent academic qualifications. Prospective students should consult the University of Adelaide for specific pathway and GPA prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates of the honours biochemistry programme are equipped for a variety of scientific careers and further study. Common pathways include roles as research assistants and laboratory scientists in biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural laboratories, positions in diagnostic and pathology services, and technical roles in food and environmental testing.

The honours year also prepares graduates for higher degree research (PhD) and careers in academic or industrial research. With further study or professional training, graduates may move into clinical science, patent or regulatory affairs, science communication, or management roles in life-science companies.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a research-intensive institution with well-equipped laboratories and close links to hospitals, research institutes and industry partners in South Australia. Students benefit from supervised research projects with academic researchers, opportunities to work with modern instrumentation, and access to multidisciplinary centres in molecular biosciences and biotechnology.

Studying here gives you practical training alongside theoretical depth, strong support for transitioning to honours-level research, and clear pathways to postgraduate research or professional careers in the life sciences.