Biochemistry Opportunities in and out of the Laboratory
Biochemistry today is applied in so many different parts of our daily life; and everywhere that it is applied, you need people who understand it, to work with it.
You don’t need a university degree, nor do you need to be a top level scientist to be working with and applying biochemistry in your day to day work.
Biochemical knowledge and testing is used to control the quality of food, the safety of work environments and public places, the health of individuals, livestock and pets; and much more.
This course will provide a foundation that can help your career or business products, and make you a more useful employee in workplaces as varied as farms, hospitals, food processors, laboratories, plant nurseries and veterinary practices.
It can be a starting point for learning about biochemistry and a stepping stone to higher qualifications; or a foundation for jobs as diverse as laboratory assistant, or science entrepreneur.
Course Structure
There are six modules in the course.
The three core modules are compulsory. They are Biochemistry I (Plants), Biochemistry II (Plant and Animal Processes) and Biochemistry III (Plants).
You then choose the three remaining modules from a list of electives which include – Human Biology IA, Botany II, Hydroponics II, Medicinal Herbs, Therapeutic Nutrition, Biochemistry III (Animal), Plant Ecology, Psychopharmacology, Sports Nutrition and Statistics.
To pass the course, you must complete all assignments and six examinations. There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, Biochemistry I (Plants) has nine lessons, so there would be nine assignments and an exam. The exams can be taken at a time and location to suit you.
Course Content
The three core modules are compulsory.
Biochemistry I (Plants),
Biochemistry II (Plant and Animal Processes)
Biochemistry III (Plants).
Biochemistry Helps us Learn to Understand all Living Things
Chemistry involves study of elements that make up the physical world, and how they interact with each other.
Organic chemistry is the study of chemical compounds containing carbon.
“Bio” means “alive”, therefore biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of biological organisms and how organic chemical compounds react within living cells. In other words, biochemistry is about understanding the chemical reactions that make, break, run and repair our bodies and the components that make it up. Biochemistry’s goal is to understand the chemical basis of biological phenomena.
Biochemistry has its roots in medicine, nutrition, agriculture, and natural products chemistry. It covers many other areas as well, but today it is mostly is concerned with the chemistry of molecules found in and associated with living systems, especially the chemistry of these molecules. Biochemists are always trying to break processes down in order to understand how these work, how molecules are created or destroyed and how they relate and affect each other. With the advent of all the modern equipment and computer systems many biochemists also study intact systems and how each system functions and the other structures or processes that may be affected.
A certificate in applied biochemistry can benefit individuals in several career paths, including:
- Laboratory Technicians: Those working in research or clinical laboratories, involved in experiments and analyses.
- Biotechnology Professionals: Individuals in the biotech industry, working on processes like genetic engineering or bioprocessing.
- Quality Control Analysts: People ensuring products meet quality standards, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals or food production.
- Medical Laboratory Assistants: Those involved in clinical settings, conducting tests and analysing biological samples.
- Pharmaceutical Technicians: Individuals contributing to drug development, production, and quality assurance.
- Environmental Analysts: Those focusing on the impact of chemicals and substances on the environment.
- Biomedical Technicians: People working with medical equipment, maintaining and troubleshooting devices in healthcare settings.
- Research Assistants: Individuals supporting biochemistry research projects in academic or industry settings.
- Healthcare Professionals: Some healthcare roles, especially those involving diagnostics and understanding diseases, can benefit from a biochemistry certificate.
- Agrochemical Technicians: Individuals working in agriculture, dealing with the development and analysis of chemicals used in farming.
- Quality Assurance Specialists: Those ensuring adherence to quality standards in industries where biochemistry plays a crucial role.
- Food Technologists: Individuals involved in the analysis and development of food products, ensuring safety and quality.
This certificate provides a specialized skill set applicable in various scientific and industrial settings, offering opportunities in research, development, and quality control across different sectors.
