What is the scope of a biochemistry degree?

Biochemistry degrees are in high demand in a variety of areas, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, genetics, chemical, and environmental sciences. As it is a research-oriented degree, the pay is also high.

Which countries are well-known for offering degrees in biochemistry?

Counties such as the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, and Australia are popular for their biochemistry degrees.

In what other ways is a degree in biochemistry useful?

A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry is pursued by many students as a preparatory degree for medicine, dental, and pharmacy education. It provides a good primer for various entrance tests in these fields.

Best Global Universities for Biochemistry in 2022-2023

Best Biochemistry Universities and Programs in the World

About Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a branch of science that studies the chemistry of living beings. Biochemists are experts who research the interaction of biological and chemical processes in living organisms. This aids our understanding of human body processes such as cell development, growth, inheritance, and illness.

Those considering a career in biochemistry should be enthusiastic about learning about various biological and chemical processes. They should also be determined and ready to pursue advanced degrees such as masters and doctoral degrees. The following article discusses what a biochemist is, what they do, their specializations in biochemistry, the typical salary, and their career outlook. It also includes a list of top universities for biochemistry throughout the world, as well as the programs they provide.

Duties of Biochemists

The majority of biochemists work in laboratories full-time. They are either involved in basic research to enhance human knowledge of biochemical reactions in the body or in applied research to solve biochemistry-related challenges that society faces. Their work is mostly determined by their specialty and hierarchy. They do, however, fulfill the following basic responsibilities.

Design and perform biochemistry research, both basic and complex
Investigate the impact of medications, chemicals, and hormones on biological systems
Compile data from their research and analyze it
Publish their findings in the form of reports and research articles
Present their findings at conferences and events related to biomedical research
Manage laboratory teams and monitor their work
Extract, analyze, and synthesize proteins, fats, DNA, and other biomolecules
Secure funding and grants for their research projects
Stay updated with the latest research in biochemistry

Popular degrees for pursuing a career in Biochemistry

Since biochemistry is such a vast field with so much basic and applied research, many firms prefer candidates with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Candidates with post-doctoral research degrees in biochemistry are mostly preferred for independent research and development positions. A master’s degree in biochemistry is also sufficient to find employment, whereas a bachelor’s degree is mostly for entry-level positions such as junior and assistant biochemist roles. Many students study biochemistry as part of their pre-medical or pre-pharmacy education. Biochemistry degrees need both lectures and laboratory work, including conducting experiments and making observations. The following are some of the most popular biochemistry degrees:

Best Biochemistry bachelor’s programs

B.A. in Biochemistry
B.S./B.Sc. in Biochemistry
Bachelor in Biology and Biochemistry
B.S. in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Best Biochemistry master’s programs

M.A. in Biochemistry
M.S./M.Sc. in Biochemistry
M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
M.S. in Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Master of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Genetics

Best Biochemistry Ph.D. programs

Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Ph.D. in Applied Biochemistry

Specializations in Biochemistry

There are many branches of biochemistry, each with its own focus and area of research. Students can choose either one or more of these branches for specializations:

Cellular biochemistry or biology: This branch of biochemistry studies the structure and biochemical functions of cells and their organelles.

Molecular biology: It studies the structure and function of biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids which are responsible for carrying out various functions inside a cell.

Plant biochemistry: This sub-division of botany involves how biomolecules and secondary metabolites in plants help them to survive, grow and reproduce.

Animal biochemistry: It studies different biochemical processes and reactions that happen inside living animals.

Enzyme biochemistry: This sub-set of biochemistry is involved in the research of various enzymes and proteins which act as catalysts in the processes of biochemical reactions.

Metabolic biochemistry: It examines how living organisms convert food into energy, store energy in various forms, and eliminate metabolic waste from the body.

Immune biochemistry: It investigates how immune systems function by examining the biochemical mechanisms that keep an organism free of disease.

Biochemical genetics: It is a subset of genetics that investigates how biochemistry is involved in different aspects and processes involving genes, such as variation and heredity.

Environmental biochemistry: This branch of biochemistry is concerned with determining how the environment affects living organisms as they interact with toxins in the environment.

Duration of programs in Biochemistry

Biochemistry programs in the USA and Canada are often longer than in other regions of the world. For example, in the USA, an undergraduate degree in biochemistry takes four years, whereas, in the UK, it takes three years. In Europe and the rest of the world, master’s and doctoral degrees are also shorter than in North America. The following table contains the duration of various degrees in biochemistry.

Country	Bachelor’s Degree	Master’s Degree	Doctoral Degree
USA and Canada	4 years	2 years	4-5 years
UK	3-4 years	1-2 years	3-4 years
Australia	3-4 years	1-2 years	3-4 years
Others	3-4 years	1-2 years	3-4 years

Career opportunities in Biochemistry

A degree in biochemistry, especially a master’s and doctoral degree opens up a range of career opportunities in health, agricultural, chemical and environmental sectors. These job opportunities mostly depend on the type of specialization, level of expertise, and set of skills. Prospective biochemists can find jobs in government, private, or even non-profit organizations as

Biochemists
Biotechnologists
Applied researchers
Forensic experts
Analytical chemists
Biomedical scientists
Clinical researchers, or scientists
Nanotechnologists
Pharmacologists
Scientific laboratory technicians
Medical writers
Toxicologists
Environmental engineers

Average salaries for Biochemists

Canada and the United States top the list of highest-paying biochemistry salaries, making them excellent places to work as biochemists. Higher-level and more experienced candidates are paid even better. The table below contains a list of average biochemist salaries in major countries around the world.

Country	*Average salary in USD/year**
Canada	200,545 (Salary Explorer)
USA	189,000 (Salary Explorer)
UK	180,347 (Salary Explorer)
Australia	140,511 (Salary Explorer)

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.

Top 50 universities in the world for Biochemistry based on subject rankings

QS Ranking	Shanghai Ranking	US News Ranking	University	Country	Bachelor’s Programs	Master’s Programs
1	4	2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA	Click Here	Click Here
2	7	5	University of Oxford	UK	Click Here	Click Here
3	2	3	Stanford University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
3	3	8	University of Cambridge	UK	Click Here	Click Here
5	1	1	Harvard University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
6	9	9	California Institute of Technology	USA	Click Here	Click Here
7	25	20	Imperial College London	UK	Click Here	Click Here
8	17	16	University College London	UK	Click Here	Click Here
8	21	26	Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich	Switzerland	Click Here	Click Here
11	75	29	National University of Singapore	Singapore	Click Here	Click Here
13	15	13	University of Pennsylvania	USA	Click Here	Click Here
14	11	12	Yale University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
16	38	32	University of Edinburgh	UK	Click Here	Click Here
17	28	26	Tsinghua University	China	Click Here	Click Here
18	45	45	Peking University	China	Click Here	Click Here
19	8	6	Columbia University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
21	12	22	Cornell University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
23	26	19	University of Michigan–Ann Arbor	USA	Click Here	Click Here
23	24	77	University of Tokyo	Japan	Click Here	Click Here
25	18	9	Johns Hopkins University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
26	22	16	University of Toronto	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
27	67	51	McGill University	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
27	76	56	Australian National University	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
32	5	4	University of California–Berkeley	USA	Click Here	Click Here
37	33	25	University of Melbourne	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
38	69	28	University of Sydney	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
40	14	14	University of California–Los Angeles	USA	Click Here	Click Here
42	27	30	New York University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
43	65	41	University of New South Wales	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
46	42	35	University of British Columbia	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
47	51	36	University of Queensland	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
48	18	21	University of California–San Diego	USA	Click Here	Click Here
50	48	46	University of Munich	Germany	Click Here	Click Here
52	32	23	Duke University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
63	57	54	Heidelberg University	Germany	Click Here	Click Here
70	54	64	University of Zurich	Switzerland	Click Here	Click Here
72	35	46	Sorbonne Universite	France	Click Here	Click Here
73	151-200	84	University of Glasgow	UK	Click Here	Click Here
79	30	37	University of Copenhagen	Denmark	Click Here	Click Here
85	19	7	University of Washington	USA	Click Here	Click Here
90	101-150	91	University of Birmingham	UK	Click Here	Click Here
92	101-150	149	University of Leeds	UK	Click Here	Click Here
99	151-200	161	Technical University of Denmark	Denmark	Click Here	Click Here
108	101-150	66	University of Adelaide	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
126	101-150	135	University of Alberta	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
149	151-200	199	University of Waterloo	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
235	151-200	169	University of Calgary	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
601-650	301-400	387	University of Manitoba	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
NA	20	11	University of California–San Francisco	USA	Click Here	Click Here
NA	42	48	Karolinska Institute	Sweden	Click Here	Click Here

Top universities in the USA for Biochemistry

As per the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment rate in this field is expected to grow at 5% between 2020 and 2030 making the USA the best place to study biochemistry. Many top universities in the USA offer bachelor’s, master’s, as well as doctoral programs in biochemistry. The undergraduate biochemistry programs in the USA last four years, while graduate biochemistry programs in the USA last one to two years.

QS Ranking	Shanghai Ranking	US News Ranking	University	Country	Bachelor’s Programs	Master’s Programs
1	4	2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA	Click Here	Click Here
3	2	3	Stanford University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
5	1	1	Harvard University	USA	Click Here	Click Here
6	9	9	California Institute of Technology	USA	Click Here	Click Here
13	15	13	University of Pennsylvania	USA	Click Here	Click Here

Top universities in the UK for Biochemistry

Many aspiring biochemistry professionals and those in related fields choose to study in the UK at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and so on. The universities in the UK are well known to offer a wide range of master’s specializations in biochemistry. The UK universities also offer bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and relevant fields.

QS Ranking	Shanghai Ranking	US News Ranking	University	Country	Bachelor’s Programs	Master’s Programs
2	7	5	University of Oxford	UK	Click Here	Click Here
3	3	8	University of Cambridge	UK	Click Here	Click Here
7	25	20	Imperial College London	UK	Click Here	Click Here
8	17	16	University College London	UK	Click Here	Click Here

Top universities in Canada for Biochemistry

For anyone interested in receiving a scholarship, especially one that is fully financed, Canada is one of the best destinations to study. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry available from top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are internationally recognized. International students pursuing biochemistry degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry can also apply for scholarships and funding.

QS Ranking	Shanghai Ranking	US News Ranking	University	Country	Bachelor’s Programs	Master’s Programs
26	22	16	University of Toronto	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
27	67	51	McGill University	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
46	42	35	University of British Columbia	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
126	101-150	135	University of Alberta	Canada	Click Here	Click Here
149	151-200	199	University of Waterloo	Canada	Click Here	Click Here

Top universities in Australia for Biochemistry

Many international students prefer to study in Australia due to its long-standing history of welcoming international students and high-immigration rates. The majority of master’s in biochemistry programs in Australia are highly specialized degrees that last only one year. There are B.A. and B.Sc. options available, with respect to the bachelor’s courses in biochemistry offered by Australian universities. The table below lists some of the best Australian colleges in biochemistry.

QS Ranking	Shanghai Ranking	US News Ranking	University	Country	Bachelor’s Programs	Master’s Programs
27	76	56	Australian National University	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
37	33	25	University of Melbourne	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
38	69	28	University of Sydney	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
43	65	41	University of New South Wales	Australia	Click Here	Click Here
47	51	36	University of Queensland	Australia	Click Here	Click Here

Academic requirements for studying Biochemistry

Applicants for biochemistry degrees should have studied basic biology and chemistry principles in school and high school education. The prospective biochemist must also possess specific skills, such as analytical, problem-solving, and communication. Computational knowledge is essential as their job revolves around testing samples using sophisticated computer-operated instruments. Students should also focus on writing compelling recommendation letters and motivational letters while applying to universities abroad, as many universities select candidates based on them. Since the competition for admission to top colleges in biochemistry is intense, students can apply through the Gyanberry website to improve their chances of acceptance. Before applying, students should take into account the following academic prerequisites.

Bachelor’s level

A high school education with a 3.0 GPA or above with biology and chemistry as core subjects
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
SAT/ACT scores if applicable
Personal statement
Passport photographs
Completed visa application
Letter of recommendation
English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL (90 and above) or IELTS (6.0 and above)

Master’s level

Internationally recognized bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or its relevant field with a GPA of at least 3.0
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Passport photographs
Strong GRE score if applicable
Completed visa application
Motivational letter
Resume
Recommendation letters
Research publications
English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

Doctoral level

Honours or master’s degree in biochemistry or related fields with a GPA of at least 3.0
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Passport photographs
Completed visa application
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
Strong GRE score if applicable
Resume
Work experience (highly recommended)
Research publications
Personal interview
English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.