Course variations

Course summary

The knowledge and techniques of chemistry and biology are applied in many biological fields and have encouraged exciting advances in medical research and biotechnology. Biochemists and molecular biologists study the structure and function of components of living cells, to understand the biological processes that enable all living things to survive and thrive. The structure of complex biomolecules, particularly proteins, is closely linked to their role in the cell, so solving structures can provide valuable information about normal processes and how they change to cause disease. The understanding of how DNA and proteins interact has led to benefits ranging from more effective treatments for cancer to improved agricultural practices. By majoring in this subject students will study broad biological processes as well as more specialized topics drawn from structural biology, molecular cell biology, molecular parisitiology and cancer. They will learn how to uncover the molecular processes of life and how this knowledge can be applied in medical science and biotechnology. Students can use their knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology to pursue employment in basic, medical and pharmaceutical research, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, teaching, patent law, the environment, and food processing industries. They can also work on the development, production and marketing of biochemical consumables and equipment, or on policy making in government departments. Bachelor of Science graduates with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major are very well prepared for: professionally focused graduate degrees in the sciences and technology, including biotechnology, environmental systems, and informatics, management science, and nanotechnology; graduate degrees preparing for a wide range of professions including engineering, law, medicine and other health sciences and teaching; masters and honors pathways to research higher degrees in the sciences and technology within the Melbourne Graduate School of Science, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Melbourne School of Engineering, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements to be eligible for entry to this program: they should have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification. Applicants should have completed each of the prerequisite subjects for the course and any prerequisite tests, interviews or auditions. International applicants must fulfill the following English language requirements: they need to meet the University's TOEFL (academic test) requirements within the 24 months preceding application. The following scores are required: Paper based test - a score of 577 or more including a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English; Computer based test - a score of 233 or more including an Essay Rating score of 4.5; Internet based test - a score of 79 and scores of: 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and listening. They need to meet the University's IELTS (academic test) requirements within the 24 months preceding application. The following scores are required: an overall band score of 6.5 or more in the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no bands less than 6.0. Applicants with an IELTS overall score of less than 7 and TOEFL (IBT) score of less than 94 will be required to take a Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) on enrolment at the University and to follow recommendations for language support. They need to meet the University's Pearson Test of English (Academic test) requirement within the 24 months preceding application. The following score is required: an overall score of between 58-64 inclusive and achieve no PTE communicative skills score below 50.

Qualification

Bachelor Degree

Awarding body

University of Melbourne

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