Most biochemists begin their post-secondary education by completing a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in biochemistry or a related science such as chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, or genetics. Economics and management courses are a definite asset for biochemists who wish to advance into management positions.
Increasing access to large data sets, such as those obtained by genome sequencing, is making familiarity with statistics and computer programming a significant asset. Individuals with these skills can more easily work in areas such as bioinformatics, genomics (study of genomes), proteomics (study of the proteins expressed in a cell), and metabolomics (study of metabolites). Scientists with training in these areas can find employment in academia, industry, and government.
Independent investigators who determine and define what research programs to pursue must have a master’s, or more typically, a doctoral (PhD) degree in biochemistry. Regulatory officers in pharmaceutical industries also need several years of industry experience. To work in a hospital or private health-care lab or in some specialized health-care industries, PhD biochemists should take an additional 2- or 3-year post-doctoral course to become certified clinical chemists or clinical biochemists. For more information, visit the CSCC website.
Biochemists whose work falls under the activities of the professional chemist should refer to the Chemist occupational profile.
All biochemists need to keep up with new developments and discoveries.
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