A biochemist works with the chemical composition of living organisms and attempts to understand the molecular basis of biological processes, according to Education-Portal.com. Biochemists offer foundational knowledge related to such topics as genetics, allowing researchers to make breakthroughs in the field of medicine.
They also gather information that can be helpful in making advancements in many other fields, such as better pesticides in the field of agriculture or improving the analysis of DNA in the field of criminal justice. Biochemists also might research the best ways to develop inexpensive yet nutritious sources of food or the mechanism of a drug action.
A doctoral degree usually is required to work as a researcher in biochemistry. Those with lower-level degrees typically work as lab technicians, sales representatives, research assistants or high school biology teachers.
To be successful in this field, individuals must have a strong grasp on both chemistry as well as biology. Other important classes include engineering, physics, computer science and math, which are useful in many modern research models. Some students receive training through a one-year program in specialized lab techniques following undergraduate school, while others earn a bachelor's degree and a certificate in a specialization, such as in-vitro cell culture or genetic engineering.
Courses in the field of biochemistry include such subjects as biochemical principles of human and animal nutrition, medical biochemistry and the biology of viruses, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which offers undergraduate courses in the field. Other courses cover protein and enzyme structure and function, plant biochemistry, biochemical methods and biophysical chemistry. Graduate courses can include studies on ethics and research science, nucleic acids/protein synthesis and cellular neurobiology, according to the University of Washington in St. Louis.
With a degree in biochemistry, professionals can work in research or research quality control, teach the subject in post-secondary schools or work in administration in the industry. Opportunities are available in hospitals, medical schools and other academic institutions as well as government laboratories and research institutions.
For example, biochemists work with the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. Pharmaceutical and consumer product companies also employ biochemists. In addition, biochemists can find work in marketing, technical writing, manufacturing or information systems.
Employment of biological scientists, including biochemists, is projected to increase 21 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary of these scientists was $82,840 in 2008.