To start with, Biochemistry is a branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It helps in assimilating the knowledge and skill of Biology with the fundamentals of Chemistry. The discipline encompasses nowadays with both laboratory (wet) and computational (dry) based science. By using Biochemical knowledge and techniques, Biochemists can understand and hence solve complex biological problems like causes and remedial of diseases, help improve environmental issues, agricultural production etc., to name a few. The discipline has generated enormous scope in pursuing research and help build the national economy.
Chemistry on the other hand is a branch of science that deals with various chemical elements, their composition, structure, properties and behavior. Chemistry addresses topics such as how atoms and molecules interact via chemical bonds to form new chemical compounds. It is sometimes called the central science because it provides a foundation for understanding both basic and applied sciences at a fundamental level. Good Knowledge of Chemistry transcends very often to biology, and physics, mathematics and engineering disciplines too. The entire package of this new area of science is called System Biology. Again with the introduction of Nanotechnology, the discipline has reemerged in a new avatar and revolutionizing the entire gamut of scientific discipline like electronics, food and medicine, energy, space and environments.
Career prospects:
Career prospects of graduates of biochemistry and chemistry has no leaps and bounds, can find enormous opportunities in various sectors of industries and academia too.
For example if you are looking for a career at the crossroads between biology and chemistry, then having a profile in biochemistry leads to potential job opportunities (though not limited to) in the below areas:
- Academics (teaching and research) in Schools, colleges, and universities
- Scientific work related position (scientist and laboratory technicians) in various industries e.g.; pharmaceutical/clinical (drug discoveries and disease diagnosis)
- Biopharmaceutical/Fermentation
- Agricultural and Agro-chemical
- Environmental technology
- Forensic scientist
- Quality control personnel in life Science linked industries
- Medical coder in healthcare industries
- Toxicology related industries
- Space Research Laboratories
Studying chemistry opens doors to a range of sectors and opportunities such as (not limited to):
- Academics (teaching and research) in colleges and universities
- Scientific work related position (scientist and laboratory technicians) in various industries e.g.; pharmaceutical/clinical (drug discoveries and disease diagnosis)
- Quality control personnel chemical science linked industries
- Environmental technology
- Analytical Laboratories
- Chemical Technology
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology related industries
- Polymer industries
- Space research laboratories.
By Dr. Susanta Pahari,
Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Skyline University Nigeria (SUN),
Kano, Nigeria