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Biochemist
Biochemistry is a fundamental science, which deals with the building blocks and components of living organisms, as well as their functioning and physical qualities. It is a very broad discipline with two main objectives: to identify and describe the chemical components of life, and secondly, to discover how these components act and interact in processes essential to life. This is the area where important discoveries are made in the war against cancer, AIDS and in biotechnology (e.g. the conversion of biological material into fuel).
Biochemists deal with phenomena that distinguish the living from the non-living in chemical and physical terms. They work with animals, plants or micro-organisms and endeavour to bridge the gap between the highly integrated activity of the living cell (a biological unit) and the properties of its individual components.
The nature of the work varies with the field of work chosen. Some biochemists research new products or ways of re-using waste materials. Others try to develop better methods for water purification or are involved in the control and purification of foods. A few work in industries where products are manufactured through chemical processes and reactions (biotechnology).
Biotechnology is used in areas as diverse as household products, cosmetics, musical instruments, preservatives, agriculture, detergents, medicines, fuels, communication media, explosives, rockets, research, nutrients, fertilizers, etc.
Some examples from the past include the discovery of the Rhesus factor in blood. At the beginning of the 20th century, blood transfusions were very dangerous and even when the outcome was successful it was a touch-and-go affair which sometimes led to fatalities. Karl Landsteiner, in 1900, identified three major blood groups and devised ways of identifying them. In 1940, he made another contribution with his discovery of the Rh (Rhesus) factor.
A second example is the discovery of vitamins. In the late 20th century, a balanced diet was taken for granted but early in the century, it was only suspected that some foods contained health-giving properties. In 1890 a Dutch medical officer observed that the incidence of beriberi was linked to diet and that it was better to eat brown rice than white rice. He was partly correct but the right answer was found by the British biochemist, F.C. Hopkins, when he discovered vitamins.
Biochemists may be involved in the development of antibiotics and the testing of human body reactions to certain medicines. They may also work in the fields of genetics and forensic science.
To clarify the difference between biochemists and other types of chemists, the following should be useful:
- Analytical Chemists determine which substances are present in a sample and in what quantities.
- Biochemists study the chemical reactions in living materials
- Industrial Chemists apply their chemical knowledge to the manufacturing of essential products in every day life
- Inorganic Chemists investigate the reactions of compounds other than carbon compounds
- Organic Chemists study the reactions of carbon compounds and the production of new compounds
- Physical Chemists investigate the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions
- Nuclear Chemists use the developments made in the field of nuclear science
- Theoretical Chemists attempt to refine existing theories and develop new theories.
More recently, genetic biology, which is the analysis and alteration of genetic material, has become an important field.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of the work
- doing research that may lead to advances in science and medicine
- many field of specialization to choose from
- the challenges of research and teaching
Demanding aspects
- precision needed in performing laboratory work
- having to abandon a time-consuming project that has come to a dead end
- sharing credit for discoveries made, but having to take personal responsibility for mistakes
- many years of education and study to reach responsible positions
Requirements
A biochemist should:
- have an enquiring mind and above average intelligence
- have a deep interest in science, particularly chemistry and biology
- have the ability and foresight to plan and carry out complicated projects
- work closely with other scientists
- be able to work independently and as part of a team
- have the ability to relate and get on well with others
- have the ability to concentrate well
- have an aptitude for mathematics and chemistry
- have good hand-eye coordination
- be able to work very accurately
- be able to think analytically
- have patience and perseverance
- be able to communicate well in writing and in speech
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
A biochemist must be a BSc graduate. The course takes 3 years to complete full-time or 4 years to complete part-time. This course can be followed at any university, eg NMMU, NWU, RU, UJ, UKZN, UP, US, UV, UZ.
Since Biochemistry covers such a broad spectrum, an honours degree is recommended. Biochemistry is closely related to other fields such as Microbiology, Zoology, Genetics, Botany, Physiology, Physics and Chemistry. Since Biochemistry forms a link between the physical (exact) sciences such as Chemistry and Physics, and the biological sciences such as Botany, Zoology, Physiology and Microbiology, training with Biochemistry as one of the majors offers the opportunity of making a choice between careers that exist in either of these fields.
Post-graduate study: Further study up to doctoral level is required for lecturing, high-level research and for advancement to management and administrative positions.
Employer
- government departments, such as Agriculture and Health
- such organizations as SABS, CSIR, SA Medical Research Council and NECSA
- universities and universities of technology (faculties of medicine, science and agriculture)
- industries that manufacture food, beverages, drugs, insecticides, cosmetics and other products
- municipalities
- large hospitals
- pharmaceutical companies
- breweries and wine corporations
- self-employment, as a consultant to industry and government, etc
Contact
South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SABMB)
www.sasbmb.org.za
South African Chemical Institute
School of Chemistry - University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag X3
Johannesburg 2050
Tel: (011) 717 6741 (from 8am -1pm)
Fax: (011) 717 6779
E-mail: saci@aurum.wits.ac.za
www.saci.co.za