Skills you’ll develop
While studying Biochemistry, you’re learning how to examine the complexities of life at a molecular level. You’ll develop important skills and master techniques that can apply across the life sciences.
These skills may include:
- Analytical method development or validation
- Advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Logical and systematic critical thinking
- Integration of appropriate theories with laboratory tools or procedures
- Drawing connections across complex processes
- Collaboration with laboratory teams across disciplines
- Technical skills in ELISA, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, western blots, southern transfers, DNA hybridization, protein assays, and enzyme digests
- Usage of specialized instruments like pH meter, IR, and UV/VIS spectrophotometers
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including agriculture, biotechnology, alternative materials, business services, clean energy, health and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, research, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Agricultural scientist
- Beer and wine maker
- Bio-animator and filmmaker
- Bioinformatician
- Biological and medical illustrator
- Biostatistician
- Brewery laboratory analyst
- Consumer protection specialist
- Crime scene investigator
- Environmental attorney
- Environmental scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Food and drug inspector
- Food safety expert
- Forensic scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Laboratory technician
- Occupational therapist
- Patent agent
- Physical therapist
- Public health inspector
- Quality control technician
- Regulatory affairs expert
- Technical writer
- Technical sales representative
- Teacher/Professor
- Toxicologist
- Veterinarian
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in biochemistry between study terms. - UBC Life Sciences Institute
Browse research opportunities, events, programs and student competitions in life sciences. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Faculty of Medicine Summer Research
Get experience in undergraduate medical research at UBC. - UBC Pathology and Laboratory Medicine summer program
Apply for funding and propose your research project to gain clinical experience in laboratory medicine. - BC Children’s Hospital research program
Participate in an undergraduate research project related to child and family health.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Advanced Biofuels Canada
- Association of Medical Illustrators
- BC Environmental Industry Association
- Beer Canada
- BIOTECanada
- Canadian Federation of Agriculture
- Canadian Fuels Association
- Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
- Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology
- Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources
- Canadian Water and Wastewater Association
- Clean Energy BC
- Consumer Health Products Canada
- Cosmetics Alliance of Canada
- ECO Canada
- Energy Council of Canada
- Innovative Medicines Canada
- Life Sciences BC
- Medtech Canada
- Personal Care Products Council
- Science Writers and Communicators of Canada
- Student Biotechnology Network
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Biochemistry graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.