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Program Overview: Bachelor of Science – Biochemistry – La Trobe University
La Trobe’s Bachelor of Science with a focus in Biochemistry is ideal for students who want to understand life at the molecular level and explore how chemistry, molecular biology, physics and immunology explain the structure and behaviour of biological material. The program suits students interested in health science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research, diagnostics, forensic science or medical science, while building strong scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Curriculum structure
Year 1:
Students begin with core scientific foundations, developing the chemistry and biology knowledge needed for later biochemistry study. This stage is designed to build confidence in scientific thinking, laboratory awareness, data handling and the broader principles of living systems before moving into more specialised molecular and cellular topics.
Year 2:
Students move into dedicated biochemistry learning through subjects such as Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology. These areas introduce students to gene structure and function, DNA replication, transcription, translation, protein structure, enzyme activity, bioenergetics, metabolism and cell function, helping them understand how molecules drive life processes and disease mechanisms.
Year 3:
Students progress into advanced scientific study, with subjects such as Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and related areas such as Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology. This year helps students connect molecular science with real-world applications in health, diagnostics, biotechnology and research, while strengthening transferable skills in data analysis, communication and scientific problem-solving.
Focus areas: Molecular biology, cell biology, metabolism, protein structure and function, gene expression, enzyme activity, clinical biochemistry, haematology, biotechnology, biomedical research, laboratory techniques, scientific communication.
Learning outcomes: Scientific reasoning, molecular and cellular analysis, laboratory confidence, data interpretation, problem-solving, communication, research awareness, understanding of biological systems at the molecular level, preparation for science and health-related careers.
Professional alignment accreditation: La Trobe does not list a specific professional accreditation for this Bachelor of Science Biochemistry pathway. Its professional value comes through practical science training, laboratory-based learning, industry placement opportunities and preparation for careers in research institutes, manufacturing and chemical industries, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government departments, pathology laboratories and hospitals.
Reputation: La Trobe is ranked in the world’s top 250 universities by QS World University Rankings 2026 and in the world’s top 300 universities by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. For subject relevance, La Trobe is also ranked in the world’s top 200 for Life Sciences by Times Higher Education 2026.
Students in La Trobe’s Bachelor of Science gain practical experience through laboratory learning, research-informed teaching, work-based learning opportunities and access to science facilities at the Melbourne Bundoora campus. The biochemistry pathway is especially hands-on because students study the molecular behaviour of living systems while developing techniques linked to biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and biomedical research.
The practical learning is supported through:
• Laboratory-based learning: La Trobe’s Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry highlights laboratory-based experiences where students work closely with teaching staff and apply theory in practical settings.
• Molecular biology techniques: In Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, students are introduced to molecular biology techniques, protein structure and function, DNA replication, transcription, translation, bioenergetics and enzyme kinetics.
• Metabolism and cell biology practical learning: In Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology, students study enzyme reactions, bioenergetics, thermodynamics and metabolic pathways, with practical activities linked to enzyme kinetics and metabolism assays.
• Work-Based Learning opportunities: La Trobe’s Bachelor of Science includes elective placement opportunities through Work-Based Learning, allowing students to apply course knowledge in a professional setting and build workplace experience.
• Industry placement support: La Trobe offers work-integrated learning and industry placement options across many degrees, helping students gain hands-on experience while balancing study and other commitments.
• Research laboratory exposure: The Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry states that students may have opportunities for placements in research laboratories and with industry partners.
• Science facilities: La Trobe highlights more than $500 million invested in advanced on-campus science learning and research facilities, strengthening the learning environment for students in science-related disciplines.
• Student community: Students can also engage with the Department’s BioChem Society, which runs social and discipline-specific events, supporting academic connection and peer learning.
Graduates of La Trobe’s Biochemistry pathway can move into science, health, research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and government-related roles because the degree builds strong skills in data analysis, communication and problem-solving. Typical roles include medical scientist, biological analyst, forensic scientist, technical consultant and patent examiner.
Career development is supported through university services and industry-connected learning:
• Career Ready Advantage Award: La Trobe’s Career Ready Advantage Award supports students to develop skills and experience valued by employers through professional learning, practical experience and career portfolio activities.
• Career information and advice: Students can access Career Ready resources to find jobs, explore work-based learning, volunteering opportunities and career decision-making support.
• Work-integrated learning: La Trobe provides industry placement and work-integrated learning options, giving students real-world experience and helping them build professional networks.
• Potential employers: La Trobe lists possible employers for biochemistry graduates including CSL Behring, CSIRO, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Hexima Limited, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and AgResearch Limited.
• Graduate career directions: The Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry states that graduates move into research institutes, manufacturing and chemical industries, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government departments, pathology laboratories and hospitals.
• Long-term accreditation value: No specific professional accreditation is listed for this pathway, but the long-term value comes from the combination of a recognised science degree, laboratory-based experience, molecular science training and employability support.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Science with Biochemistry, students can progress into Bachelor of Science Honours, Bachelor of Science/Biomedicine Honours, a Master of Science, a Master of Philosophy or a Doctor of Philosophy, depending on their academic performance and career goals. La Trobe also highlights honours as a pathway where students can be trained by world-leading experts, use state-of-the-art equipment and undertake laboratory or field-based research projects in areas such as cancer research, cell biology, chemistry, microorganisms, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.
English language requirement: 6.0 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0 or TOEFL(iBT) Overall score of 64 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in WritingInternational Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma Program): 24GCE A Levels: a minimum score of 6 is required based on the best A Level and/or AS Level subjects completed within two years; scoring is A Level (A*–A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1) and AS Level (a = 2.5, b = 2, c = 1.5, d = 1, e = 0.5), with N and U grades excluded and up to 1 bonus point for an A*.This course considers ATAR as part of the selection process, with the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus having a lowest selection rank of approximately 55.65 (including adjustment factors), based on the January 2026 ATAR profile.Admission requires English proficiency at senior secondary level, including VCE Units 3 and 4 with a minimum study score of 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in English (non-EAL), or HSC English Standard/Advanced (Band 2) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).India: Admission is based on recognised senior secondary qualifications including AISSCE/CBSE (70%), ISC (70%), or State Boards (72.50%), calculated from the best five academic subjects on the official final marks statement, with successful completion shown as “PASS” where applicable.China: National College Entrance Examination (Gao Kao): 61%USA: admission requires a US High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0, along with standardized test scores such as Advanced Placement (AP) (minimum score 6 across at least two AP exams, with 3+ in each), SAT (1050), or ACT (21), as applicable.research institutesmanufacturing and chemical industriespharmaceutical and biotechnology companiesgovernment departmentspathology laboratorieshospitalsMedical scientistBiological analystForensic scientistTechnical consultantPatent examiner
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