• how living cells reproduce (reproduction), acquire energy (respiration, photosynthesis) and grow and develop (metabolism),
• how muscles function (contraction),
• how gene regulation is controlled (development), and
• how organisms adapt to stresses.

Biochemists may specialize in a variety of areas. For example, they may

• study the chemistry of cellular processes such as metabolism, growth and aging,
• analyze the neurochemistry of the brain,
• isolate, identify and synthesize vitamins, DNA, hormones, enzymes and other proteins,
• determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules,
• study the molecular basis of how the immune system functions,
• study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer and other diseases,
• study the way cells store and express genetic information,
• conduct research in genetic engineering, or
• use recombinant DNA technology to produce pharmaceutically and industrially useful proteins.

Biochemists in forensic science may specialize in the use of DNA fingerprinting techniques for identification purposes, or in the analysis of small molecular weight compounds such as alcohol and drugs. They may be called upon to give evidence in courts of law.

Biochemists often work in interdisciplinary teams with physiologists, pharmacologists, plant biologists, microbiologists, chemists, agronomists and other professionals. They often supervise technicians and technologists during laboratory research.

• curiosity and imagination,
• persistence and a willingness to work long hours,
• problem-solving skills,
• good communication skills, both written and oral, and
• a willingness to do the reading required to keep abreast of new developments and discoveries.

Successful biochemists enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative approaches, using equipment and instruments to perform tasks requiring precision, and coordinating and supervising the work of others.

In Alberta, the following institutions offer degree programs in biochemistry.

• The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers four-year B.Sc. honours and specialization degrees. The entrance requirement is an average of at least 70% in English 30, Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30. The university also offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in biochemistry.
• The University of Calgary offers a four-year B.Sc. program in biochemistry. The entrance requirement is an average of at least 70% in English 30, Math 30, Chemistry 30, and two other 30-level courses (Biology 30, Math 31 and Physics 30 recommended). The university also offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in biochemistry.
• The University of Lethbridge offers a four-year B.Sc. program in biochemistry with a co-operative education option. The entrance requirement is an average of at least 65% in English 30, Math 30 or Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and one other 30-level subject (Math 31 and Physics 30 recommended).

To work in a hospital or private health care laboratory, or in some specialized health care industries, Ph.D. biochemists may take an additional two to three year post-doctoral course to become certified clinical chemists.

For information about related programs of study, see the appropriate occupational profiles (e.g. Biotechnologist, Chemist, Geneticist, Microbiologist, Pharmacologist, Physiologist, Physicist).

Post-secondary institutions throughout the province offer university transfer programs that allow students to apply up to two years of study toward university bachelor's degree programs. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer.

• provincial and federal governments,
• universities and medical schools,
• biotechnical companies,
• pharmaceutical companies, and
• companies in the oil, cosmetics, food and beverage, and environmental industries.

Biochemists who have PhDs usually undergo at least two years of post-doctoral research training before they are considered eligible for positions in academic institutions, industrial research laboratories or governmental agencies. Those who have B.Sc. or M.Sc. degrees usually work as technicians or laboratory assistants under the supervision of more experienced biochemists. Some biochemistry graduates work in sales for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms.

Biochemists are part of the "Chemists" occupational group. In Alberta, employment in this group is concentrated (75% or more) in the follwing industry sectors:

• Education,
• Petrochemicals and Chemicals, and
• Health and Social Services.

Employment prospects for this occupational group will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including

• the number of people in the occupation,
• the occupational growth rate, and
• trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).

1999 employment statistics and projections for Alberta indicate that

• there is a moderate number of people (1,000 to 5,000) employed in the "Chemists " occupational group, and
• this occupational group is expected to grow at an average rate (2.4% to 3.2% a year) compared to other occupations in the province through 2005. (The average overall growth rate for all occupations is expected to be higher for Alberta than for Canada as a whole.)

The occupational growth projection does not include positions that will become available when employees leave. Since biochemists form only a part of the larger occupational group on which this forecast is based, only a portion of the new positions created will be for biochemists.

According to the 1999 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, most Albertans in the "Chemists " occupational group earned from $33,300 to $72,800 per year .

Information from:
http://www.alberta-learning.ab.ca/occinfo/system/public/occpro.cgi?
tc=00000044