Biochemistry and Nutrition

In this major, you’ll study the biochemical basis of nutrition, focusing on the structure and function of nutrients and how they influence metabolism, growth, and disease prevention at a molecular and cellular level. You’ll explore a wide range of topics, including the metabolic roles of protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, lipids, vitamins and minerals; signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency; dietary requirements throughout the lifespan; digestion and absorption of food; and major pathways of energy metabolism, how they are regulated and how they are modified under different physiological states.  

3 reasons to study Biochemistry and Nutrition at Murdoch  

1. You’ll study in the heart of the Murdoch Health Precinct, which includes public and private hospitals and a leading medical and biochemical research institute, the Australian National Phenome Centre. 
2. Access to Murdoch’s Food Innovation Precinct of Western Australia (FIPWA), a state-of-the-art food science and nutrition research and training facility that interfaces with industry. 
3. Flexible learning: Customise your degree with double majors, allowing you to combine two areas of study within three years. 

What you’ll learn  

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:  

• Cell biology (structure and function of cells) 
• Biochemistry (chemistry of life - introductory and advanced)  
• Human physiology (how body systems function) 
• Human nutrition (basic principles and advanced)  
• Nutrition and disease 

Your future career 

This major is good preparation for a career in biochemistry, metabolomics, or nutrition research. Careers could include: 

• Medical Researcher
• Biochemist
• Nutritional Biochemist/Physiologist
• Systems Biologist
• Laboratory Technologist/Technician
• Biomedical Sales and Marketing Specialist
• Human Biology Teacher