User:Kirsten-duetsch123

Salary Range
Avg. $35000—$138000 annual

Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Biochemists study the chemical make-up of living things and the chemical reactions involved in processes such as breathing and eating. Biochemical technicians look at the contents of blood and transfusions to analyze the chemical content. They also analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells, looking for micro organisms such as bacteria and parasites. Chemical tests on fluids like blood and transfusions allow them to determine how a patient’s body is responding to treatments for diagnosed diseases. Day to day tasks may include physical and chemical separation, isolating and identifying vitamins, DNA, hormones, enzymes, and proteins, and preparing solutions and sample formulas. They may work in offices, hospitals, laboratories, environmental consulting firms, chemical fertilizer facilities, government/educational research institutions, oil extractions plants, or food processing companies.

Skills Required
As Biochemistry is mainly scientifically orientated, one must have an earnest attitude for science. Math is also a major component, so a high skill level in both subjects is expected. Analytical and creative skills are important as well as innovative thinking and problem solving. Because a lot of the work is team oriented, one must also have excellent communication skills (orally and in writing). With the lab equipment provided, it is necessary to be able to visualize designs in spite of the complex processes of the machines.

Education Required
The absolute minimum high school courses required include biology, math, chemistry, physics, and English. The minimum university requirement for most Biochemical professions is a Bachelor of Science, which takes 3—4 years to complete. However, most will continue to pursue a Masters Degree in Biochemistry, a PhD, and a job training program that is approximately 2 years. Though it is optional, many Biochemical Technicians will take a co-op course. This allows them to gain knowledge and experience in a real-life laboratory, through hands-on learning. This is a great way to learn and understand the job.

Schools in Canada for Biochemistry
Queen’s University - Graduate Degrees include MSc, PhD, and a Mini Masters and Direct PhD program. McGill University - Undergraduate: BSc, MSc - Graduate: PhD York University - Undergraduate: BSc, - Graduate: MSc, PhD University of Toronto: - Undergraduate: BSc, - Graduate: MSc, PhD