Biochemistry

The processes taking place in living cells and organisms are a complicated system of many chemical processes. Biochemistry studies how these reactions happen and how the molecules and cell structures governing this system are build up.

Admission to this course requires an approved main profile in chemistry, including KJ1040, TBT4100, and TBT4005. Another chemistry course of particular interest to future biochemists is Analytical Chemistry. Further more, we recommend the following courses in the Bachelor’s degree: Biology, particularly Genetics, Cell Biology, Physiology and Microbiology; moreover some Mathematics, Statistics and Physics.

At the Department of Chemistry, students may for the time being write their master’s thesis within enzyme research. Most of the work is carried out on biological oxidation-reduction reactions catalyzed by metalliferous enzymes. One example being the study of the cupriferous enzyme dopamin beta-mono-oxygenase, central in the biosynthesis of adrenaline (stress hormone and transmitter substance in the nervous system).

Some students choose to write their biochemistry or biotechnology master's theses with academic supervisors from other departments at NTNU. The most relevant would be the Department of Biotechnology at Gløshaugen, various groups at Medisinsk Teknisk Forskningssenter (the Medical Technical Research Centre) and some groups at St. Olav University Hospital.