Program Overview

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Biochemistry of Nutrition (Extended Major)

Nutritional biochemistry takes a scientific approach to nutrition. It focuses on nutrient chemical components, and how they function metabolically, physiologically, biochemically as well as their impact on disease.

About the course

The Biochemistry of Nutrition extended major takes a scientific approach to nutrition and examines the role nutrition can play in saving lives.

Quick details

Status: Available

Locations: Albany (Regional campus), Perth (Crawley campus)

Attendance: Full-time, Part-time

Delivery: On-campus

Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2

Level of study: Undergraduate

Course Code: MJD-BCNDM

Full time/part time duration: 3 years (BSc), 4 years (BSc[Hons])

Why study this course

• Develop an understanding of the evidence behind the association of nutrition, exercise and predominant lifestyle diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, osteoporosis and cancer)
• Understand nutrition at a molecular level and the molecular processes related to nutrition
• By combining your academic studies with the development of hands-on skills in laboratories you'll be prepared for work in industry or research

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Level 1

• Core: Take all units (24 points)
  • BIOC1001 Introductory Cellular Biochemistry (6)
  • CHEM1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics (6)
  • PHYL1001 Physiology - How your body works (6)
  • SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell (6)
• Core: Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points from this group
  • SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis (6)
  • STAT1400 Statistics for Science (6)
• Bridging: Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students without Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher take MATH1721. Students without Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher take MATH1720 and MATH1721. Students without Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or higher take CHEM1003.
  • CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry (6)
  • MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6)
  • MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods (6)

Level 2

• Core: Take all units (24 points)
  • BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell (6)
  • BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function (6)
  • PHYL2002 Cellular Physiology (6)
  • SSEH2260 Exercise Physiology (6)

Level 3

• Core: Take all units (48 points)
  • BIOC3001 Molecular Biology (6)
  • BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function (6)
  • BIOC3004 Nutritional Biochemistry (6)
  • BIOC3005 Cellular Biochemistry (6)
  • PHYL3001 Experimental Physiology (6)
  • PHYL3002 Clinical Physiology (6)
  • PHYL3003 Nutritional and Metabolic Physiology (6)
  • PHYL3004 Extreme Environmental Physiology (6)

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.

• SCIE2205 Science Work Placement Unit
• SCIE2206 Science Consultancy Project

Your degree options

• Bachelor of Molecular Sciences
• Bachelor of Philosophy

You'll learn to

• Develop biochemical and nutrition knowledge with particular reference to recent developments in nutritional sciences
• Use techniques that are used in modern research laboratories to develop a range of technical laboratory and research skills
• Understand the importance of exercise and the role of micronutrients and macronutrients in maintaining health and preventing lifestyle diseases

Facility

Bayliss Building

Cutting-edge facilities enable world-class research and study

The Bayliss Building is an impressive five-storey facility that's the largest and most technically complex building on our campus. It houses a range of facilities to support world-class research and teaching, and labs have been built on every level to suit various curriculum requirements as students progress.

Admission requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 11.5
• Canadian High School (except Quebec): 70
• French Baccalaureate: 12
• Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 525
• GCE A-Levels: 9
• German Abitur: 3.3
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 15
• Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 60
• Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 79
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 26
• Malaysian STPM: 11
• Monash University Foundation Year: 270
• NCUK Foundation Program: 9
• Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.8
• Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 8
• South African National Senior Certificate: 4.6
• South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 330
• Sweden Slutbetyg: 15
• Trinity College Foundation: 300
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 12
• University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 66
• US College Board Advanced Placements: 8
• US College Board SAT: 1170
• Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 60
• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 80

Prerequisites

• Mathematics Methods ATAR; OR Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in the first year; OR Students without ATAR mathematics to take two mathematics units in their first year.
• Chemistry ATAR or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.

English competency

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee: $49,200.00 (2025)

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.