What IS BIOCHEMISTRY AND WHAT can I do with a degree in Biochemistry? (Biochemistry job
opportunities In Nigeria)
Before I divulge to you the various
opportunities that awaits a graduate of biochemistry in Nigeria, it is
pertinent to know what biochemistry is all about and what it entails.
WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY ALL ABOUT?
The
word “Biochemistry” can be broken down into two separate terms ‘Bio’ and
‘chemistry’
·
Bio- This simply
means life
·
Chemistry- This
involves the properties, composition and behavior of matter. It can also be
said to be the scientific study of the structure of substances, how they react
when combined or in contact with one another, and how they behave under
different conditions.
Biochemistry
can therefore be said to be the chemistry of life. It entails the chemical
structure and behavior of living things. WIKIPEDIA postulated that
biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living
organisms. Therefore biochemistry is sometimes refers to as biological
chemistry.
The
field of biochemistry has nearly uncovered the entire life science. As a biochemist
or aspiring biochemist, it is your duty to be aware that biochemical processes is
what gave birth to the complexity of life in all living things.
The
knowledge of how food is broken down to produce nutrients which is essential
for growth and the continuity of life, the knowledge of the roles, functions,
and structure of bio-molecules are some of the fascinating discoveries of
biochemistry.
Biochemistry
makes use of the knowledge of molecular genetics, protein science and
metabolism to explain life processes. These are the three field of biochemistry
(molecular genetics, protein science and metabolism).
THE THREE PRIMARY AREAS A BIOCHEMIST IS
NEEDED
Biochemistry
is interested in life. Therefore, it studies the life of humans, animals and
plants. Biochemistry is however needed in three primary areas which are;
1. Medicine
2. Nutrition
3. Agriculture
Medicine
The knowledge of biochemistry happens to be a
very important aspect of medicine and is therefore included in the medicine
curriculum of every higher institute. In the field of medicine, biochemistry
helps to investigate the causes and cure to disease since its findings has
almost uncovered nearly the entire life processes of living organism.
Nutrition
A larger percentage of disease and sickness is
caused by intake of harmful substances. A biochemist studies ways to improve
health wellness through healthy intake of food substances. The knowledge of the
six classes of food (protein, carbohydrates, fat and oil, mineral and water),
its functions is one of the discoveries of a biochemist. Here, they are known
as nutritional biochemist.
Agriculture
A biochemist studies the various chemical reactions
that are needed to improve the wellness of animals and plant.
With the help of the above three primary areas
that a biochemist is needed, the job opportunities of a biochemist can be
easily provided.
THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES OF A BIOCHEMIST IN NIGERIA
NAFDAC: The acronym ‘NAFDAC’ stands for ‘National Agency for
Food and Drugs Administration Control’. NAFDAC is a governmental organization
that has been organized to regulate the production as well as the usage of food
and drugs in Nigeria.
As Nigeria grows old, the quest of survival
becomes imperative. On the account of this, the production of food and drugs
has experienced a tremendous increase. Some of these foods or drugs are posing
a serious threat to humanity. Without proper knowledge of how these drugs or
food could chemically affect men, NAFDAC would fail to accomplish the very
purpose it was created for.
A biochemist is extremely needed in the NAFDAC
governmental organization since they can investigate the chemical structure and
composition of food and drugs and can be able to explain the possible outcome
when those food and drugs are digested by either man or animals.
Biochemist
can work with all the regulatory bodies in Nigeria that control drugs and food
usage.
FOOD PROCESSING FIRMS: Food processing firms are those companies or
industries which produce processed food at a large scale. This firms or
industry usually generate large amount of revenue every year on account of the increased
consumption of these food. We have so many food processing firms in Nigeria. Among
these foods processing firms include Maltina firm, coca- cola, peak milk firm,
indomie industry and so on.
Do
you know that a biochemist can work in a food processing firm in Nigeria?
Definitely! A food processing firm like every other company or organization is
a system which is composed of different parts which are interrelated and
interdependently connected to each other which are all working together to
produced refined food. A biochemist happens to be an important figure in a food
processing firm since they understand and posses the knowledge of nutrition.
Feed production firms: Although, you may be surprised to know that a
biochemist could work in a feed producing firm. A lot of people may think that
the production of feed for animals is the clear responsibility of an
agriculturist. However, this is a very big misconception. Agriculture is all about the science and act
of rearing animals and the cultivation of plants; they deal with the production
of food etc. at its raw state. They are responsible for producing raw milk but
not processed milk, they are users of machinery but not producers of machinery,
they are the users of feed but not the producers of feed etc.
Biochemistry is importantly divided into three
primary areas;
·
Medicine
·
Nutrition
·
Agriculture
In agriculture, biochemists are responsible for the production
of feed. Biochemist studies, research or investigates the effects of feed on a
livestock. Through the application of the science of metabolism they can predict
if the feed will enhance the growth of the animal and leads to better
performance.
FORENSIC
SCIENCE SERVICE: Forensic science is
connected with the scientific tests used by the police when trying to solve a
crime. A biochemist can work hand in hand with the police in solving crimes
that are deviously covered up. A biochemist through the application of
scientific principles can easily uncover any form of secreted mischief.
However, forensic science is not given recognition in
Nigeria. Truly, the nation Nigeria needs to be developed so that some
disciplines offered at the higher institution can reach their full potential
therefore boosting the number of job opportunities and drastically extenuating
unemployment.
Environmental agency: A
biochemist can work together with environmental agents to protect the
environment. Biochemist as an environment agent are passionate about the
environment, they help fight against the various chemical harms against life on
land, in the water and on the air.
Health service: The
hospital consist of different medical related professions which all
collaboratively to ensure that humans remain alive and healthy. Although, the
medical doctor remains the paramount head to every health care centre, but
other medical courses like micro-biology, biochemistry, pharmacy etc. cannot in
any way be treated negligible.
Researchers: Biochemists
are purely researchers. All the knowledge and findings of a biochemist is
gotten from researches. A biochemist does not encourage knowledge or ideas that
is nebulous or vague in nature and has not been clearly evaluated by research.
There are a number of research institute that you can apply at as a biochemist.
Some of these research institutes include;
Fertilizers producing firms:
Biochemist studies the various chemical substances in relation to their effects
on lives. But life, I do not only refer to human beings, I am also referring to
both animals and plants. A biochemist conduct researches and tries to produce
the best fertilizers that will lead to better growth of plants or crops. These
fertilizers are then bought and use by agriculturist.
Higher institution:
Graduates of biochemist can also lecturer in various higher institutions in
Nigeria once they have their masters or a doctorate degree.
Conclusion:
Do not limit yourself to the above job opportunities provided. Most employers
are willing to employ graduates of any discipline. Just make sure you make good
grades.
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