Step into the exciting world of molecular sciences through our majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Genetics.
Each of these majors open the door to opportunities for hands on laboratory work and authentic research experiences, grounded in strong theoretical foundations and critical analysis skills, building your independence and confidence as a UWA graduate.
Let's explore each major, the career opportunities they open up, and where some of our alumni are now.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Unravelling the molecular secrets of the cellular world
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major at UWA gives you a deep understanding of the biochemical and molecular processes that underpin life. You’ll explore the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules.
When you graduate, you'll be ready for diverse career opportunities, such as roles in pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, medical research, and healthcare. With expertise in areas like drug development, molecular diagnostics, and synthetic biology, you could play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health.
Chemistry: Exploring the elements of nature
Our Chemistry major gives you the opportunity to explore the fundamental principles of chemistry and how they apply to the world around us - from understanding atoms and molecules, to learning the art of chemical synthesis and molecular interactions.
As a chemistry graduate, you may find career opportunities in the pharmaceutical and materials science industries, using your analytical skills to monitor and improve the environment, in minerals exploration and ensuring product quality and safety – industries that matter in WA, Australia and globally.
Genetics: Deciphering the diversity of life
UWA's Genetics major explores genes, heredity, and genetic variation in organisms, giving you insight into the molecular basis of life. You’ll delve into the processes behind inheritance, evolution, development and genomic variation, while also learning technologies behind plant and animal breeding.
Hear from some of our alumni and discover where their UWA studies have taken them:
Hayley Ingram - UWA Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student
Hayley majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics at UWA before completing her Honours here too.
I emailed a lecturer, and she asked if I wanted to get lab experience because I seemed really keen… and five years later, I’m still in the same lab pursuing my PhD."
“My undergraduate studies really helped me with developing the lab skills that I needed to be able to work in the RNA therapeutics field that I’m in today and pursue my PhD,” Hayley shares.
Lucas Wong - Research Scientist, Element Zero
Lucas began his studies at UWA with an undergraduate major in Chemistry, before going on to complete both his Honours and PhD in Chemistry here as well.
During his undergraduate studies, Lucas was introduced to new branches of chemistry he had “never encountered in high school, such as quantum chemistry, electrochemistry, and colloid science.”
I work in the critical minerals and green‑tech industry, developing ways to produce important materials like iron, lithium, and silicon with zero carbon emissions."
When asked what people might not realise about the field of chemistry, Lucas shared, “a chemistry degree unlocks diverse careers like patent law, environmental consulting and policy making. It provides a solid scientific foundation, honing skills like analytical thinking and problem‑solving, along with a true scientific mindset.”
Jeremy Beerkens – Senior Laboratory Technician, Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF)
Jeremy majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics at UWA before completing a Master of Biotechnology here too.
AGRF Ltd is “Australia’s leading provider of multi‑omic services and expertise. With laboratories across the country, AGRF empowers researchers, clinicians and industry partners to deliver genomic data in health, agriculture and the environment. Our expertise spans sequencing, genotyping, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, enabling discovery and translation at scale. Trusted for quality and collaboration, AGRF supports national and international projects that drive innovation, improve lives, and shape the future.”
Genomics is used for agricultural improvements, clinical diagnoses and disease treatments, wildlife conservation, management of biosecurity threats and much more."
Jeremy describes his field as “very inter‑disciplinary” with roles in “sales, marketing, bioinformatics, equipment maintenance, company management, entrepreneurship, quality assurance, consulting” — the list goes on.
Ready to take the next step?
Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or Genetics at UWA and build the practical skills and knowledge to prepare for diverse career opportunities in science and beyond.
