Biochemistry is a scientific specialty concerned with studying the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This major combines the principles of chemistry and biology to understand structure, function, and biochemical regulation in cells and organs.

Fields of study in biochemistry:

• Structural biochemistry: The study of the chemical structure of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.
• Cellular biochemistry: The study of chemical processes within cells such as metabolism, energy generation, and cell signaling.
• Enzymes: Study the nature of enzymes, how they work, and their role in accelerating biochemical reactions.
• Biochemical genetics: the study of genetic materials and how they control biochemical processes in living organisms.
• Clinical Biochemistry: Applications of biochemistry in medicine, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Required skills:

• Strong analytical skills: to analyze data and biochemical reactions.
• Research capabilities: to conduct experiments and discover biochemical mechanisms.
• Technical knowledge: to understand and use modern instrumentation and techniques in biochemical research.
• Critical thinking: to interpret results and reach accurate conclusions.

Work fields:

• Scientific research: working in research laboratories at universities or research institutions.
• Pharmaceutical industries: development of new drugs and treatments.
• Agriculture: improving crops and developing sustainable farming techniques.
• Healthcare: Working in hospitals and medical laboratories to diagnose diseases.
• Education: Teaching biochemistry in schools and universities.
  Importance of biochemistry:
• Drug development: Understanding biochemical processes can help develop new drugs and treatments for diseases.
• Diagnosing diseases: Analyzing chemical reactions in the body helps diagnose diseases more accurately.
• Research in genetics: the study of genetic material and its applications in genetic engineering.
• Nutrition: Understanding the biochemical processes associated with nutrition and overall health.

Biochemistry Applications:

• Genetic engineering: modifying genes to improve certain characteristics in living organisms.
• Biotechnology: developing new products and services based on biochemical processes.
• Plant biochemistry: the study of chemical processes in plants to improve agricultural production.

The Biochemistry major represents a link between the chemical and biological sciences, and is considered a basis for understanding life at the molecular level and applying this knowledge in many vital fields.