About the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry
Our Department has a proud history of teaching and research excellence in the disciplines of Biochemistry and Chemistry.
We are part of La Trobe’s School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment.
Our research focuses on some of today’s biggest challenges in biomedicine and biotechnology, including improved treatments to combat cancer and infectious diseases, and new approaches to develop chemicals and biosensors.
Our academic staff specialise in synthetic, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry; functional genomics; molecular, cellular and structural biology; fundamental and applied biochemistry in the study of microbes, plants and animals; and biomedical applications in human health and disease.
We are passionate about translating our discoveries into new diagnostics and treatments, with strong industry engagement and embedded biotechnology companies, including Imunexus Therapeutics Ltd.
And, we are committed to training the next generation of scientists.
Each year, we teach over 2000 students in Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Chemistry and Molecular Genetics at La Trobe’s Melbourne (Bundoora) and regional campuses, through international education partnerships, and online with Open Universities Australia.
Our Department also has a Higher Degree by Research program that reflects the disciplinary interests of our academic staff. We are currently training over 80 postgraduate students from Australia and abroad.
Our goal: To graduate professionals of the highest calibre who will embark on careers in research institutes, manufacturing and chemical industries, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government departments, pathology laboratories and hospitals.
Read our Statement of Strategic Intent.
Our outstanding teaching and research programs provide our students and staff with exceptional opportunities to excel in their learning and careers.
Educating the next generation of scientists
Whether you are wanting to become a research scientist, biotechnologist, industrial chemist, clinical trials coordinator, or undergo further study for employment in medicine or dentistry, a La Trobe degree is the gateway to a rewarding career.
Preparing students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional knowhow to succeed in their future careers is at the heart of what we do. Every one of our courses is designed to prepare students for the future of work, and we are constantly revising and renewing what we teach to ensure that we stay at the forefront of research and industry practice.
The Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry offers undergraduate majors in Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Genetics. Our postgraduate degrees include La Trobe’s Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Master of Biotechnology Management and Doctor of Philosophy.
Our students are taught by academic staff who are at the forefront of their research disciplines, enabling them to go ‘beyond the textbooks’ to disseminate the latest findings from their fields.
They are also world-class teachers. Several of our staff have been recognised as Fellows of Advance HE and have received University and national awards for excellence in curriculum design and delivery.
Our students benefit from a comprehensive range of innovative laboratory-based classes, where small class sizes allow them to work closely with dedicated teaching staff, and put the theories they have learned into practice. We also provide opportunities for student placements in our research laboratories and with our industry partners.
In the postgraduate space, our Higher Degree by Research program gives students the opportunity to work on their own dedicated projects, under the supervision of senior academics.
Our postgraduate students are embedded in laboratories in the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, where scientists from different disciplines work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible in traditional academic settings.
Find out more about our courses and our distinctive student experience.
Research with impact
Our Department is comprised of world-class academics dedicated to innovative, muti-disciplinary research that aims to improve health outcomes and technological advancement of society.
Our staff are recognised nationally and internationally for their research. La Trobe’s disciplines of Biochemistry and Chemistry are rated at well above world average in Excellence in Research for Australia.
The Department is a founding member of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science and our research aligns with its areas of research strength.
Our close collaboration with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute also facilitates the sharing of knowledge, skills, training and facilities.
Our research aligns with La Trobe University’s research themes: Understanding and preventing disease, Digital technology and transformation and Sustainable food and agriculture.
Our research is grouped into two key areas:
Biochemistry underpins the fundamental functioning of all life. Our researchers are working to understand key cellular processes in health and disease.
Our researchers are experts in fundamental and translational chemistry including inorganic, organic and theoretical chemistry.
To find out more about our individual research groups, please take a look at our research booklet.
Research centres and institute
Our staff make key contributions to La Trobe's research centres and the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science.
Chemical sensors and biosensors provide essential information about our chemical and biological environment. They enable better quality of life through accurate and personalised medical diagnoses, efficient energy use, better industrial processes, safer and more ethical food and a cleaner environment.
The Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology Research Centre is developing the next generation of sensor technology, from health and disease diagnosis, to sensing for transport and energy networks.
Find out more about the Centre.
Extracellular vesicles are cell membrane-derived particles that are produced by cells and play key roles in cell-to-cell communication in physiological and pathological settings.
The Centre for Extracellular Vesicles explores extracellular vesicles and their critical role in cell and tissue communication. It is a unique hub for national and international collaborators and industry partners to undertake research, learning and engagement.
Find out more about the Centre.
Researchers at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science are solving some of the world’s more critical problems at the interface of health and science. Co-located in world-class facilities at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, scientists specialise in four areas of research strength: Cancer, infection and immunity, molecular design and nanoscience. A dedicated fellowship program ensures the Institute supports early career researchers with outstanding potential.
Find out more about the Institute.