Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago

Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago The Department of Biochemistry at Otago teaches biochemistry, genetics, plant biotechnology, and more to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

It also hosts cutting-edge research into how life works at the molecular level. The Department provides tuition for students studying Biochemistry as a subject for the Bachelor of Science, the Honours Bachelor of Science and for research degrees (MSc, PhD). As part of the Division of Health Sciences it contributes to the professional school courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Medical Lab

oratory Sciences, as well as the degree in Biomedical Sciences. The Department has an active and productive research and postgraduate programme. In an average year there are about 40 PhD, 10 second year MSc and 20 fourth year ( BSc(Hons)) students. Staff publish 90 - 110 papers each year in international journals. The Department is housed in a well-equipped four-level building of approximately 5,400 sq metres. It is well-equipped for research, and houses the Otago Genomics Facility, The Centre for Protein Research, and a new X-Ray Crystallography suite.

Extra cool
27/05/2026

Extra cool

The new open-source atlas, generated by an AI tool called ESMFold2, vastly increases the known protein universe.

"Why couldn’t I just tell bright young students the fascinating things they were thirsting to know? I should have simply...
27/05/2026

"Why couldn’t I just tell bright young students the fascinating things they were thirsting to know? I should have simply remembered my own days as a student. I still remember... when Mr. Gresham dunked his hand in molten lead, lay on a bed of nails, or exploded a paper bag of lycopodium powder." - Stephen B. Heard

I spent a good fraction of my career’s work effort on teaching, and – like most academics – I had very nearly no idea what I was doing. I’d never had a moment’s formal training in teaching, and, at…

The way gene technologies are regulated may be changing with a new Gene Technology Bill being considered atParliament.Th...
27/05/2026

The way gene technologies are regulated may be changing with a new Gene Technology Bill being considered at
Parliament.
The Royal Society Te Apārangi has written two booklets to help people better understand gene technologies - how they work & how they’re used.
Otago Biochemists Peter Dearden & Louise Bicknell were amongst the scientists that provided advice for them!
Find them here:

What are genetic technologies, and why should we care?

Journal Club - Fri 29 May, 12pm, Rm BIG13 Ben Peters: Finally, my eyes can photosynthesize! https://www.sciencedirect.co...
26/05/2026

Journal Club - Fri 29 May, 12pm, Rm BIG13
Ben Peters: Finally, my eyes can photosynthesize!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867426004691
Reza Mohammadhassan: Wazzup! Altering steroid metabolism with w**d!
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-026-01469-x

Galmiche et al. use LC-MS to profile steroid hormones in young Swiss men using cannabis and matched controls. They report higher levels of testosterone and other testicular androgens in cannabis users, together with strikingly significant increases in two progesterone metabolites.

Review of the Very Hungry Caterpillar
26/05/2026

Review of the Very Hungry Caterpillar

a review

Prof Steph Hughes from the Department of Biochemistry is director of RARITY, helping to turn discovery science into real...
26/05/2026

Prof Steph Hughes from the Department of Biochemistry is director of RARITY, helping to turn discovery science into real‑world impact, including new hope for people and whānau affected by rare diseases.
RARITY held its inaugural symposium last month:

One Otago research alliance is determined to bridge the gap between research and real-world application for the rare disease community.

We’re celebrating Professor Louise Bicknell - a DNA detective whose work is bringing answers and hope to families affect...
24/05/2026

We’re celebrating Professor Louise Bicknell - a DNA detective whose work is bringing answers and hope to families affected by rare genetic diseases. Read more about Louise's research journey as told at her recent Inaugural Professorial Lecture

The Department of Biochemistry celebrated Louise Bicknell’s promotion to professor at her Inaugural Professorial Lecture earlier this month, marking a stellar academic career defined by a deep love of genetics and a resolute commitment to supporting others.

22/05/2026
So proud of our graduates, but so sad to say goodbyeTino pai rawa atu!
21/05/2026

So proud of our graduates, but so sad to say goodbye
Tino pai rawa atu!

Congratulations to all Department of Biochemistry - Tari Matu Koiora students who graduated in May. Tino pai rawa atu!

Department of Microbiology and Immunology SeminarMon 25 May, 1pm, Rm BIG13Professor Peter Mace, Department of Biochemist...
21/05/2026

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Seminar
Mon 25 May, 1pm, Rm BIG13
Professor Peter Mace, Department of Biochemistry
The COP1 system - from biological regulation to protein design

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710 Cumberland Street
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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