Resources for schools
This page features research stories from the Otago Department of Biochemistry to help you learn about what biochemistry is, and what we use biochemistry for.
We have also included other resources that may be useful for high school biology students, including biochemistry-related career advice, models of molecules to print in 3D, and links to other science resource websites.
- Stories about our research
- Other biochemistry resources
- What research do we do?
- Visit the Department of Biochemistry
Stories about our research
Other biochemistry resources
- PDB-101 – Learn about the diverse shapes and functions of proteins and nucleic acids to understand biomedicine and agriculture, from protein synthesis to health and disease to biological energy.
- Science Learning Hub – New Zealand multimedia science education resources, collected by topic and concept, and based at the University of Waikato.
- Biochemical Society Hands-on activities – Biochemistry teaching and outreach resources from the Biochemical Society in the UK.
- Learn.Genetics – Genetic science learning centre based at the University of Utah.
- TED Ed Life Sciences – Video lessons built around TED talks on life science topics.
- Pass Biology – A learning hub providing resources and notes to help study for NCEA Biology standards levels 1-3.
- WEHI.TV – Animated movies explaining concepts in molecular biology and medical research.
- Discover the science of HIV – Amazing animation of how HIV infection happens, based on the actual science.
What research do we do in the Biochemistry Department?
Biochemistry is an essential part of every living organism, so research in the department is very diverse. Research areas include:
- Cancer genetics
- Computational molecular biology
- Evolution and development
- Molecular basis of disease
- Plants and photosynthesis
- Protein structure and function
Read more about our research here: Otago Biochemistry research page
Some of our scientists explain their research in these videos filmed in laboratories around the department.
Visit the Department of Biochemistry
We regularly host visits from high school classes keen to gain hands-on experience of biochemistry in the lab.
For more information about classes visiting the Department of Biochemistry, please email: biochemistry@otago.ac.nz
High school students from around New Zealand have the chance to sample life at the University of Otago each January through Hands-On at Otago. If you are curious about biochemistry, apply for Hands-On at Otago and choose biochemistry as your research project.
Find out about Hands-On at Otago here
Contact us if you have any suggestions to improve or add to these resource pages at biochemistry@otago.ac.nz.
