Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry in Brazil

In Brazil, there are only three undergraduate courses in Biochemistry, even after the great development of this area of knowledge that occurred in the last decades. The investigation of this historical delay indicates that it is due to a set of conditions and not intentional policies. Searching to understand the process of implementing the bachelor's degrees in progress, the difficulties faced, and the improvements achieved the protagonists of the implementation and management of these courses were interviewed. The implementation difficulties were different in each of the Universities. Characteristics of the courses, their emphases and their stated objectives also vary. On the other hand, the three institutions have adjusted to their structural conditions and have a teaching staff enthusiastic and satisfied with the results obtained. Many initial difficulties, such as lack of knowledge about the career, registration with regional class councils and the lack of specific training for teachers are overcome or mitigated. Responses of the interview were treated using the word cloud strategy for all groups of protagonists. The results indicate that the main motivation for looking for the course was "doing science". The students' appreciation of the course is broadly favorable, coinciding with the opinion of teachers and alumni. The general result obtained by analyzing the implementation and functioning of the courses strongly encourages the creation of new degrees in Biochemistry.