BSc Biochemistry

This BSc course is full-time over three academic years (four including the Professional Training Year option), with 120 credits attained in each year. Year one is made up of six 20-credit modules, with three 40-credit modules taught in year two. In the final year, the research project carries 30 credits and is accompanied by three 30-credit modules. While we aim to offer as much flexibility as possible in our courses, module choice may be restricted on the basis of Entry Degree to provide capacity on core modules which are required for some degree schemes.

Year one modules involve lectures and supporting tutorials providing background theoretical knowledge as well as practical classes. Our various degree schemes share a common year one, which covers all aspects of the biosciences and has the big advantage of giving you flexibility in degree choice. Classes provide students with IT skills for biologists and an understanding of statistical analysis of data, and coursework is used to develop written and oral communication skills.

In year two, modules across a wide range of subjects are offered. In all cases, extensive laboratory practicals help to develop practical skills and the ability to critically evaluate experimental data. Set assignments and reading are used to promote self-directed learning and the analysis of primary research literature.

The final year requires much more independent study, and all students must produce a substantial research-based (laboratory, literature, pedagogic or scientific engagement) report. We strive to offer as wide a choice as possible to allow you to tailor the degree to your study goals.

Year One

The first year is a common year, covering all aspects of the biosciences. This is designed to reflect the fact that bioscience research is increasingly a multi-disciplinary field.

The common first-year course provides a grounding in essential subjects, including a Biological Chemistry module that presents topics at the chemistry/biology interface and explores modern analytical techniques. The Biochemical components of the first-year course include topics such as structure and function of proteins (including enzymes), DNA structure and replication, gene organisation and expression, genetic manipulation techniques, lipid and carbohydrate biochemistry, and key aspects of metabolism.

The modern, modular syllabus is delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes carried out in spacious, well-equipped laboratories. It provides a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology, animal and plant biology, and ecology, as well as focusing on developing practical and academic scientific skills. Modules may begin by overlapping with A-level studies, but will soon progress to greater depth and scope.

The common first-year system has the big advantage of giving you flexibility in degree choice. The aim of this approach is to expose you to all areas of the biosciences so that you are better able to operate within the increasingly interdisciplinary bioscience disciplines. The common year one structure also enables you to diversify your subject focus in year two, should you wish to, keep a strong focus on one particular discipline.

Core Modules for Year One

• Skills for Science
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• Organisms and Environment
• The Dynamic Cell
• Biological Chemistry
• Genetics and Evolution

Year Two

Your second year will put greater emphasis on the experimental basis of biochemistry and related areas of the biomolecular sciences such as molecular, cell and developmental biology. You will undertake practicals that cover modern research techniques such as recombinant DNA manipulation and analysis, protein and lipid biochemistry and microbiology, with a strong focus on data analysis and interpretation.

You will also build on your year one knowledge to develop a sound grounding in more advanced areas of gene function, molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, metabolism, cell biology, development, evolution and cell signalling.

This will ensure that you have the necessary skills and awareness of key techniques in preparation for whatever aspect of biochemistry becomes your chosen area of specialisation, both in the final year of the course and in your subsequent career.

In year two, you have a choice of three from up to 12 available modules, giving a total of 120 Credits.

During year two, you can also opt to switch to the four-year degree with a Professional Training Year, which is taken after the second year, subject to an appropriate training place being identified.

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Animal Diversity and Adaptation
• Genetics and its Applications
• Ecology Part A
• Ecology Part B
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology of the Gene
• Physiology
• Concepts of Disease
• Practical Anatomy
• Brain and Behaviour
• Fundamental Neuroscience

Year Three

In your final year, there is a strong emphasis on independent learning, and you can investigate areas of current importance in biochemistry, such as synthetic biology and protein structure, genetic engineering, stem cell biology and tissue engineering. Your research skills will be developed further during your final year project that allows you to investigate a topic in much greater depth.

Tutorials and research seminars on wider aspects of the subject, including medical and industrial applications, will extend the scope of your learning.

As well as a 30-credit research project, you will complete three 30-credit modules (from a choice of 18). Modules cover a range of topics including synthetic biology and protein engineering, advanced cell biology, bioinformatics and functional genomics, and genes and genomes.

At the start of the final year, you will also have the option of applying to transfer to the four-year MBiochem course with an integrated Master’s, depending on satisfactory academic progress and space availability.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Biosciences Final Year Project
• Genes to Genomes
• Synthetic Biology and Protein Engineering

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Plants for the Future: Frontiers in Plant Science
• Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Infection Biology and Epidemiology
• Systems Biology
• The 'omics Revolution (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics)
• Advanced Cell Biology and Imaging
• Current Topics in Development, Stem Cells and Repair
• Contemporary Topics in Disease
• Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics
• Advances in Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Musculoskeletal System: Disease, Repair and Regenerative Medicine
• Neurobiology of Brain Disorders
• Systems Neuroscience

How Will I Be Assessed?

The first and second-year modules are normally assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. All modules include coursework assessments, which may take the form of written practical reports, structured reports, class tests, structured answer tests, group work, poster and oral presentations and computing/statistical problem-solving exercises. Assessments may be summative and count towards the final module mark, or formative, helping you to learn and practice key skills and knowledge through feedback. Final examinations at the end of each module comprise a machine-marked structured answer section (assessing breadth of knowledge) and a written answer section (assessing depth of knowledge in specific topics).

In the final year, the modules taught are assessed by examination and extended analytical coursework. Your final year research project is assessed by a supervisor’s evaluation and a written report.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Throughout the course, you will develop scientific competencies as well as key transferable skills that will be invaluable whatever your future career choice. These include:

• Independent learning and self-directed study
• Collating, organising and analysing information to create logical and persuasive arguments
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Communicating complex ideas in a clear, effective way (using all media)
• Working effectively in a team and as an individual
• IT competency, including presentation, graphics and statistics packages
• Performing and interpreting statistical analyses of data
• Effective time management and organisational skills

As a result of engaging fully with this course, you should be able to:

• Critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information from a variety of sources
• Discuss the relationships between structure/formation and function/regulation of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organisms and populations
• Effectively communicate scientific, and other, information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, using a range of formats and approaches
• Discuss current issues of research, investigation and/or debate, arriving at a considered critical judgement
• Synthesise an argument or point of view, based on solid data and evidence
• Determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes
• Integrate concepts and ideas to make predictions and formulate and evaluate new hypotheses
• Conduct a range of field and practical laboratory skills in an accurate and consistent manner
• Integrate empirical observation with theory, extrapolating information from laboratory to field
• Apply contemporary research techniques to solve biological problems;
• Demonstrate the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills)

At the start of the final year, you will also have the option of applying to transfer to the four-year MBiochem course with an integrated Master’s, depending on satisfactory academic progress and space availability.

In 2016/17, 93% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

Our Biochemistry qualification provides an excellent foundation for careers within all areas of biological and molecular sciences. It offers strong training for research scientists and a significant proportion of our BSc Biochemistry graduates go on to study PhD or master’s degrees. Many others have successful careers in science-related fields such as biotechnology research and development, medical or scientific publishing, pharmaceutical industries, and molecular biology, amongst many others.

Through your degree, you will also develop transferable skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers in more general areas of industry, commerce, public service, administration and management. A degree in Biochemistry can also act as a stepping stone to further training in professional areas including teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science and accounting.

Graduate Careers

• Biochemist
• Laboratory Researcher
• University Lecturer
• Biomolecular Scientist