Biochemistry, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Are you fascinated by the molecular fundamentals of life and the chemical processes occurring in living organisms? If you are, then biochemistry is the degree for you.Biochemistry is a science which seeks to understand how cellular activity determines organism level outcome. You will learn how the regulation of gene expression and protein function controls every aspect of cell behaviour, from cell division and cancer to cellular metabolism, obesity, protein degradation and neurodegenerative disease.With practical experience from term one, you will be trained by scientists who are leaders in the fields of biochemistry and the molecular basis of disease. This teaching will ensure you graduate Biochemistry BSc with the core skills needed to be successful in your future profession with potential careers from laboratory scientist to data analyst, patent law and teaching.Through optional modules and research projects, you can tailor the course to focus on the specific areas of biochemistry that interests you.

During your first year, you'll be introduced to the fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and cellular control, as well as core skills in biochemistry. You'll also study essential chemistry modules, exploring topics including molecular structure, bonding and reactivity of organic molecules. In your second year, your studies continue to go into greater depth. You'll cover structures, functions and analysis of proteins and genes, as well as the mechanisms and purpose of cell-to-cell signalling and metabolic regulation. You'll undertake a research project in year three, exploring an area of biochemistry that suits your personal interests in the field. This project may be lab, bioinformatics, or literature-based. There's also a large selection of optional modules to expand your learning. There are a range of optional modules to choose from in every year of the course. You will study these alongside core modules. If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll complete a year-long research project in your fourth year. This could be lab or literature-based.