Our modular course programme gives increasing flexibility in choosing modules that resonate with your interests. Following a first year where all modules are compulsory, you take a combination of compulsory and optional modules in the second year, while the final year includes only one compulsory module and a broad choice of optional modules covering areas as diverse as cancer biology, immunology, neurobiology and mechanisms of human disease.
For a description of modules see Biochemistry Module Information. The modules described here are the ones that we currently offer and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. However as our undergraduate teaching is research led and we constantly review our teaching to ensure that the modules that we offer are up to date there may be changes to module titles and content.
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
First Year
The first year offers a set of modules that explores the full spectrum of biochemistry, from the physiology of living organism to the molecular details of particular biochemical reactions and the enzymes that catalyse these reactions. A key element is the Chemistry module, while the ‘Module Outside the Main Discipline’ will allow you to explore content from other, non-Biosciences courses offered by the University.
First year modules
Fundamentals of Biochemistry - Fundamental biochemical processes taking place inside cells
Cell Biology and Physiology - Tissues, organelles, reproduction and development
Chemistry I - Inorganic and organic chemistry, including practical training.
Genetics I - Storage of genetic information, gene expression and regulation, mitosis and meiosis, gene linkage and chromosome mapping.
Metabolism - Enzyme catalysis and regulation, metabolism of carbohydrates and vitamins, experimental techniques to study metabolic reactions.
Physical Biochemistry - The fundamental laws governing biochemical reactions and how we can explore them experimentally.
Personal and Academic Skills: Communication and Data Analysis
Personal and Academic Development
Nora Miroslavova, Biochemistry graduate"The modules were taught by expert members of staff involved in the research field, which I found very interesting and stimulating."
Second Year
The second year features a combination of core modules that all biochemistry students follow, and two elective modules, where you can start to define your personal direction in the field. In the second year you will begin to organise your placement year. You will attend a number of briefing and training sessions, and you will get tailored advice on how to apply for placements. Training on CV and cover letter writing, plus interview training are all part of the package.
Second year modules
Core modules (taken by all students on the Biochemistry programme)
Proteins and Enzymes – Protein structure and evolution, mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, techniques to determine protein structures.
Membranes, Energy and Metabolism – Biological membranes and their role in energy metabolism, regulation of metabolism by hormones and other factors
Molecular Biology and its Applications – Genetic analysis and gene cloning, DNA fingerprinting and forensics, genomics and computational approaches to genetics
Chemistry II - Spectroscopic techniques, synthesis of peptides, oligonucleotide and aromatic compounds, determining structures of simple organic molecules.
Communications and Skills in Biosciences – Science communication in videography, writing and speaking, ethics in science, analysis of the scientific literature.
Choose two optional modules
Example optional modules may include:
Cell and Developmental Biology - Development of multicellular organisms, interaction between cells and the cellular matrix, regulation of stem cell function.
Topics in Medical Biosciences – Neurobiology and neurotransmitters, pharmacology and anaesthetics, blood constituents and haemostasis, complement and immunity.
Genetics II – Organisation of genes and genomes, generation of genetic diversity, gene transmission and analysis of problems in transmission and molecular genetics.
Microbes and Man – The impact of microbes on humans, bacteria, fungi and viruses, common themes of infectious disease mechanisms.
Third year (Placement year)
Professional placement
The MSci degree title of the Professional Placement option is linked to the training provided through the research or development project that you will pursue during the time at the industrial partner. The actual placement extends over 10 - 11 months, and we have a sizeable database of organisations that accept placement students. Also, we are frequently approached by companies or organisations offering placement opportunities in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
In addition, our students often discover and take advantage of new employers – an excellent preparation for the time when you apply as a graduate. Companies and organisations you might be able to work for during your placement include:
Pharmaceutical industry and consumer goods
GlaxoSmithKline
AstraZeneca
Basilea Pharmaceutica, Basel, Switzerland
Celltech
Reckitt Benckiser (RB)
Biotechnology and medical research
LGC Forensics
The Binding Site
Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association
DSTL, Porton Down
Ecology and field work
Warwick HRI
The Field Studies Council
Yorkshire Water
Dr Rick Dunn, Leader of the Professional Placement Programme "I am keen to offer students the opportunity to experience, first hand, how their chosen degree relates to the work environment and to acquire skills valued by employers."
Final Year
A core component of the final year is the research project. In dialogue with a lecturer or professor, you will independently explore a particular question or topic linked to the research interests of your supervisor. The Biochemistry programme also includes one core module focussing firmly on analytical skills. Finally, a diverse spectrum of elective modules allows you to explore individual facets of biochemistry according to your personal preference and interests.
Final year modules
Core content and Project
Funding Science
Research Project
Experimental Design, Analysis and Interpretation of Biochemical Data – Lectures and practicals focussing on analysing data from biochemical experiments, from considering experimental design, to preparing reagents to composing an experimental report.
Choose two optional modules*
Example optional modules may include:
Structures of Destruction - Bacterial and viral pathogens explored from the perspective of their molecular structures, protein misfolding and amyloid diseases.
Bacterial Gene Regulation - How genes are switched on or off in response to external stimuli, how control of gene expression can be explored experimentally.
Cellular Signalling** - Signal transduction in and between cells, G-protein coupled receptors, phospholipid and Ca2+ signalling, ligand-gated ion channels and electrical responses.
Cancer Biology – Regulation of cell division and aberrations in malignant tumours, genetic bases of tumourigenesis, programmed cell death.
Molecular and Cellular Immunology | Watch video - Evolution of the immune system, innate immunity, cell biology of immunity, structural basis of discrimination between self and non-self.
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection | Watch video - Evolution of bacterial virulence, antibiotics and antibiotics resistance, genomic data in analysing pathogenicity.
Cellular Neurobiology** | Watch video - Neuronal function and neural development, synaptic function, transmitter receptors and ion channels.
Eukaryotic Gene Expression - Control of gene transcription, chromatin structure, pre-mRNA processing, mRNA translation and degradation.
* Modules run either in Semester 1 or Semester 2. Particular combinations of modules may not be advisable, especially if all 3 choices were to run in the same semester.
** This module is under review and content may change.
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