Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
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There is something for everyone. The university even though small is very well equipped with abundant facilities and activities.
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Bachelor's degree
In St Andrews
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
St andrews (Scotland)
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Duration
4 Years
The BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry entails the study of the biochemical mechanisms involved in all life processes covering a broad spectrum of fields, from viral replication to neurobiology. You will investigate the biochemical aspects of cell and organismal function and regulation including protein function, molecular genetics, membranes and cell communication, bioenergetics and pharmacology as well as a final-year laboratory project with one of the relevant research groups in the Biomedical Research Centre.
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About this course
The BSc in Biochemistry is a four-year course run by the School of Biology. Students are provided with high-tech equipment, laboratories and expertise to facilitate learning and to develop the skillset of a modern biochemist.
In the first two years of your degree, you will be introduced to core material relevant to all Biology degree programmes such as animal and plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology and genetics.
Alongside Biology, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two.
Biochemistry graduates have gone on to find success in a wide variety of careers including:
researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical, biomedical industries
researchers and advisers in government
journalists
advisers, researchers and managers in the National Health Service
teachers
forensic scientists
management consultants
marketing and advertising experts.
SQA Highers AAAB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry
GCE A-Levels AAB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry
IB points 36, including HL6 in Biology and Chemistry
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Subjects
- Biology
- Communication Training
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Project
- Cellular Biology
- Cellular structures
- Origins of Life
- Ecological
- Methods in Biology
Course programme
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Biochemistry alongside modules in at least one other subject.
Typically, you will take core Biochemistry modules during your first two years, and advanced modules during your third and fourth year (known as Honours).
1st Year
In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all Biology degree programmes. Both of the following modules are compulsory.
- Biology 1: provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
- Biology 2: provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and addresses key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life.
In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees), and new topics are introduced in some second-year modules such as evolutionary biology and ecology. Students intending to study Biochemistry at Honours level must take the following compulsory modules:
- Applied Molecular Biology: examines case studies to provide examples of how molecular biology techniques are applied in research to address real-life questions and problems.
- Biochemistry: a number of central metabolic pathways and their control are studied in detail, alongside examples of their importance in disease and recent metabolomic studies.
- Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology.
- Research Methods in Biology: this module will help you develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. This is achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, independent data-handling workshops and group work on a mini research project.
In third year, you will continue to specialise in Biochemistry via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:
- Gene Regulation
- Bioenergetics
- Infection and Disease
- Membranes and Cell Communication
In fourth year, you will study your chosen subject area at a deeper scientific level and will also have the opportunity to select from a wide range of small, group-specialised modules. These modules are taught by academics at the forefront of their discipline. In this year, students also undertake a substantial final year research project. This research project is designed to develop skills in experimental design and problem-solving, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and communication skills. The project is selected and supervised by a member of academic staff. This project occupies half of the year.
Additional information
Biochemistry BSc (Hons)