Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

What you'll study

Excited to learn more? For a taster of what you can expect to study on our Biochemistry BSc (Hons) degree, take a sneak preview of some of the modules you may have the opportunity to study below.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Final year

Year 1

Fundamental Chemistry Core

Fundamental Chemistry

The aims of the module are to: introduce bonding models and concepts for simple inorganic and organic compounds; introduce the basic principles of analytical chemistry; illustrate the various laws and principles of fundamental physical chemistry; enable understanding of key biological compounds and biochemical processes; introduce various mathematical concepts.

Structure and Reactivity Core

Structure and Reactivity

Biochemistry and Cell Biology Core

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of: the major types of living cells together with an emphasis on subcellular organelles that are common and differentiating among cell types; subcellular structures within biological systems and the common relationships between structure and function; transfers of energy in chemical reactions and biochemical pathways including the role and kinetics of enzymes in these processes ; energy transduction from chemical potential to biologically necessary work including energy flows vital for life that underpin future study of human nutrition, physical activity and exercise; the theoretical application of the principles and methods of practical cellular biology and biochemistry to experimental information.

Data Analysis and Scientific Skills Core

Data Analysis and Scientific Skills

The aim of this module is to develop academic skills relevant to scientists, and introduce the use and calculation of basic statistics working with data collected by biological researchers.

Genetics and Molecular Biology Core

Genetics and Molecular Biology

The aims of this module are to establish a basic understanding and application of: prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and genetics and how they aid the understanding of life on Earth via the important role of genetics in evolutionary and developmental processes; nucleic acid composition and how the physical and chemical properties of nucleic acids allow their manipulation in molecular biology; the biological variation in genome structure, organisation and packaging; genome replication and repair; genetic variation; gene expression through transcription, RNA translation; regulation of gene expression, the processes which link genotype to phenotype in a range of living organisms; the development of genetics as a science, from the experiments of Mendel to genome sequencing.

Lab Skills for Biology Core

Lab Skills for Biology

The aims of this module are to develop understanding of practical biological experiments and develop competency in a wide range of practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, preparing students to undertake laboratory-based research within the biological sciences.

Year 2

Semester 1

Cellular Signalling and Transport Core

Cellular Signalling and Transport

The aim of this module are to further the understanding of he different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli, building an understanding of the steps involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms, from arrival of signal at the cell membrane to alterations in cell structure with or without concomitant changes in gene expression.

Semester 2

Functional Genomics Core

Functional Genomics

An introduction to a range of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioinformatic techniques and how they are applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences.

Semester 1 & 2

Lab Skills for Biology II Core

Lab Skills for Biology II

The aims of this module are to provide opportunities to develop competency in a wide range of advanced practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, and to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of the laboratory practices associated with biological research and to apply this knowledge to practical biological experiments.

Basis of Health Core

Basis of Health

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of biochemical pathways involved in metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein and how these, and their regulation, relate to human health and disease.

Structure and Reactivity II or Anatomy and Physiology or Interdisciplinary Studies Core

Structure and Reactivity II or Anatomy and Physiology or Interdisciplinary Studies

Final year

Semester 1

Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration Core, Optional

Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration

The aims of this module are: to gain a broad understanding of the cellular mechanisms which underpin adaptation to a range of stimuli and the processes which contribute to cellular degeneration; to exemplify how cellular mechanisms result in alterations in cellular and tissue phenotype associated with health and disease.

Advanced Genetics of Health Optional

Advanced Genetics of Health

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of the use and application of techniques for advanced genetic anaylsis including approaches for detection of structural or copy number changes, and for analysis of epigenetic changes.

Semester 2

Regenerative Medicine Optional

Regenerative Medicine

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of regenerative medicine that utilises biology as the basis for modern intervention methods of cell therapy, tissue therapy and physical therapy whilst also developing an understanding of how to design studies, as well as the models and biomarkers used in them.

Virology and Oncology Optional

Virology and Oncology

The aims of this module are: to build knowledge of the structure and classifications of common viruses and their roles in health and disease; provide an understanding of the concept of cancer as a genetic disease, the broad range of cancers that exist yet the common features they exhibit; introduce the role of the immune system in modulating cancer development, and the role that certain tumour viruses played in this discovery.

Drugs: Mode of Action and Screening Optional

Drugs: Mode of Action and Screening

The aim of this module is to enable students to understand how drugs may be synthesised, how they induce their effects and how these activities may be quantified in a drug development programme.

Drugs: Synthesis and Properties Optional

Drugs: Synthesis and Properties

The aim of this module is to enable students to understand medicinal chemistry, how drugs are designed and synthesised, and how these activities may be assessed in a drug development programme.

Semester 1 & 2

Research Project Core

Research Project

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to design and conduct a major original research project that is conducted in an active research environment, involves application of knowledge and skills obtained in previous modules and allows scope for students to demonstrate initiative, imagination and/or creativity.

Pharmaceutical Analysis and Drug Metabolism Optional

Pharmaceutical Analysis and Drug Metabolism

The aims of this module are: to understand the analytical methods used in pharmaceutical and biochemical laboratories and the role of regulators in drug development; to understand the principles behind the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology (ADMET) of xenobiotics, including drugs, how these processes may be studied and modelled mathematically, and how ADMET studies contribute to new drug development.

Programme specification