Biochemistry
Bachelor's degree
In Aberdeen
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Aberdeen (Scotland)
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Duration
4 Years
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
First year entry Scottish Highers BBBB or Advanced Highers CCC or A Levels CCC, including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science/Technology subjects.
Advanced entry Advanced Highers BBB or A levels BBB, including Biology and Chemistry.
Reviews
Course programme
Programme Structure & Content
First Year
Students take first year courses in Chemistry and Biology plus additional courses selected from science and other areas. A special course is available for those needing to strengthen their background in the essential skills required for study in science.
Second Year
There are two second year Biochemistry courses: Molecular Biology of the Gene and Energy for Life. These courses cover the organisation of genes, the mechanisms that allow their expression, and how metabolic reactions transfer energy from light or foodstuffs. Molecular aspects of biotechnology are also included. The second year curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.
Third Year
Courses on the Molecular Control of Cell Function explore the mechanisms involved in controlling cell function, such as protein-protein interactions. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which biological systems function and interact, including gene expression analysis, studies of the functions of genes and their protein products, and how the component biological processes within the cell interact and link. In addition, students take courses in Genetics or Microbiology.
Fourth Year (Honours)
The year aims to extend and explore in depth specific aspects of Biochemistry. All students begin their Honours year by attending a three-day reading party. An important feature is a ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories in the School of Medical Sciences, other schools, or in local research institutes. This project provides the opportunity to carry out original research, using state-of-the-art technology in busy laboratories. The fourth year curriculum is divided into a core course and two options courses in the first semester, with the research project and research tutorials in the second semester.
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years a greater proportion is private study involving writing essays and reports, and also in laboratory or library work relating to specific projects and student symposia.
Additional information
Biochemistry