Biochemistry

Course detail Description

On our Biochemistry MSci course you will study all areas of modern biochemistry including: biological chemistry, structural biology and biophysics, metabolism, cell biology, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, immunology and microbiology. Biochemistry is a subject in which practical skills and the capacity to experiment are vital. On our MSci course, alongside your theoretical learning, you will also be trained in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis and presentation, particularly in the final year which focuses on these skills.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

In your second and third years you will focus on applications of biochemistry for understanding human disease, the biochemical and biophysical techniques used in understanding biological processes and the relationship between protein structure and function. In Year 2 you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions.

Your fourth year will focus on training in research project design and the presentation skills essential for a career in research. Finally you will spend six months conducting an independent and original research project in one of our laboratories.

Teaching

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

Course stage

Percentage of time in scheduled learning & teaching activities

Percentage of time in guided independent study

Percentage of time on placements

Year 1

25%

75%

-

Year 2

30%

70%

-

Year 3

39%

61%

-

Year 4

55%

45%

-

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and practical observation.

Course stage

Percentage of assessment by written exams

Percentage of assessment by practical exams

Percentage of assessment by coursework

Year 1

78%

5%

17%

Year 2

63%

-

37%

Year 3

51%

5%

44%

Year 4

-

18%

82%

Studying abroad

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

• The University of Melbourne, Australia

• National University of Singapore

• The University of California

• The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option.

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Location

This course is primarily taught at our Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

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Structure

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 480 credits.

This is flexible four-year degree course based on a combination of required and optional modules. There are opportunities to revert to our Biochemistry BSc course, and to study overseas for Year 2.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Biochemistry (15 credits)

• Chemistry for the Biosciences (15 credits)

• Genetics & Molecular Biology (15 credits)

• Cell Biology and Neuroscience (15 credits)

• Fundamentals of Physiology & Anatomy (30 credits)

• Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Skills for the Biosciences (15 credits)

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules for this course in Year 1.

Year 2

You will have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities. See the course description for more information.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Gene Cloning & Expression A (15 credits)

• Metabolism (15 credits)

• Protein Structure & Function (15 credits)

• Cell Biology A (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Experimental Biochemistry (15 credits)

• Gene Cloning & Expression B (15 credits)

• Human & Molecular Genetics (15 or 30 credits)

• Principles of Bioinformatics (15 credits)

• Immune System in Health & Disease (15 credits)

• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)

• Tissue Pathology (15 credits)

• Neuroscience (30 credits)

• Essentials of Embryology (15 credits)

• Endocrinology & Reproduction (15 credits)

• Psychology (15 credits)

• Drug Discovery & Development (15 credits)

• Social Impact of the Biosciences (15 credits)

• A maximum of one modern language module (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to- date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 3 Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Protein Structure & Design (15 credits)

You are also required to conduct one of the following research projects:

• Molecular Biology Practical Project (30 credits) and a Library project (15 credits)

• Extended Research Project (45 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 60 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Molecular Basis of Human Disease (15 credits)

• Advanced Biophysical Techniques (15 credits)

• Oxidative Stress in Experimental Pathology (15 or 30 credits)

• Biomedical Diagnostics (15 credits)

• Molecular Immunology (15 credits)

• Advanced Molecular Genetics (15 credits)

• Molecular Genetics of Model Organisms (15 credits)

• Medical Genetics (15 credits)

• Epigenetics (15 credits)

• Biology of Cancer (30 credits)

• Cell Physiology (15 credits)

• Endocrinology of Diabetes (15 credits)

• Muscle (15 credits)

• Mechanisms of Development (30 credits)

• Drug Safety & Toxicology (30 credits)

• Viruses & Diseases (15 or 30 credits)

• Modules from across the School of Bioscience Education

• A maximum of one modern language module (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to- date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 4 Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Research Techniques in Molecular Science (15 credits)

• Project Design in Biochemistry (15 credits)

• Biochemistry Research Skills (30 credits)

• Biochemistry Research Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules for this course in Year 4.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.