Biochemistry MBiochem (Hons)

In the first three years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Biology alongside modules in at least one other subject.

1st Year

In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all Biology degree programmes. 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 will address 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 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: covers fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, DNA replication and repair.
• Research Methods in Biology: helps 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 Behavioural Biology via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:

• Protein Structure and Function
• Gene Regulation
• Bioenergetics
• Infection and Disease
• Membranes and Cell Communication.

In fourth year, students typically undertake an independent 7 to 12-month research placement hosted by an external institute or company. The external placement gives students the opportunity to practice and learn a range of scientific and generic skills, including an element of independent working in a working environment outside of St Andrews.

Students will find out more about these placements once they have completed their first two years.

5th Year

During fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules in your chosen speciality. Advanced modules offered in the past include:

• Antimicrobials - Mode of Action and Resistance
• Metabolic and Clinical Biochemistry
• Eukaryotic Chromosome Replication and Genome Stability
• Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Trafficking
• Neurodegeneration and Aging.

In fifth year, you will also undertake an advanced laboratory research project to investigate a defined problem within biochemistry. The project will involve initiative and independence in experimental design and in pursuing the literature, excellent experimental and analytical techniques. Students will be allocated to a member of staff within the School of Biology who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year. The project will be presented in the form of a proposal, a research dissertation, an oral presentation and a viva.