Biochemistry MBiol (Integrated Masters)

Course content What will you study?

Here is an overview of current modules available on this course. Regular updates may mean that exact module titles may differ.

Year 1

Mandatory

• Introduction to Biological Chemistry and Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Introduction to Human Anatomyand Physiology

Optional

• Introduction to Human Biology and Disease
• Introduction to Nutrition in Humans
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Introduction to Ecology

Year 2

Mandatory

• Molecularand Cellular Biology
• Protein Structure & Function
• Immunology
• Project and Career development

Optional

• Human Genetics
• Medical Forensic Science
• Human Systems Physiology
• Comparative Digestive Anatomyand Physiology
• Microbiology
• Plant Biology
• Work Experience

Year 3

Mandatory

• Metabolic Biochemistry
• Clinical Biochemistry
• The Biochemistry of Cancer
• Independent Study

Optional

• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Mammalian Reproduction
• Plant Developmentand Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Extension Module
• Research Methods and Research Project
• Work Experience

Year 4

Mandatory

• Research Methods
• Applied and Commercial Research
• Integrated Masters Thesis/Project in Biology

In your first year you will study a wide range of subjects which will enable you to develop a comprehensive appreciation of biochemistry. In Years 2 and 3 the subjects you take become more specialised and the modular scheme enables you to tailor your course to the areas of biochemistry that you find most interesting. The modules reflect the diversity of the subject and explore such areas as molecular genetics, protein structure and function, immunology, microbiology and the molecular biology of cancer. The range of subjects will allow you to choose a wide variety of career pathways after your degree.

In your third year you will also have the opportunity of undertaking your own research project on a topic that interests you as part of your Independent Study or Biosciences Research Project. Past topics relating to Biochemistry have included association of matrix metalloproteinase genes with asthma, studying cellular interactions of oncoproteins, improving the efficacy of standard chemotherapies to treat cancer and mutagenesis of protein disulphide isomerase.

Year 4 modules are common to a range of Biological Science Integrated masters courses but each subject specialisation will be achieved by students varying their selection of topics from within menus of material within each module. For example, a Biochemistry student will undertake an appropriate research project which will differ from the choices available to a Plant Scientist. Although there will be generic material, the individual skills delivered within the Applied and Commercial Research and Research Methods modules will also be tailored to deliver the individual needs of each Integrated Masters course.

Applied and Commercial Research is a unique aspect of our Integrated Masters programme compared with other institutions. It will offer students valuable insights into applied and commercial rather than just pure research. Most of this module will take advantage of current commercial and applied research expertise in our Charles Darwin Laboratories including the .