Medical Biochemistry

In Year 1 you’ll be provided with a foundation in the key elements of biochemistry that can be applied to the medical specialisation that will come later in your degree. Alongside practicals and lectures, there will be weekly academic small group tutorials that will give you a chance to discuss the key concepts of biochemistry and develop your scientific skills in preparation for the following years.

With an in-depth focus on topics that underpin modern biochemistry, such as the molecular pathologies of human health and disease, Year 2 offers a chance to build on the foundations of Year 1 and begin to develop your expertise in the subject. You will further advance your laboratory skills and take greater responsibility for your experimental design.

In Year 3 you’ll develop the specialist knowledge that will enable you to understand the current research within biochemistry and how it relates to the development of medical treatment for disease. Alongside studying modules in advanced topics in medical biochemistry such as once genes and tumour suppressors, you’ll also undertake an independent research project that will see you take ownership of your own research, under the supervision of a field leading expert.

Integrated Masters (MBiol)

Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc, and provide foundation knowledge and skills.

In Year 3, you’ll undertake a practical project which aims to introduce you to increasingly sophisticated techniques and research facilities in preparation for your research project. You’ll also carry out a literature review of your proposed project area, with the support of your supervisor. Alongside this, you will undertake an advanced skills module and study current topics aligned with your choice of theme that will further develop your skills and give you the edge in the graduate job market.

In Year 4, you’ll undertake an extended research project in the research laboratories under the supervision of one of our academics, alongside studying specialist research topics and a skills module which aims to prepare you for life as a professional scientist.

Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introductory Integrated Biochemistry: the Molecules and Processes of Life 60 credits
• Introductory Biochemistry: Practical Skills 20 credits
• Introductory Biochemistry: Problem Solving and Data Handling 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Intermediate Integrated Biochemistry 60 credits
• Intermediate Biochemistry: Practicals 20 credits
• Intermediate Biochemistry: Skills 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry I 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry 2 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry 3 20 credits
• Advanced Biochemistry: Skills 20 credits
• Research Tools and Applications 20 credits
• Extended Research Project Preparation 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Extended Research Project 90 credits
• Specialised Research Topics and Skills 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Medical Biochemistry MBiol, BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.

Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.

As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.

Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.