Molecular Biology

Programme Structure & Content

First Year
Students take courses in Chemistry and Biology plus additional courses selected from the wide range available from science and other areas.

Second Year
In second year students take a selection of courses that offer a training in fundamental aspects of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Third Year
The third year courses advance students' understanding of the Molecular Biology of the Cell. In addition, students take courses in Genetics and Biochemistry.

Fourth Year (Honours)
The Honours year aims to extend and explore in depth specific aspects of Molecular Biology. All students begin their Honours year by attending a three-day reading party. An important feature of the Honours course is a ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories within 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 and alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral staff. 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.

Variations
For the degree with Industrial Placement the year in industry is taken between third and fourth year, in an appropriate industrial laboratory.

Teaching & Assessment

In the early years, teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years a rather greater proportion of students' time is taken up in private study involving writing essays and reports and also in laboratory or library work relating to specific projects and student symposia.