Medical Biochemistry with a Foundation Year

If you’re interested in Biochemistry, how it links to the study of diseases, the development of pharmaceutics and the complex relationship between these and our environment, but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Medical Biochemistry. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year with at least a 60% overall average, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

Our Medical Biochemistry degree will give you an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

You will develop excellent project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies, and a powerful supercomputer facility.

This degree is a Pathway to Medicine programme. Provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine. You have successfully completed this Pathway, you will be guaranteed an interview for our flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCH course.

In Year 0, you will typically study areas including: Foundation Biological Chemistry, Metabolism and Homeostasis, The Human Cell, Foundation Skills Development, Introduction to Molecular Biology, Fundamentals of Microbiology & Disease and Organic Chemistry

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics and Evolution, Biochemistry, Organic and Analytical Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences, Human Physiology, Skills for Medical Sciences and Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction, Techniques in Molecular Biology, Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology, Advanced Metabolism, Skills for Researchers, Biostatistics, Human Immunology, Introduction to Neuroscience, Human and Medical Genetics, Microbial Molecular Genetics.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Membranes and Energy Transduction, Practical Quantitative Research, Nucleic Acids: Components, Metabolism and Modification, Animal Development, Membrane Trafficking, Advanced Biostatistics, Human Immunopathology, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry, Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory classes and independent projects

Assessment will take place through a variet of differenr methods including examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations.

In your final year you will undertake an independent research project, potentially contributing to scientific research at the school, under the guidance of professional research scientists.