Biochemistry and Genetics with a Foundation Year

Molecular biology is a growing subject which is making an enormous impact in many scientific areas, including the study and treatment of many human diseases, pharmaceutical development, and the complex relationships between our environment and ourselves.

This interdisciplinary joint honours degree combines two complementary and overlapping disciplines, providing you with in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research, which are the basis for understanding all forms of life.

You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms, and study how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels, gaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

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

This programme provides you with the opportunity to study core modules within the field of biomolecular sciences, alongside bespoke specialist modules related to advances in the field of biochemistry.

Topics include physiology, immunology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacogenomics and genetics, alongside subject specialisms that include biochemistry, immunopathology, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and the genetics of cancer.

An integrated approach is taken to teaching and assessment, embedding practical and transferable skills into the investigation of core principles, as well as emerging scientific questions. Teaching draws on the outstanding existing research expertise within the Medical School, ensuring that you can learn about the most cutting-edge and up-to-date advancements in the field.

Following a grounding in fundamental science and core practical skills in the first year, your second year will tackle more complex subjects such as biostatistics, immunology, clinical aspects of the discipline, and biomolecular approaches and techniques that are utilised in moder research areas.

Your third year will expose you to more specialised fields based upon the active research interests within the Medical School, and are led by active research staff. This year also aims to further develop your independent research skills, relevant to your chosen career aims, through the completion of your own dissertation project, which will draw on the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the course.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The 4-year MSci is an advanced undergraduate degree including an integrated master’s year, with the extra year spent undertaking a research project, allowing you to further develop your skills and knowledge.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc or MSci.

In the Foudnation Year, 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 and disease
Fundamentals of organic chemistry

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution
Chemistry for Biochemists
Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life
Microbiology
Human Physiology
Organic Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences.
Population Genomics
Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease
Chemical Analysis: from Composition to Structure Elucidation; an Introduction for Life Sciences.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Microbial Molecular Genetics
Human and Medical Genetics
Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction
Human Immunology
Molecular Evolution
Bioethics
Introduction to neuroscience
Biostatistics
Advanced metabolism
Techniques in molecular biology

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including:
Membranes and energy transduction
Capstone project
Teaching science
Animal Development
Membrane Trafficking
Advanced Biostatistics
Medical Genetics
Genetic Toxicology
Genetics of Cancer
Nucleic acids: components, metabolism and modification
Human Immunopathology
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition
Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science

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.