Course summary

Biochemists study the molecular basis of life. This underpins our fundamental understanding of human health and disease and also supports applied science like drug discovery, diagnostics and biotechnology. Our Biochemistry course immerses you in ground-breaking research and gives you the opportunity to develop high-level analytical and problem-solving skills that prepare you for a diverse range of careers. The centrepiece of the MSci Biochemistry course is an extended research project that allows you to develop in-depth expertise in your area of specialism and acquire the skills required to embark on a research career. The MSci covers all the major aspects of biochemistry with an emphasis on cutting-edge research. The first two years of the MSci are identical to the BSc. You can tailor the course to suit your interests across all years by combining your study of biochemistry with a choice of optional units. In the first year these units currently include anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and physiology. Your second year combines biochemistry and molecular genetics with a choice of units covering topics such as neurophysiology, infection and immunity, mathematics and languages. In your third year you will learn about a range of advanced topics in biochemistry and cell biology and participate in a laboratory-based research training unit where you will develop the skills needed to define and solve research problems. This prepares you for a research-intensive fourth year, where you will spend up to 16 weeks on an individual research project under the supervision of one of our research group leaders. You will learn about the context in which scientific research is undertaken through the Science and Society unit and complete your studies by choosing two advanced units which could include Synthetic Biology, Cell Biology of Development and Disease, and Protein Assemblies and Molecular Machines. We focus on the development of your practical and research skills throughout the first two years. We also offer summer studentships and subject-specific employability and enterprise sessions. Recent graduate destinations from our biochemistry courses include higher degrees such as a PhD, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, research institutes, the NHS, graduate medicine, teaching, forensics, the civil service, medical publishing, finance, business consultancy, patent law, science communications and more.