What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
Year 1
Year 1 provides you with a firm foundation in the biological and chemical principles on which life is based. You will gain a comprehensive overview of biochemistry, from the atomic level to that of the whole body. Subject areas include the fundamentals of chemistry, cells and tissues, genetics and molecular biology. A scientific and practical skills module will also introduce you to important laboratory techniques and the necessary mathematics, statistics and IT required by biochemists.
Core modules
Genes, Cells and Tissues
30 credits
This module is a core module taken by students in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Science, Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology. The module introduces students to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and a variety of microorganisms. Core factual material is provided in keynote lectures and supported via material available via StudySpace. Laboratory practicals give students the opportunity to learn selected current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbial organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to modules at levels 5 and 6 that develop further knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.
The Biochemical Foundations of Life
30 credits
This is a core module taken by students studying Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Science, Medical Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology. The module is intended to give you an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. The module will then elaborate on the role that structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids plays in defining their properties and function along with describing some of the laboratory techniques used in their investigation. The module will also introduce the importance of energy transformations in living organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to level 5 and 6 modules that develop further knowledge in biochemical principles. Core material is delivered through lectures and problem solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.
Foundation Chemistry
30 credits
This is a core module for Pharmaceutical Science degree courses. The module revises some content taught at A-Level before expanding on this content to give foundation knowledge of the core chemistry concepts required for progress within the field of pharmaceutical science.
Scientific and Laboratory Skills
30 credits
This first year module is a core module for all Bioscience and Forensic Science programmes, and provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.
Accreditation Skills Portfolio 1
0 credits
This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical laboratory skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.
Year 2
Year 2 introduces some of the more specialised aspects of biochemistry. You will gain a detailed knowledge of protein function, structure and analysis; the major metabolic pathways; organisation and physiology of cells including cell signalling; genes and their expression; pharmacological principles; and the application of research methods. You will also explore a range of bioanalytical techniques employed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Core modules
Proteins and Metabolism
30 credits
This module is core in the Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Human Biology, Medical Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology routes) and Nutrition (Human Nutrition). It is also an option module for Biomedical Science. The module provides students with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
30 credits
This is a core module taken by student in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route), Pharmacology, and is an option module taken by Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences (General route)
The module builds on topics covered in LS4001 (Genes, Cells and Tissues) and explores more advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides insight into the structure and function of cells, and takes an integrated approach to looking at how cells respond to changes in their environment - from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.
Formal lectures are supported by laboratory classes, tutorials, workshops, independent study and further resources available on Canvas. The module also includes opportunities to develop both data-handling and written skills.
Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods
30 credits
This is a core module for students studying Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology. It aims to develop the scientific, academic and research skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate applications of these skills to study and research in pharmacology. Research methods and employability skills are taught within the context of pharmacological research and associated industries. You will be introduced to the basic concepts of pharmacodynamics (how drugs take their effect at given targets) and drug disposition/pharmacokinetics (the effect the body has on administered drugs), whilst considering the factors which influence such parameters and thus lead to individual variability in drug response. The module goes on to discuss the principles of toxicology, how drugs are discovered and developed, and the role of pharmaceutical sector / regulatory bodies in this process.
Analytical Science
30 credits
This module is a core requirement in the Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic science and Biochemistry fields. The module introduces students to the applications of analytical science within analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and the pharmaceutical sciences. It allows you to build your knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning.
Accreditation Skills Portfolio 2
0 credits
This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.
