First year
In your first year, you'll spend six hours in the lab each week learning the practical skills and knowledge that every bioscientist needs, including how to establish bacterial cultures, assess bioenergetics and perform gene cloning. Analysis classes will equip you with the skills you'll use outside the lab, from interacting with your data to interpreting your findings. Your lectures will give you a broad understanding of the molecular biosciences, allowing you to explore what you're most interested in.
Core modules:
- Biochemistry 1
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Principles of Evolution
- Genetics 1
- Skills in Molecular Bioscience
Second year
In your second year, you'll begin learning more advanced scientific techniques, both in the lab and in lectures, with topics including experimental design, genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and protein purification. You'll continue to take analysis classes to develop your data handling skills further and you can choose to study modules that allow you to work in teams to come up with pioneering science enterprise ideas to launch a virtual business.
Core modules:
- Genes, genomes and chromosomes
- Genetics 2
- Skills in Molecular Biology II
Third year
In your third year, you'll complete an extended research project alongside your chosen specialist modules. This will reflect an area of molecular bioscience that interests you. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can choose a project from: experimental science, clinical diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, molecular systems and computing, science communication or education and outreach.
Core modules:
- Literature Review
- Research Project
- Genetics Data Handling
Fourth year
In your fourth year, the majority of your time will be devoted to a major research project. You can choose between spending a year in industry and completing your project at a company such as AstraZeneca, GSK or Unilever, or undertaking projects in one of our world-leading research labs within the department or the University of Sheffield Medical School.
Core modules:
- Introduction to Research Methodology
- Advanced Literature Review
- Advanced Research Topics
