Biochemistry (BSc)

Programme description

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. You will divide your time between chemistry and biology, although the balance can be adjusted to suit your interests and aptitudes. Initially, you will study organic and physical chemistry, as well as genetics and cell biology. From the second year, you will concentrate on the structure and function of proteins and the catalysts and controllers of chemical reactions. In addition to modules covering enzymes, you will study macromolecular protein assemblies, cell signalling and the interactions between proteins and prosthetic groups and co-factors, as well as the biochemistry of disease, cell biology and differentiation. You will also study the molecular biology of DNA, its replication, repair, mutation and organisation.

Programme outline

Year 1

Compulsory modules:

Foundations of Organic Chemistry
Organic Functional Group Chemistry
Fundamentals of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Heredity and Gene Action
Basic Biochemistry
Cell Dynamics
Essential Skills for Biologists

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

Membrane Biochemistry
Chemistry of Biological Molecules
Techniques for Biological and Chemical Sciences
Genes and Bioinformatics
Metabolic Pathways
Microbial Physiology and Growth

Options include:

Animal Physiology
Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics
Fundamentals of Neurobiology
Research Methods and Communication

Year 3

Compulsory modules:

Integrative Studies in Biological Sciences
Protein Structure, Folding and Assemblies
Membrane Proteins
Enzyme Catalysis
Molecular Basis of Disease
Biological Sciences Research Project / Investigative Project / Project Skills in the Life Sciences

Options include:

Neuroscience: From Molecules to Behaviour
Developmental Biology and Cell Signalling
Endocrine Physiology and Biochemistry
Functional Genomics and Epigenetics

Assessment

For all programmes you must take 120 credits (normally eight modules) in each academic year. Each module is assessed through theory examinations (typically accounting for 75-80 per cent of the final mark) and coursework (for example, practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests). Examinations normally last two and a half hours for first and second years and three hours for final-year papers. Final-year students undertake a research project/investigative project worth 15 or 30 credits; these are assessed with a detailed written report, oral presentation, poster and an interview. The main examination period is in May/June, with deferred exams and resits in August for first- and second-year students. The format of undergraduate examinations varies among programmes and may include multiple choice questions (MCQ), extended matching questions (EMQ), short answer questions, problem solving or case-based exercises, and essays.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a BSc degree in Biochemistry may go on to careers in medicine and dentistry, or study for a further degree such as an MSc or PhD. Graduates have also gone on to jobs such as work in a medical laboratory. Many diverse and rewarding career opportunities are possible having obtained a degree in Biochemistry because of the transferable skills gained throughout the programme.

Entry requirements

Please refer to our detailed entry requirements for the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Further information

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3200/ 3014/ 5029
Fax: +44 (0)20 8983 0973
email: sbcs-admissions@qmul.ac.uk
www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk

For further information you can also call the Enquiries Hotline (UK callers only) on Freephone
0800 376 1800.

International students should contact the Admissions and Recruitment office:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5511
email: admissions@qmul.ac.uk
www.qmul.ac.uk/international