Biochemistry, BSc (Hons)

You will develop in-depth knowledge and skills in the molecular aspects of living processes. You will then use your knowledge and skills to study key aspects of:

This course provides an in-depth approach to Biochemistry and the molecular aspects of cells. You will examine the key aspects of macromolecule and cell structure and function, and inter-relationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.

Why choose this course?

You will have hands-on experience in fundamental techniques including:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• molecular cloning (DNA modification)
• protein analysis
• biochemical catalysis
• kinetic models as well as bioinformatics as applied to the analysis of gene databases and protein structure-function relationships.

You will also have the option to undertake a 12-month paid work placement in your third year. Our Placement Office and the School's excellent links with companies, including GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, facilitate this.

Professional recognition

Our biological sciences courses were awarded a maximum score of 24 points in the latest External Subject Review conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). In the last Research Assessment Exercise, our biomedical sciences research (subjects allied to medicine) was awarded a grade five. This means that our research is of international significance.

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

What will I study?

Year One

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Introduction to Microbiology
• Introductions to Pharmacology
• Practical techniques for Biology
• Genetics and Immunology

Year Two

• Biochemical Techniques
• Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases
• Metabolism and its Control
• Molecular Biology and Protein Structure
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Antibody and DNA Technology

You will need two modules from:

• Microbial Structure, Identification and Distribution
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Cells and Tissues
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Organ Systems.

Year Three - optional work placement
This course gives you the option to undertake a year's placement in industry. You will be assessed throughout your placement year and be required to write and submit a reflective report and diary.

Final Year

• Comparative Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics
• Cell Signalling and Cancer
• Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Research Project or Short
• Project/ Dissertation

Two modules from:

• Immunology and Virology
• Current Topics in Pharmacology
• Toxicology.

You will be eligible to receive an additional award, the Diploma in Professional Practice, upon graduation.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a variety of components including the following.

Written 34%

• Exams
• Multiple completion tests

Coursework 34%

• Assignments
• Group projects and reports
• Dissertation / research project
• Poster presentations

Practical 32%

• Laboratory assessments
• Oral presentations

Research
We have dedicated laboratories and equipment which supports our excellent research. Our Biosciences Team's research was awarded 90% 'internationally recognised', including 20% 'world leading' in the recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008).

Where will I study?

Most of your lectures and seminars will held across Clifton campus in Erasmus Darwin or the John Clare lecture theatres. Your laboratory sessions will be held in the brand new:

• Rosalind Franklin building
• Erasmus Darwin laboratories.

What's included in the course fees?

You will need equipment to work in the laboratory classes, such as a lab coat and safety spectacles. These will be provided at your induction. All other requirements for the labs will be provided in the laboratory session. This will include simple equipment such as forceps through to table top tablets.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

The School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment in which you will develop the knowledge and transferable skills you need to put you ahead of the graduate crowd.

Our first class facilities:

• enhance the quality of our education
• push the boundaries of our research.

Rosalind Franklin building
You will have access to some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with superior IT facilities and equipment to ensure that our students get excellent training in:

• practical laboratory techniques
• modern analytical methods.

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
This facility was built in 2002 at a cost of £2.3 million. It supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.

Natural Sciences Research Facility
The Natural Sciences Research Facility supports and enhances the School’s research in:

• Physics
• Biosciences
• Chemistry
• Imaging
• Materials
• Sport.

We have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including an £8m computing and informatics building, a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber, a crime scene house forensic-training facility and a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.