Biochemistry & Genetics BSc and MSci Hons
Many current advances in biomedical sciences, cell biology and animal physiology rely on the application of biochemical and genetic methods, generating an increased national demand for graduates with expertise in biochemistry and molecular genetics.
This single honours course provides a thorough, modern training in both biochemistry and genetics, emphasizing common areas, such as molecular biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology. As the course progresses you will be able to select modules that focus on your area of interests such as more medically based topics or more basic science. The course is taught jointly by the Schools of Biomedical Sciences and Biology.
The biochemistry aspect of the course concentrates on molecular aspects of biological functions in the plant, animal and microbial kingdoms. It is broad in scope. Traditional boundaries between, for example, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and chemistry, are disappearing as new techniques emerge. These techniques, especially those of molecular biology and genetics, enable us to analyse biological phenomena in more and more precise molecular terms. The course is designed to reflect these developments. Students are introduced to modern techniques and their application to specific areas ranging from the function of enzymes to cell differentiation.
Genetics is one of the most exciting areas of the modern biological sciences. Scarcely a day passes without a new discovery or a new controversy related to Genetics being reported in the press. But what is Genetics? Genetics is the study of inheritance, and of the way in which cellular and developmental processes are programmed by genetic information, coded as DNA. With the advent of a number of whole genomes that have been completely sequenced - most notably the Human Genome - our understanding of the basic processes of life, and with it the science of genetics, is exploding. The Genetics programme looks at these processes across a spectrum of living organisms.
The Biochemistry and Genetics course provides a powerful and unique combination of skills to study organisms at the level of the gene, its proteins and at the cell level.
Visit our online prospectus to find out more about the BSc course and how to apply.
Visit our online prospectus to find out more about the BSc course and how to apply.
Year One
You study fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, cellular control and experimental design and data handling, together with essential chemistry, including molecular structure, bonding and reactivity of organic molecules. This course is supported by practical studies in cell biology, biochemistry and genetics; with optional courses in biology, microbiology, and physiology.
Year Two
Your studies continue at greater depth covering protein and gene structure and function, genomes and chromosomes, molecular evolution, extracellular signals, metabolic regulation, and oxidative phosphorylation. The course also includes laboratory classes in analysis of proteins and enzymes, and practical gene cloning plus optional courses including medical molecular genetics, molecular embryology or a dissertation.
Year Three
A major feature is an individual project, which may be lab, bioinformatics or literature based. You will take courses in gene control, advanced gene cloning, cancer and other diseases and protein life cycles along with a course developing transferable skills of presentation, interpretation and criticism of scientific data. Optional courses in developmental biology, cancer genetics, ageing, sex and DNA repair and evolution are available.
Year Four
In year four of The MSci degree you will take a set of modules which will expose you to the latest developments in your preferred area of biochemistry or genetics and equip you with the tools to plan and carry out research and present your findings effectively. The learning style will be strongly student-centred, culminating in a substantial research project where you will work alongside experts, receive one-to-one supervision and benefit from state-of-the art facilities.
Many graduates from these programmes go on to careers in research, in academia, industry and medical research laboratories, or in fields such as Genetic Counselling
What skills will you gain on the course?
Knowledge gained whilst studying biochemistry and genetics is applicable in many areas, particularly in medicine, manufacturing and biotechnology. Graduates in this field possess the knowledge, professional expertise and laboratory skills needed to develop a thorough understanding of the phenomenal progress of biological and biomedical sciences. By studying biochemistry and genetics you gain extensive experience of research, including the application of numeracy and IT skills, which are central to the extrapolation and analysis of data.
The course is a dynamic and progressive discipline, and graduates learn how to identify, select and organise information in order to keep up to date with developments. Your degree course includes an extended research project, based in an existing research group, enabling you to develop project management, team-working, organisational skills, and demonstrate the ability to understand complex scientific data and information.
Who employs Biochemistry and Genetics graduates?
A large proportion of our graduates go on to study for higher degrees. These students regularly succeed in gaining places on Masters and Doctoral programmes at the UKs top University Departments (including Oxford and Cambridge) and in Government research council and charity research Institutes. Our students also compete well in selection for post-graduate medicine courses with students entering these courses at various universities in most years.
The pharmaceutical industry recruits at graduate and postgraduate level in large numbers. With the ongoing challenge to find new medicines and treatments the industry looks set to remain a major player.
The human genome project continues to have a strong influence on industry, creating many new technologies. There is an increased demand for biochemists with genetics knowledge who want to apply it away from the lab in a commercial function, for example clinical research, product management, sales and marketing.
Employers in biotech industries, and food and drink companies, including brewing, health and beauty care, are keen to employ graduates with the range of skills that these degrees provide. There are many changes taking place in this area of the private sector. Large pharmaceutical companies are merging. There are dozens of small and medium sized biotech firms involved in highly specialized research and consultancy - some of these firms are well established, but many of them are new, sometimes as spin-offs from larger companies.
The public sector, hospitals, universities, Public Health Laboratory Service, National Blood Service (NBS), and cancer research institutes all have openings. UK Home Civil Service scientific laboratories include those in agriculture and fisheries, environmental pollution, forensic science, health, overseas development and defence. The government sponsored research councils - Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - each have laboratories that recruit biochemists and molecular geneticists, but usually following a higher degree. Medical charity-sponsored research institutes also recruit biochemists and molecular geneticists eg Cancer Research UK laboratories.
Careers open to all graduates
About 60% of vacancies advertised for graduates in the UK don't ask for specific degree subjects. Possession of a degree is taken as evidence of intellectual ability. What is more important to the potential employer is the range of transferable skills and experience you can demonstrate. Work experience and relevant postgraduate qualifications may also help make you more attractive.