Biochemistry MSci

This project aims to give students the ability to analyse a relevant biological problem in-depth in a modern research environment. There will be three different approaches available including the opportunity to research a laboratory-based project on a topic related to the interests of academic staff, a group-lab based project with outcomes to be decided by the student or an individual topic of interest with an in-depth literary survey of its background. There will be two days a week of project work.

This course aims to explain the background and rationale for the development of bioinformatics and computational biology. It will reveal the scope and role of bioinformatics resources and how they underpin scientific research globally, and illustrate the expedience of bioinformatics tools in molecular and cellular biochemistry research. Students will gain direct experience of using bioinformatics tools to process and interpret biological data

Students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in chemical biology research.

This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.

This module delves into the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological foundations of neurological disorders, shedding light on how dysfunction arises in the brain and nervous system. You’ll explore key topics such as neuron-glial cell interactions, neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysregulation. Additional focus will be placed on molecular mechanisms like protein misfolding, cellular stress, and synaptic dysfunction that contribute to neurodegeneration.

The module also examines interdisciplinary fields like neuroimmunology and neuro-oncology, investigating immune interactions in autoimmune diseases and brain cancers. Emphasising real-world applications, it highlights how scientific discoveries drive advancements in diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and improved patient outcomes. By understanding these complex mechanisms, you’ll appreciate the pivotal role of research in addressing neurological disorders and shaping healthcare.

In the Biological Psychiatry module, you'll explore the science behind mental health, starting with the brain's structure and function, and the role of neurotransmitter systems in behaviour and mental well-being. You'll examine how early-life stressors affect brain development and mental health in later life, and critically discuss risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including genetics, the gut microbiome, and substance misuse. The module also covers traditional treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the latest in psychedelic pharmacology, as well as the non-medicinal use of brain-affecting drugs.

You'll delve into real-world applications and societal impacts, learning how biological insights can lead to improved treatments. By the end of the module, you'll understand the ethical considerations surrounding psychiatric treatments and gain a deep appreciation of the latest research driving the field forward. This comprehensive overview will equip you with a thorough understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health and the advancements in psychiatric care.

In this module, you’ll explore the biological processes behind ageing and their impacts on human physiology, health, and frailty. You’ll delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing, investigating how they affect the entire body and contribute to age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and liver diseases.

You’ll also examine how nutrition and exercise play critical roles in regulating metabolism and reducing disease risks. The module highlights their dual role in disease prevention, progression, and as therapeutic interventions. By evaluating strategies for promoting healthy ageing and managing diseases, you’ll gain valuable insights into supporting well-being throughout the ageing process.

In this module, you’ll examine the extensive ways human activities impact the environment and affect species health on a global scale. You’ll explore the distribution and biological effects of pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and microplastics. The module also investigates how habitat loss and human-wildlife interactions influence pathogen transmission, gut microbiome dynamics, and parasitic infestations, offering insights into the ecological consequences of anthropogenic changes.

You’ll delve into additional topics like the effects of natural toxins, volatile compounds, and climate-driven habitat shifts. Through case studies and critical discussions, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how human actions disrupt ecosystems and biological health, equipping you with the knowledge to address these pressing environmental challenges.

This course is taught by 6 lecturers and explores the need for new vaccines and therapeutics against infectious diseases and unpacks the fundamental biology of how infectious agents cause disease. The course begins with a lecture on Vaccinology during which the principles of vaccine design will be taught. This will be followed by 3 lectures on viral pathogens and 3 lectures on bacterial pathogens that cause major mortality and morbidity today and for which vaccines are needed. Specifically, viral lectures will cover emerging viruses, blood borne viruses and respiratory viruses including Coronaviruses, and bacterial lectures will cover pathogenic Neisseria, Enterics and TB. Each of the 6 lectures will be followed by group learning whereby students will select a pathogen from that session and apply the principles of vaccine design to come up with their optimal vaccine. The weekly group activities will be practice for the summative assessment whereby each group will choose their final pathogen to present a joint oral presentation on their design of a new vaccine against this pathogen. Two workshops will be held after the last lecture to help the development of vaccine design projects.

In this module, you'll delve into the fascinating world of drug discovery and development, applying principles from pharmacology, neuroscience, and biochemistry. You'll explore the entire drug discovery process, from target identification and high throughput screening to target validation, safety pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics, culminating in clinical trials. You'll also investigate novel therapeutic targets for a range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, immune diseases, cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders.

By understanding the impact of disease on the pharmacokinetics of drugs and the pathophysiology of various conditions, you'll uncover new therapeutic targets. You'll learn to interpret in vivo drug data and predict human doses, equipping you with the skills to contribute to the development of new treatments. This module offers a comprehensive insight into the drug development process, preparing you for a career in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.

This module delves into the principles and cutting-edge applications of imaging technologies within biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll gain theoretical knowledge of key imaging techniques and explore their practical applications in both research and industry, discovering how they contribute to advancements across the life sciences.

A strong focus is placed on critically evaluating the role of imaging in deepening our understanding of biological systems. By engaging with these technologies, you’ll develop the skills and insight needed to assess their impact and potential in transforming the field of life sciences.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the latest technological advancements in molecular biology, focusing on their transformative impact on scientific research and development. You’ll investigate how these cutting-edge tools are employed to tackle complex challenges in the biomedical sciences, gaining insight into their applications and effectiveness.

Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on understanding the practical application of these methods, as well as analysing and interpreting the resulting data. This comprehensive approach equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of molecular biology.

This module examines the transformative power of genomics and its real-world applications, from revolutionising medicine and disease tracking to advancing conservation and evolutionary biology. You’ll explore how genomic technologies offer insights into healthcare innovation and trace the origins of species, shedding light on processes such as adaptation, speciation, and their relevance to modern populations.

The module also highlights the pivotal role of genomics in conservation, showing how genetic data helps monitor biodiversity, protect endangered species, and support ecosystem restoration. By connecting these diverse topics, the module demonstrates how genomics addresses critical challenges in human health, environmental conservation, and industrial applications, providing a holistic view of its impact across multiple fields.

This module delves into advanced concepts of tumourigenesis and tumour progression, providing insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumour development. You’ll explore the multistep nature of tumour progression, its divergence from normal biological development, and key topics such as tumour immunology, tumour evolution, and the tumour microenvironment.

The module places a strong emphasis on cancer research, highlighting how understanding the fundamentals of cancer biology contributes to the creation of innovative therapies. You’ll also examine the biochemical foundations of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, offering a comprehensive view of how cutting-edge science drives advancements in cancer care.