Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

30 credits

Chemistry impacts many spheres of everyday life. From paints and coatings to smartphone’s electrochromic displays, small molecule drugs to the understanding of biochemical processes necessary for life.  

This module will revisit chemistry topics taught at A level and build on them to ensure you become familiar with the core chemistry concepts necessary to the chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical sciences. There is a key focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

30 credits

This module introduces basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics, germ layers, and tissue types in the human body, as well as various microorganisms.  

You will experience practical sessions in a state-of-the-art laboratory, on microscopy, histology, cytogenetics and microbiology, enabling you to develop practical skills in the correct use of microscopes, examining and studying chromosomes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microbes and tissues, interpreting, and recording biological data, and build upon your knowledge gained from lectures.

This module provides a foundation for advanced modules in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology.

30 credits

This module provides an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. In this module, we will explore the role and structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and delve into defining their properties and functions. The module will also introduce the vital role of energy transformations in living organisms.  

Core material is delivered through lectures, online resources and activities, and problem-solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.  

On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells. This module will help you develop the skills necessary for enhancing your learning through effective note-taking and critical thinking, which will continue to help you throughout your degree. 

30 credits

This module provides a firm foundation in the general scientific and laboratory skills students require to successfully complete their programmes of study.  

A significant component of the module consists of the development and demonstration of core technical/practical skills through familiarity with the laboratory environment through hands-on learning.  

This module will also introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with the Navigate programme introducing the key graduate attributes required in developing your professional development portfolio in the biosciences. The Future Skills concepts and activities will support you in developing and evidencing your practice, scientific analytical/problem-solving, teamworking, digital competency, practical and numeracy skills.

30 credits

This module immerses you in the world of analytical science applied to problem solving in biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and pharmaceutical science applications. It develops critical thinking, helping you identify the best approaches to prepare samples, collect results and analyse data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative in various scenarios. You will build knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning.

30 credits

This module delves into the fascinating world of microorganisms, that play a big role in health and disease. We’ll explore how our immune system responds to these microscopic agents. Through interactive lectures and workshops, we’ll examine various microbiological processes. You will learn about controlling these organisms in laboratory settings and within patients.  

The second part broadens the scope to encompass the wider aspects of biochemistry, pharmacology and beyond. It focuses on developing your Future Skills by engaging with Explore, to enhance your research, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, and preparing you for your final year capstone project. This is further supported by tutor meetings, which helps you work on tasks to develop, articulate, and reflect on your progress and graduate attributes.

30 credits

This module builds on topics covered in your first year and explores advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides a molecular insight into the structure and function of cells and takes an integrated approach to understand how cells respond to changes in their environment – from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.

You will discover various mechanisms of intracellular signalling in different organisms. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the processes involved in the regulation of gene expression. You will also learn about practical methods relevant to cell and molecular biology, for example fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR.

30 credits

This module provides you with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.

You will investigate how organisms obtain and utilise energy from metabolic pathways. You will gain a detailed understanding of the structure of proteins, including enzymes, and have a comprehensive knowledge of practical and graphical methods involved in the investigation of enzyme activity.

You will also develop key practical skills involved in protein biochemistry and metabolism.

30 credits

Enormous amounts of data are generated in Life Sciences research every day with a wide range of applications such as providing insight into genetic diseases, modelling how a drug interacts with its target protein, exploring the diversity of microbes in our digestive systems, establishing changes of gene expression in cancer/disease, and tracking the spread of cancerous cells. Bioinformatics forms an interface between biological sciences and information technology. In this module, you will develop the skills necessary to write your own computer programs (using R and/or Python) and use online tools to analyse and interpret real-world biological datasets. Alongside this, you will explore genomic variability, molecular evolution and phylogenetics in the context of bioinformatics. The module introduces an area of increasing importance in many areas of bioscience research, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.

Core factual material is provided predominantly via computing workshops, supported by demonstrations of online bioinformatic resources, guided reading, and lectures. Additional resources will be placed on Canvas. You will undertake an individual bioinformatics mini-project investigating an authentic research question that integrates the learning across the module. 

30 credits

Your independent project forms a very important part of your degree programme. There are several types of projects that may be offered to you: a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, analysis, and original presentation of reported research data.  

Your project will include a review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.

30 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge you have gained from all other modules on the course. We will use case studies to provide an overview of biomedical techniques, including the use of point of care testing (POC) and traditional laboratory diagnosis.

You will examine their applications in clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and patient management, including drug interactions and the basis of individual variation in drug responsiveness. The use of pertinent clinical cases encourages you to think 'outside the box’ and realise that when dealing with a real patient, knowledge gained from the discipline is required simultaneously to make a rational diagnosis.

The module will also examine the importance of “quality control” (QC) and “quality assurance” (QA) in clinical diagnosis enabling you to understand the importance of both QC and QA in the correct day to day running of clinical diagnostics. The Future Skills Apply learning outcomes are delivered in this module.

15 credits

This module’s primary aim is to provide you with comprehensive insights into the exploration of current innovations and technological advances within the biomolecular sciences. The module emphasises how these innovations can be effectively translated into public benefits, including through commercial exploitation, social enhancement, or environmental improvement. By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application, preparing you for a successful career in the biosciences.

15 credits

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. 

At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.