Biochemistry

Program Overview

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Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Overview

Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of biochemistry. Explore the interface between biology and chemistry on a degree which combines teaching with extensive practical work in state-of-the-art facilities.

Course Features

• Sandwich year option available
• Studying abroad option available
• Fieldwork
• International students can apply

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Biology in Practice: Looks at the nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological knowledge develops, and the contribution biology makes to society. Part of this module will be delivered during a field trip (costs included in fees).
• Genetics and Evolution: Introduces the genetic and environmental control of an individual’s characteristics. The module outlines how variation at the DNA and chromosomal level leads to variation in the phenotype and genotype and the potential consequences of this variation including speciation.
• Introduction to Cell Biology: Focuses on the cell as the basic biological unit. Using a range of activities, you will examine the molecular components that determine the structure, biochemical nature and physiology of different cells.
• Chemistry for Biologists: Introduces the basics of chemistry, involving clear and lucid explanations of chemical concepts with a coherent problem-solving approach.
• Two of:
  • Organic Chemistry: Will use the functional group approach to classify organic substances and to understand their use in a wider context of applied chemistry.
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Focuses on developing your knowledge of the structure and function of the human body.
  • Ecology: Introduces concepts fundamental to populations and communities using examples from across habitats and ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity: Provides an overview of the diversity of life, the major taxonomical groups and their phylogenetic relationship.
  • Language 1: Is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree.

Year 2

• Research Methods in Biology: Develops essential biological research methods and data analysis skills, providing a sound base for a future dissertation.
• Reaction Kinetics: Underpins the knowledge to quantify the rate of chemical reactions.
• Techniques in Biochemistry: Provides concise and clear explanations of the experimental techniques used in the complex biochemistry relevant to human health and disease.
• Biochemistry and Metabolism: Enhance your understanding of several advanced concepts in the field of life sciences.
• Two of:
  • Molecular Genetics: Provides an understanding of several aspects of the regulation of gene expression both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Introduction to Biotechnology: Provides a basic understanding of the principles of biotechnology and its practical applications.
  • Plant Form and Physiology: Provides you with an understanding of plant structure and physiology.
  • Immunology and Infectious Diseases: Recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents.

Year 3

• Biochemistry Research Project: Develops further understanding of the concepts, theories and skills acquired during earlier studies on the programme by utilising a topic of the your own choosing.
• One of:
  • Clinical Biochemistry: Introduces you to the concepts of clinical biochemical analyses of body fluids and other biological material aiding the diagnostic, therapy, and healing processes of patients at their point of care.
  • Plant Biochemistry: Will provide learning opportunities on the biochemical interactions between plants and the environment.
• Three of:
  • Clinical Biochemistry: Introduces you to the concepts of clinical biochemical analyses of body fluids and other biological material aiding the diagnostic, therapy, and healing processes of patients at their point of care.
  • Plant Biochemistry: Will provide learning opportunities on the biochemical interactions between plants and the environment.
  • Genomics and Bioinformatics: Centres on how the combination of sequencing and increased computational power has led to a revolution in the way genetic information is utilised and applied.
  • Applications of Genetics: Explores the cutting-edge advances in molecular technologies including gene expression quantification, next generation sequencing and genome editing.
  • Applications of Biotechnology: Provides you with an advanced understanding of the applications of biotechnology within various industries including food, medicine, environmental management and agriculture.
  • Pharmacology: Details the development, application and action of drugs on the human system through a combination of practical and theoretical work.
  • Advanced Tissue Applications: Provides an in-depth understanding of the use of different cell and tissue-based applications in research, medical diagnostics and at the lab-clinic interface.
  • Plants and People: Provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of plants to human wellbeing in economic and broader cultural settings.
  • Medical Microbiology: Recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents.

How You'll Study

You will study via a combination of face-to-face lectures, practical sessions and tutorials, with students typically in the department most days of the week. Field work will be available depending on the optional modules that you choose.

How You'll Be Assessed

Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations tailored to suit the subject area of each module. A wide range of coursework is employed, including practical write-ups, essays, laboratory logbooks and biochemistry animations.

Who Will Be Teaching You

Edge Hill University has over 30 years’ experience in delivering biology degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of biochemistry.

Entry Criteria

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. You will also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 (or equivalent).

How to Apply

Apply online through UCAS.

Facilities

Our BioSciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best equipped facilities in the country. Resources include fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, DNA extraction and analysis equipment, and climate controlled insectaries.

Finance

Tuition Fees

• UK Full-Time: £9,535 a year
• UK Part-Time: £79 per credit for 360 credits
• International: £17,000 a year

Your Future Career

Graduates in biochemistry are highly sought after in various industries. You’ll be well equipped for a career in areas such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. Chemical engineering, food technology or health are also popular destinations. Research, either within universities or science institutes, is also a common route. Beyond the subject itself, you’ll have developed the skills to graduate as an articulate, logical, numerate, strong communicator. These are the skills required for careers in the industry as well as for managers or in education.

Program Outline

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Outline:

• Year 1:
• Biology in Practice
• Chemistry for Biologists
• Genetics and Evolution
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology (Optional)
• Biodiversity (Optional)
• Ecology (Optional)
• Language 1 (Optional)
• Organic Chemistry (Optional)
• Year 2:
• Research Methods in Biology
• Reaction Kinetics
• Techniques in Biochemistry
• Biochemistry and Metabolism
• Nutrition (Optional)
• Molecular Genetics (Optional)
• Introduction to Biotechnology (Optional)
• Plant Form and Physiology (Optional)
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases (Optional)
• Language 2 (Optional)
• Year 3:
• Biochemistry Research Project
• Clinical Biochemistry (Optional)
• Plant Biochemistry (Optional)
• Advanced Tissue Applications (Optional)
• Applications of Biotechnology (Optional)
• Applications of Genetics (Optional)
• Genomics and Bioinformatics (Optional)
• Language 3 (Optional)
• Medical Microbiology (Optional)
• Pathology (Optional)
• Pharmacology (Optional)
• Plants and People (Optional)

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Assessment:

• Coursework
• Examinations
• Practical work

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Teaching:

• Lectures
• Practical sessions
• Tutorials
• Field work

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Careers:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology companies
• Chemical engineering
• Food technology
• Health
• Research
• Education
• Management

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• The program includes a one-year placement option.
• The program includes a study abroad option.
• The program includes a field trip.
• The program includes a language option.
• The program includes a research project.

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Tuition fees UK Full-Time £9,250 a year UK Part-Time £77 per credit for 60 credits International £16,500 a year