| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Students specialize in biochemistry and microbiology in Years 3 and 4, developing skills in laboratory-based research. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and offers flexibility, allowing students to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare industries, as well as research and postgraduate studies.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes the study of biological systems at the molecular level, with a focus on the smallest living organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Students gain a deep understanding of the molecular pathways that lead to disease processes and develop skills in laboratory-based research. The program is underpinned by the university's strong research base and collaborations with industry, the NHS, and international partners.
Outline:
Year 1 & 2
Students in all biosciences degrees study the same modules in the first two years. This allows students to defer their ultimate choice of degree until the end of Year 2.
Year 1
- Cells and their Molecules
- Organisms and Diseases
- Bio-organic Chemistry
- Elective subjects (20 credits)
Year 2
- Introduction to Immunology
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Introduction to Pharmacology
Year 3 & 4
Students specialize in the area in which they plan to graduate.
Year 3
- Biomedical Biochemistry
- Fundamental Microbiology
- Fundamental Biochemistry
- Biomedical Microbiology
Year 4
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Advanced Microbiology
- Optional modules (one from the following):
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Clinical Microbiology
Assessment:
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, essays, presentations, and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes. Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports, and CAL exercises and quizzes. Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations. Project work is assessed from project reports and oral presentations. There is an individual research project in the final year of the course where students demonstrate research skills, approaches, and problem-solving.
Teaching:
Students gain knowledge and understanding through around 240 hours of lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and computer-aided learning. Class handouts are available in advance from Myplace to support preparation. Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number, numeracy, and statistical skills that are used in the Institute. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation, and research skills are gained through project work, which also develops team-working skills.
Careers:
Graduates of the BSc Hons Biochemistry & Microbiology program have found employment in various sectors, including the pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centers, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service, and teaching at all levels. Many students also continue on to postgraduate studies and research. The transferable skills gained from this course prepare students not only for careers in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business, and media.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
- The program is ranked in the top 5 for Biological Sciences by the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
- The program offers flexibility, allowing students to change to other Biomolecular Science courses throughout their studies.
- Students have the opportunity to study or take part in lab-based research abroad through student exchange programs.
- The program offers a transfer to the MSci Biochemistry or Immunology at the end of Year 4, subject to performance.
- Scotland: £1,820
- England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,250
- International: £25,250
