MSci Biochemistry

Program Overview

This five-year Integrated Masters program in Biochemistry emphasizes molecular-level cellular function and disease processes. In the first four years, students explore joint Honours biosciences before specializing in Biochemistry in Year 5, focusing on research skills and knowledge. The program's project-based approach, underpinned by research links and industry connections, prepares students for careers in research, healthcare, and various science-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSci Biochemistry degree is a five-year Integrated Masters program with entry into either Year 1 with Highers or Year 2 with Advanced Highers or A-levels. Biochemistry is the study of how cells work at the molecular level. Together with the related field of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry provides important advances into understanding the molecular basis of life, and how alteration or disruption of these molecular pathways leads to disease processes. This Masters degree is for students who want to specialize in a single biomedical science. It’s particularly relevant if you want to pursue a research career. In Years 1 to 4, you’ll follow the same curriculum as one of the joint Honours bioscience degrees. In Year 5, you’ll focus on developing research skills and knowledge. A significant part of this course is project-based.

Outline:

Year 1 & 2

Students on all the biosciences degrees study the same modules in the first two years. This means you can defer your ultimate choice of degree until the end of Year 2. In Year 1, you’ll study modules in Cells and their Molecules, Organisms and Diseases and Bio-organic Chemistry. These are all underpinned by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ module which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics. You also choose 20 credits of elective subjects from across the University.

Year 5

This year, you’ll carry out a research project and specialize in Biochemistry.

Assessment:

Knowledge and understanding are assessed by written examinations, essays, presentations and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes, available on our virtual learning environment, Myplace. 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 you’ll demonstrate research skills, problem-solving and a suitable research approach.

Teaching:

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning. To allow you to prepare, full class handouts are available from Myplace in advance. Handouts will also be supported by tasks including essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations. Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry as well as the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number and numeracy and statistical skills. 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:

You could be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process. Our graduates find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, 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 you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.

Other:

• This course is a five-year Integrated Masters degree with entry into either Year 1 with Highers or Year 2 with Advanced Highers or A-levels.
• The program is particularly relevant for students who want to pursue a research career.
• In Years 1 to 4, students follow the same curriculum as one of the joint Honours bioscience degrees.
• In Year 5, students focus on developing research skills and knowledge.
• A significant part of this course is project-based.

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,250
• International: £25,250
• Additional costs: Lab coats and safety goggles, approximately £25.