Biochemistry MSci

Program Overview

With a focus on cellular biochemistry and research, students develop essential skills in analytical problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. The program offers opportunities for collaboration with industry experts and publication of research results, preparing graduates for diverse careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and further study in a wide range of biological sciences.

Program Outline

MSci Biochemistry - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

This four-year MSci Biochemistry program focuses on understanding biological systems at a cellular and biochemical level. The program mirrors the BSc Biochemistry program during the first three years, but also includes completion of a research-focused MSci in the fourth year. This degree leads to career opportunities in biotechnological, pharmaceutical and other industries, as well as many further study options, including PhD, MSc or MRes programs.

Outline:

The MSci Biochemistry program is structured over four years, with a focus on cellular biochemistry and research.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Microbiology (15 credits)
• Cells (15 credits)
• General Chemistry (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Physical Chemistry
• Plant Biology

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Skills and Bioethics (15 credits)
• Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II (15 credits)
• Metabolism (15 credits)
• Advanced Cell Biology (15 credits)
• Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Molecular Biology of the Gene (15 credits)
• Bioinorganic Chemistry (15 credits)
• Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics (15 credits)
• Modern Theories of Evolution (15 credits)
• Molecular Plant Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Microbiology (15 credits)
• Employability and Workplace Learning (15 credits)
• Medical Genetics (15 credits)
• Introduction to Pharmacology (15 credits)
• The Biology of Cancer (15 credits)
• Experimental Pharmacology (15 credits)

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Biosciences Research Project (45 credits)
• Horizons of Biochemical Research (15 credits)
• Energy Metabolism (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry (15 credits)
• Frontiers in Plant Biology (15 credits)
• Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences (15 credits)
• Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits)
• Science Communication (15 credits)
• Cell Biology of Disease (15 credits)
• Organic Synthesis and Drug Design (15 credits)
• Secondary Metabolites (15 credits)
• Bioinformatics (15 credits)
• Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology (15 credits)
• Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection (15 credits)
• Cellular Basis of Immunity (15 credits)

Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Project (90 credits)
• Research Grant Proposal (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Secondary Metabolites (15 credits)
• Cellular Basis of Immunity (15 credits)
• Bioinformatics (15 credits)
• Medical Mycology (15 credits)
• Frontiers in Plant Biology (15 credits)
• Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits)
• Cell Biology of Disease (15 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Natural Sciences Chemistry I (15 credits)
• Bioimaging (15 credits)
• Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology (15 credits)
• Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection (15 credits)

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include:

• Essays
• Exams
• Presentations
• Laboratory reports
• Dissertation

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by experts in the field, who bring their research experience into the classroom.
• Staff have close links with industrial, medical and conservation organizations, offering opportunities for collaboration on final year research projects.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program encourages students to publish their research results in scientific literature.
• Interactive computer-based learning is incorporated through the virtual learning environment.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Laboratory-based positions
• Conservation management
• Ecology
• Teaching
• Nursing
• Law
• Business
• Management
• Opportunities:
• The program provides students with a wide range of essential skills, including analytical problem solving, teamwork, and organizing and communicating information.
• The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters.
• The Careers Service offers support and resources to help students find employment.
• Outcomes:
• Recent graduates have secured positions as:
• Laboratory technicians
• Chartered and certified accountants
• Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• Teaching professionals
• Project support officers
• Authors, writers and translators
• Biological scientists
• Natural and social science professionals
• Chemical scientists
• Taxation experts
• Recent graduates have worked for:
• Cawood Scientific
• Centrica
• Deloitte LLP
• Environment Agency
• Institute Of Physics Publishing Ltd
• Menarini Diagnostics
• NHS
• PA Consulting
• Thames Water

Further Study:

• Popular Options:
• MPH/MRes/PhD Biological Sciences
• MPH Medical Studies
• MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change
• MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
• MSc Environment and Human Health
• MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
• MSc Immunology
• MSc Marine Environmental Management
• MSc Surveying and Land/Environmental Management
• MSc Toxicology

Other:

• The program is based at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.
• Students can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of their course, which can increase their employability and widen their intellectual horizons.
• Students can achieve proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science, which can be added to their degree title.

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year