Program Overview

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry is an interfaculty programme offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science. This course deals with the study of human biology at the molecular level, where biology meets chemistry.

Course Overview

Medical Biochemistry is the interface between cellular biology, medicine, and chemistry, providing an understanding of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease, and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies. Students will develop a strong foundation in processes that determine the functions of the cell and the human body, including the chemical, cellular, genetic, metabolic, and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry.

Programme Details

• MQF Level: 6
• Duration and Credits: 3 Years, 180 ECTS
• Mode of Study: Full-time

Course Structure

The course is designed to offer students an opportunity to learn and discuss current topics in areas such as DNA technology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, cell-signalling, cancer biology, haematology, immunology, gene therapy, neuroscience, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, drug design, molecular pharmacology, cellular differentiation, and embryology, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills.

Year 1

• Compulsory Units:
  • CHE1360: Principles of Organic Chemistry
  • PHB1500: Human Physiology
  • PHB1504: Model Organisms in Biological Research
  • ANA1510: Cell Biology
  • CHE1340: Principles of Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHE1350: Principles of Analytical Chemistry
  • CHE1355: Principles and Industrial Applications of Chemical Metrology
  • LIN1063: Academic Reading and Writing in English
  • PHB1503: Molecules of Life
  • SOR0210: Data Treatment and Probability
• Requirement for regular progression to Year II: 60 credits

Year 2

• Compulsory Units:
  • MLS2001: Clinical Biochemistry
  • PHB2501: Research Laboratory Skills with Placements
  • PHB2506: Human Metabolic Biochemistry
  • CHE3240: Separation Techniques and Analytical Chemistry
  • HSC2001: Critical Thinking in Ethical Applications for Bioscientists
  • PHB2500: Applied Molecular Bioscience 2: Gene Expression and RNA Technology
  • PHB2502: Molecular Haematology and Immunology
  • PHB2503: Molecular Human Genetics
  • SOR0220: Elementary Statistical Theory
• Requirement for regular progression to Year III: 60 credits

Year 3

• Compulsory Units:
  • ANA3500: Embryology, Differentiation and Development
  • PHB3500: Dissertation
  • PHB3501: Applied Molecular Bioscience 3: Bioanalysis
  • PHB3502: Advances in Medical Research Skills Seminars
  • PHB3505: From Molecule to Disease
  • EBI3090: Business for Bioscience
  • PAT3510: Cell Signalling and Cancer Biology
  • PHB3503: From Molecular to Translational Neuroscience
  • CPH3700: Theory and Applications of Molecular Pharmacology
  • PHB3504: Bioinformatics
  • SOR0233: Statistical Analysis in Practice
• Requirement for successful completion of Year III: 60 credits
• Requirement for successful completion of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry: 180 credits

Admission Criteria

• General Entry Requirements: Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications.
• Special Course Requirements: Two passes at Advanced Matriculation Level at grade C or better in Biology and Chemistry and a pass at Intermediate Matriculation Level in one of the following subjects: Computing or Physics or Pure Mathematics.

Tuition Fees

• Non-EU Applicants: Eur 10,800 per academic year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared for employment opportunities in research and product development in the pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, medical science, and academia. They may also pursue further postgraduate qualifications leading to a Master of Science in related fields or PhD programmes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have a good understanding of the core areas of chemistry and biochemistry and will be capable of applying chemical principles to biological systems. They will acquire analytical skills that will allow them to apply biochemistry to the pharmaceutical/biotechnology context. The course aims to provide students with the ability to:

• Understand the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biochemical reactions.
• Apply bioanalytical techniques and their application to the extraction and characterization of bioactive molecules.
• Comprehend cell metabolism, its control, and energy requirements.
• Understand the molecular processes of the nervous system.
• Recognize the molecular basis of cancer and the development of molecular strategies to prevent cellular proliferation.
• Develop competency in both standard and specialized techniques used in life science research.
• Work safely in a scientific laboratory with awareness of standard safety protocols.
• Apply relevant numerical skills, including statistics, to biochemical data.
• Employ and evaluate suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Develop and market a business venture in the field of bioscience and biotechnology.