Course overview
Following an in-depth foundation in biochemistry, this course broadens out to allow a focus on more specialist fields. These include biophysical chemistry, which covers biological macromolecules at the atomic level, and understanding the genome and gene regulation.
Our exceptionally wide range of options allow you to pursue areas that interest you.
You will graduate with a sound understanding of the biochemical and structural basis of molecular, cellular and development processes in a variety of organisms.
You will benefit from our tutorial system for academic and pastoral support, alongside high-quality laboratory time.
Teaching
You will learn through a combination of tutorials, lectures, laboratory work, and independent and group research.
Purpose-built teaching facilities are fully integrated with research laboratories, meaning you will be learning alongside teaching and research staff who are at the cutting edge of their fields. You will spend one or two days a week undertaking lab work. This becomes more project-oriented in your second year, culminating in a six-week individual research project in your third year.
Class sizes
In your first year, lecture sizes are typically 370 students. The modules you take in years two and three will vary in class size. The maximum number is typically 100 and the minimum 10 students.
Typical contact hours
12 - 16 hours per week over 25 weeks. In your first year you should expect around 10 lectures a week, a full day in the laboratory and a taught tutorial with your personal tutor and 6-7 of your peers. Independent learning, reading and preparing for lectures and preparing assessments will occupy the rest of your study time.