Biochemistry (MBiochem)

Why study this course

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life. It is a subject that has a rich history of scientific discoveries, from enzymology and metabolic pathways to the discovery of genes and the structure of DNA. Today the subject embraces important new areas, such as genomics and genome editing, synthetic biology and protein engineering.

Our integrated master’s degree in Biochemistry is aimed at aspiring researchers and those seeking a career in science. This four-year undergraduate course enables you to explore the current frontiers of knowledge in your chosen field and provides training in advanced research techniques.

Through this course, you will learn how biochemistry and biomolecular sciences contribute to advances in all biological disciplines, including medicine and biotechnology. You will receive extensive hands-on training in laboratory techniques, and gain practical experience of widely transferable skills in computing, statistics, data analysis and presentation.

Our Biochemistry programme provides an excellent foundation for careers within all areas of biological and molecular sciences, and offers strong training for research scientists. Our graduates have gone on to a range of exciting and fulfilling careers in both scientific and non-scientific related fields, including biotechnology research and development, scientific publishing, pharmaceutical industries, molecular biology, journalism, teaching and veterinary science. Many also choose to progress their studies further with a higher degree.

Distinctive features

• Enjoy a flexible course structure that enables you to tailor your degree to match your interests and aspirations, including the option to take to spend a sandwich year on professional placement.
• Investigate a topic of your choice and develop your skills as a research scientist with an extended project in an active research laboratory.
• Develop your field research skills with one of our popular project-based field courses. Opt for one of our UK-based courses or choose to travel further afield to locations such as Tobago or Borneo.
• Experience the excitement of learning in active research environment, with teaching staff who are leading researchers in their field.
• Make use of the latest equipment, techniques and facilities in your project work.
• Gain access to a wide range of exciting training opportunities with a School that houses a permanently staffed Field Station in Borneo and plays a lead role the University's European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute and Medicines Discovery Institute.

You may also be interested in the following degree programmes:

• BSc Biochemistry

• MBiochem Biochemistry with Professional Training Year

• MBiomed Biomedical Sciences

• MBiol Biological Sciences

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Our integrated master’s degree in Biochemistry forms an excellent basis for a future career in scientific research. It also gives you the opportunity to develop science-specific and more general transferable skills which will be attractive to a wide range of both scientific and non-scientific employers.

Our Biochemistry graduates have gone on to a range of exciting and fulfilling careers in a variety of different fields, including biotechnology research and development, scientific publishing, pharmaceutical and biological industries, molecular biology, journalism, public service, and management. A Biochemistry qualification can also act as a stepping stone to further training in professional areas including teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science and accounting.

In 2016/17, 93% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

Placements

This four-year course does not include any formal work placements. However, we strongly encourage students to undertake informal work placements during the summer vacations in order to enhance employability.