Biochemistry is the use of molecular methods to investigate, explain and manipulate biological processes.
The study of life at the molecular level continues to undergo dynamic expansion, leading to ever-increasing insights into topics as various as the origin of life, the nature of disease and the development of individual organisms.
During year 1, your weekly timetable will be divided between lectures (typically eight to ten a week), tutorials and classes (1 to 3 a week) and practicals (averaging 1 full day a week). The remaining time will be spent on independent study and preparation for tutorials and classes.
Tutorials are usually 2-4 students and a tutor working through a topic together. For some topics classes are offered; class sizes may vary depending on the topic but are usually no more than 10-12 students. During practical sessions there is usually a ratio of demonstrators to students of about 1:12 for wet practicals and up to 1:25 for computer based practicals.
Most tutorials and lectures are delivered by academic staff, many of whom are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research.
Some tutorials and lectures may be delivered by postdoctoral researchers, while tutorials are occasionally delivered by postgraduate students.
Departmental classes and practicals are supervised by a senior member of staff and supported by postdoctoral researchers or postgraduate students who are studying at doctoral level.
At the end of the first year you will sit exams, called prelims, one exam in each of the subjects covered. You are required to pass these to progress onto year 2, with the opportunity to resit over the summer.
In the 2nd and 3rd year you continue to be taught in lectures, practicals and tutorials. However, the course is organised into immersive blocks where all the teaching in a particular week is focussed on exploring a specific biochemical question.
A typical block would have up to 8 lectures and some form of practical or data analysis activity.
In your fourth year, you will choose and complete a project, lasting most of the year, which will allow you to explore in detail, both laboratory-based research and specific recent advances in biochemistry. This is supported by a skills training programme, which includes skills like communication and career planning.
Under the supervision of a research group leader, you will design your own experiments, learn to plan research programmes and present your results and ideas – orally and in written form – to other workers in the field. The research project is written up in a dissertation. A number of student projects form part of research publications from the university.
Apart from the project, you will have the task of writing a review article, covering current research in an area of biochemical interest.
You will need to be in Oxford for a 12 week extended first term. You will continue your project over the entire second term and first few weeks of the third term, submitting your project dissertation thereafter. You will also deliver an oral presentation on your project.
The final degree class is derived from a combination of marks from assessments taken in the second and third years, the final exams at the end of year 3, the assessment of the research project and the review article in the fourth year.
The significant research element in your final year means that you will graduate with an MBiochem – an integrated master's degree – as well as invaluable research experience and skills that will be excellent preparation for further study or a range of careers.
To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.
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Five courses are taken:
First University examinations: five written papers; satisfactory practical record
Biochemistry covers a range of scientific disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, microbiology, biophysics and biomedical sciences. Because of its breadth, there are a wide range of employment opportunities available post degree. These can include opportunities in education, law, finance, data science and publishing alongside roles in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector and academic research. Typically about 60% of our biochemistry graduates go on to do research or further study, mostly in biochemistry related subjects. Further details of careers in biochemistry can be found on the UK Biochemical Society website. James, a graduate of the course who now works in science communication says: 'The Oxford biochemistry course gave me not only a thorough grounding in a range of specific biochemistry topics, but also a deep understanding about the practical processes of scientific research in general. My work in science communication and engagement has all stemmed from the experiences and opportunities I gained through this course.' Rosie became a science teacher after graduation: ‘The Biochemistry course was equal measures fascinating and rigorous. It was the best thing I could have done to prepare me for steps after university; I have transitioned into teaching Biology and use my degree every day. I am confident that wherever life takes me, the transferable skills I learnt at Oxford will stay with me.’ Caroline now works in biotech and found the course prepared her for her current role: 'I found the course challenging yet immensely rewarding. I feel it prepared me well for my current job at a biotech start-up- I feel comfortable in a fast-paced environment and have a broad range of knowledge to draw from.'
United Kingdom, Oxford
