Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
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Course Summary
Study the fascinating branch of laboratory-based science, Biochemistry, which brings together chemistry and biology to explore life at the molecular level. Biochemists are at the forefront of advances in many fields, including medicine, genetics, pharmaceuticals, toxicology, forensic science, and food science. Our course will ensure you acquire the knowledge and techniques that you will need to approach contemporary biological problems and discover solutions.
Our professional academic staff within the Chester Medical School are enthusiastic, supportive and research active, and continually strive to promote new thinking and discovery within all areas of Biochemistry. They have published research findings and discussed their work at national and international conferences, and you will have the opportunity to join a research team to undertake your research dissertation in the final year. Whilst working on your dissertation project you will conduct novel experiments and write up a thesis. In the past, some of our students’ work has been credited in scientific publications.
The course is ultimately designed to develop your interest in understanding the biochemistry of life and how biochemical processes are involved in health and disease. You will acquire the knowledge and techniques needed to approach biological and clinical problems, and upon graduation our students become highly sought after in the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and in medical research laboratories.
What You'llStudy
You will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as cell biology, genetics, physiology and microbiology. You will also gain core knowledge and competency within a lab environment.
Module content:
History of life on earth
Darwin and his ‘dangerous idea’
Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics
The origin of species
Systematics and the tree of life
Population genetics
DNA structure and replication
Gene transcription and translation
Genetic basis of human disease
Gene regulation
Human and plant evolution
Applications of genetics and evolution
Module aims:
To give students an understanding of how life on earth has evolved and the genetic basis for life and it's evolution.
Module content:
The study of the structure and chemistry of biological molecules and relating this to their function:
As an introduction to chemistry for biologists, initial study will cover chemical foundations such as nucleo-synthesis and atoms, atomic theory, chemical bonding, molecular structure and the chemistries of carbon and water. Throughout the module, the development of modern techniques applied to the study of the nature of macromolecules will be introduced in an historical context.
The macromolecules and their components:
Carbohydrates – simple sugars, starch, glycogen, cellulose
Proteins – amino acids, levels of protein structure, simple protein hormones, enzymes, structural proteins
Lipids – fatty acids, glycerol, fats, phospholipids, membranes
Nucleic acids – DNA and RNA structures,
Introduction to enzymes and how they are regulated, and metabolic pathways (for example the nitrogen cycle).
Module aims:
The aim of the module is to give the students an understanding of the chemistry of the basic building blocks of life and their interactions with each other in an ordered biological system.
Module content:
The biology of cells of higher organisms to include their structure and function and synthesis of cell membranes and cell organelles
Transport of molecules in and out of the cell, exocytosis and endocytosis, membrane receptors and intracellular signalling.
The cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix and movement of cells.
The cell cycle and its regulation
Genetic basis of cancer, cancer stem cells and personalized treatment
Cell death
Module aims:
The module aims to give an understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, how they are regulated and some of their basic functions.
Module content:
An introduction to:
Key skills: referencing, AI, library services and study skills
Writing for science: laboratory reports, critical reviews and technical presentations
Finding and understanding scientific literature
Units of measurement in biosciences
Statistics for scientists: Introduction, descriptive statistics, statistics software, statistical tests, selecting an appropriate statistical test
Software applications for biosciences
Science communication
Ethical considerations in science
Basic laboratory skills: pipettes, concentrations, dilutions, pH and buffers, titrations and spectrophotometry
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to undertake assignments within the area of science with a specific focus on the following areas: independent learning, referencing, writing skills, presentation skills and statistical skills. More specifically how to write and present in a scientific format. The module provides students with opportunities to acquire skills that will enhance learning at Levels 5 and 6 (research methods, critical appraisal skills) and allow application to a practical setting.
Module content:
History of microbiology - the 'golden age'
Classification of microorganisms and diversity
Bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral structures of particular importance in infection
Bacterial growth, culture methods and assessment of growth
Infectious agents and an introduction to the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis
Healthcare-acquired infections
Overview of the epidemiology of infectious disease, public health services and the WHO
Introduction to the tissues, cells and molecules of the immune system in health and disease
Passive immunity including: physical and chemical barriers; the role of inflammation; and the complement system
Acquired immunity including: the role of B lymphocytes; the structure and function of antibodies; classes of T-lymphocytes and their respective functions; antigen presentation and the major histocompatibility complex
Immunological techniques and their application to the diagnosis of infectious disease
Monoclonal antibodies
Vaccination and the prevention of infectious disease
Module aims:
To give students an understanding of the variety of microorganisms and their cell biology, the range of infectious disease and pathogenesis. Students will also gain an understanding of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system and their interactions, and ways in which infectious agents and the immune system interact.
Module content:
The study of the development and structure and function of the major systems of the body at the cellular, tissue, organ and organismal level and modern techniques to enable their in vivo study. To include:
Nervous system
Cardiovascular system
Musculoskeletal system
Digestive system
Respiratory system
Renal system
The interdependence of the various systems in health and how homeostasis is maintained.
Physiology of pain and wound healing
Exercise physiology
Module aims:
To give the student a thorough knowledge of how the human body works in health and how that healthy state is maintained at both organ and cellular level.
Introduces metabolic regulation and pathophysiology and covers more advanced topics in biochemistry. You will enhance laboratory and research skills whilst gaining a deeper understanding of pathological processes and therapeutic approaches.
Module content:
- An introduction to the methodologies and applications of recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning
- Isolation and analysis of nucleic acid (extraction, purification and agarose gel electrophoresis)
- The polymerase chain reaction, its variations and its applications
- Nucleic acid sequencing
- Bioinformatics
- Recombinant protein production
- Recombinant pharmaceuticals and vaccines
- Agricultural applications
- Forensics
- Ethics and GM safety
Module aims:
-
To discuss aspects of molecular techniques used in current genetic research, in
forensics and in biotechnology. -
To develop student’s understanding of the major principles, concepts and skills in molecular biology
through study at the organismal, cytological and molecular levels. -
To discuss applications of molecular biology in diagnostics, therapeutics and modern industries.
Module content:
Microbial taxonomy and classification.
Water courses and sewage treatment systems: current issues and future developments;
Microbiological issues relating to water quality and health, including the spread of antimicrobial resistance and water-borne infections.
Microbes and the production of fermented foods;
The history and future of antibiotics
Microbial interactions with humans, animals, plants and fungi
Module aims:
To appreciate the diversity of microbes, their evolution and their ecological significance.
To appreciate relationships between micro-organisms, the environment and health.
To develop analytical skills in data handling and in appropriate practical investigations.
To develop safe laboratory practices, particularly in relation to the culturing of micro-organisms.
To understand the industrial importance of microbes.
To understand selected microbial interactions.
To consider the future of antibiotics.
Module content:
Careers and development programme (which will include seminars, lectures and workshops)
Development workshops to include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Clinical Statistics, Record Keeping/Clinical Audits and Ethical and Research Issues
The practical sessions will cover the following disciplines:
Molecular biology,
Immunology,
Developmental genetics,
Biochemistry
Science communication and impact
During the self study period, students will be expected to complete a laboratory book and evidence their development of core technical skills.
Module aims:
- To provide an experiential learning equivalent to working in a professional laboratory.
- Develop an understanding of Regulatory Issues, Health and Safety and the application of academic knowledge in a laboratory context.
- Experience of applying and developing skills such as problem solving in an appropriate and relevant setting
- Make students increasingly responsible for their own learning and encourage them to value and evaluate learning through experience.
- Appreciate the contribution of research to increasing scientific knowledge and its application outside the laboratory.
Module content:
Types of signalling, receptors and other conserved functions:
- Receptor tyrosine kinases, Ras and the MAP kinase cascade
- Shh-patched signalling
- Tgfβ-Smad signalling
- Cell signalling and apoptosis
- Crosstalk - relationships between signalling pathways
- Cell signalling in the context of embryonic development and differentiation
Module aims:
To understand the signalling pathways which ensure the survival, proliferation and differentiation of cells allowing response to external stimuli and communicate with neighbours. |
Module content:
- Molecular genetics
- Eukaryotic, prokaryotic and viral genomes
- Inheritance of simple and complex traits
- Mutation and DNA repair
- Microbial genetics
- Developmental genetics
- Molecular, biochemical and cellular basis of genetic disease
- Treating genetic disease
- Plant genetics
- Model systems in genetics
Module aims:
The module aims to enable the student to:
- Understand gene structure and genome organization and function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes
- Appreciate the complexities of gene regulation and epigenetics
- Understand the basic principles of cytogenetics and how chromosomal abnormalities result in disease.
- Understand the basis of mutation, DNA repair and genetic variation.
- Understand the scientific principles and techniques that are relevant in the field
- Be aware of the relevant model systems, applications and impacts in the field
Module content:
The study of metabolism (primarily in animals) and its control and integration with a particular focus on energy generating systems such as the structure and function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
To include:
- overview of the major anabolic and catabolic metabolic pathways in animals,
- an introduction to some metabolic pathways specific to plants and other organisms,
- control and integration of metabolism,
- glucose metabolism and the GLUT family of transporters,
- chemi-osmosis and the electron transport chain,
- role and importance of metal ions in biochemistry,
- metabolic disorders: drawing on examples from inborn errors of metabolism,
- steroid hormones: using vitamin D as an example to outline the mechanism of action and consequences of deficiency.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with:
- an introduction (primarily) to human metabolism highlighting general concepts and key principles,
- a key understanding of metabolic pathways and how they are controlled and integrated,
- an understanding of how abnormalities of metabolism lead to disease, with specific examples drawn from inborn errors of metabolism,
- laboratory skills, developed and focused on obtaining and interpreting experimental data.
Module content:
- The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the sector’s role, development opportunities or career paths.
- Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; developing a positive work attitude, resilience, building rapport with co-workers).
- Devising strategies to improve one’s own career.
- Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired.
- Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.
Module aims:
This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, which will enable them to:-
- Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through identifying relevant transferable skills for their chosen career path,
- Clearly articulate their career plans and take steps to prepare for their first graduate role,
- Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills,
- Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.
You will heighten awareness of current advances in the field of Biochemistry. During your dissertation project, you will be able to specialise and focus on a specific area of interest within Biochemistry.
Module content:
The dissertation module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s.
The module comprises two components:
(i) an extended dissertation report (equivalent to 80% of module assessment or 6,400 words), comprising a literature review and a report of laboratory-type project based on the student's programme of study;
(ii) presentation of the findings from the above laboratory-type project, equivalent to 20% of the module assessment or 1,600 words.
In both components of study the student is expected to access and use primary scientific sources to a significant extent in addition to displaying a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.
Sessions will take place during the second half of Level 5 (at end of the Applied Laboratory Skills
(MD5006) module) so that students can be allocated to a supervisor before the end of the academic year to enable them to prepare / collect data during the summer, if necessary, for their project (or if preferred). Guidance will be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment
etc.
A number of lectures/tutorials will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to organise their practical projects, present data
etc. Students will mainly be prepared for this Level 6 module across modules undertaken at Levels 4 and 5, in particular MD4304 (Research Methods) and MD5006 (Applied Laboratory Skills).
Module aims:
To enable the student to engage in empirical research and interpretation and presentation of their findings relating to a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through laboratory and/or data analysis projects and through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.
Module content:
History of the discovery of gene regulation
Bacterial gene expression – the operon and its regulation, riboswitches and small RNA molecules
Global control systems in bacteria
Epigenetic control of gene expression in eukaryotes - chromatin structure and function, the histone code and DNA methylation, X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting.
Regulation of eukaryotic transcription – RNA polymerases, classes of transcription factor, promoters/enhancers/silencers and mechanisms of activation & repression, locus control regions and insulators.
Post-transcriptional processes and their modification – including capping, polyadenylation, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of RNA and translation
Cellular differentiation and morphogenesis
Gene regulation and human disease
Novel regulatory mechanisms – non-coding RNA
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the mechanisms and importance of gene regulation in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Students will be exposed to different aspects of gene regulation enabling them to use and evaluate current knowledge and propose new hypotheses.
Module content:
The module investigates:
- the structures, chemical compositions and functions of the plasma membranes of various cell types across the domains of life,
- membrane biogenesis,
- the cell cytoskeleton and its involvement in maintaining cell integrity, structure and specialised functions,
- membrane permeability, transporters, molecular motors
etc - the historical development of theories of cell structure and describes more modern theories of cell membrane structure including both lipid raft and caveolae models and their proposed function in cell signalling
etc.
Module aims:
The aim of the module is to give students an insight into the complex structure of biological membranes and how these structures relate with cell and organelle function. Students will also discuss the membrane transport and membrane-bound cell signalling structures and develop an appreciation of their complexities.
Module content:
The interactions, primarily of proteins with proteins, and also proteins with other classes of macromolecule, including nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Including stable and transient interactions, covalent and non-covalent bonding, single type protein subunits with multiple type subunits.
Factors which influence macromolecular interactions including concentration, affinities, ligand concentrations, presence of other proteins, electrical fields surrounding proteins and covalent modifications
etc.
Signal transduction – how intermoleuclar interactions cause a physiological effect ie hormone/receptor; antigen/antibody; cytokine and/or chemokine interactions with receptors
etc.
Extracellular matrix and connective tissues - how the various connective tissue components interact and function in health and disease.
Module aims:
The module aims to critically examine different types of protein-protein and protein-macromolecular interaction in a variety of biological systems. Students will, at first, examine relatively simple systems before moving on to discuss more complex interactions between multiple macromolecular partners.
Module content:
A series of research seminars led in turn by academic staff, visiting speakers and students covering hot topics in Biochemistry.
Each 1 hour seminar will be supported by material provided by the speaker prior to the seminar and by an hour tutorial. The support sessions will be run by the most appropriate academic tutor and will provide background to the area of research and the work of other researchers.
Module aims:
The module aims to give students experience of the field of research and in particular of recent advances in biochemistry both within and outside the university and through this have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field from outside the University.
Our teaching on the course will be delivered through a diverse range of methods and styles, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, computer-based workshops, laboratory practical sessions, problem-based learning and e-learning.
There is a strong practical focus facilitated by modern, spacious teaching laboratories, and our tutors will ensure you develop the lab skills you need to become an employable graduate.
Learning is assessed by a balanced combination of examinations and coursework. Coursework assessments may consist of laboratory reports, data handling exercises, essays, and poster and oral presentations, allowing a full range of skills to be developed. The end-of-module assessment is normally by examination, consisting of a combination of multiple choice questions (MCQs) and both short and long answer questions.
Entry Requirements
112 UCAS Points
UCAS Tariff |
112 points |
GCE A Level |
Typical offer – BCC-BBC including Chemistry at Grade B |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma: (Applied Science): Typical offer - DMM |
International Baccalaureate |
26 points including 5 in HL Chemistry |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Chemistry Scottish Highers: BBBB including Chemistry |
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above (12-15 in Chemistry) |
T Level |
T Level Science - Merit |
OCR Cambridge Technicals |
OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM |
Extra Information |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. |
Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.
We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.
For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements
72 UCAS Points
UCAS |
72 UCAS points |
GCE A Level |
72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels, including a D at A Level Biochemistry - A Level in Chemistry, or BTEC in Applied Science (which must include Chemistry modules) Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 will also be considered, such as NVQs If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma MMP BTEC Diploma MM |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Higher - H4, H4, H4, H4 Scottish Highers – CCCC |
International Baccalaureate |
24 points |
Access requirements |
Access Diploma - Pass overall |
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements |
Certain courses may require that you have studied a specific subject at GCE A Level (or acceptable alternatives):
|
Fees and Funding
£9,250 per year (2024/25)
Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.
The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.
Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.
Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
£13,950 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950.
This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
Your Future Career
Progression options
- Biomedical Science MSc
- Biotechnology MSc
- Cardiovascular Disease MSc
- Diabetes MSc
- Exercise Medicine MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Haematology MSc
- Infection and Immunity MSc
- Medical Genetics MSc
- Medical Science (MRes) MRes
- Oncology MSc
- Orthopaedics MSc
- Physician Associate Studies MSc
- Respiratory Medicine MSc
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.