Biochemistry BSc Honours

In year 1, you will study the fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, develop practical, analytical and study skills to start working and thinking like a scientist.

The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the classification, structure, and function of cells, as well as cell communication and division. It also introduces the flow of genetic information and principles of genetic laws. Another key objective is to enable you to acquire laboratory skills necessary for visualising and studying cells, with examples of diseases resulting from abnormal structure and/or function.

In year 2, you will advance your studies of biochemistry and molecular biology and develop important research skills. You can either chose to advance your learning in organic chemistry, microbiology and immunology or specialise towards a Medical Biochemistry award and study cancer research. 

This module provides you with the knowledge of biochemical molecules and their physiological functions. Emphasis is placed on the molecular structure and its relationship with the biological function. Reaction mechanisms and kinetics of biochemical reactions will be studied, with a particular emphasis on enzyme kinetics. Metabolic pathways and their regulation to maintain homeostasis, will be explored.

This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.

This module builds upon the principles and concepts of organic chemistry. You will develop a more complete appreciation of some of the chemical reactions relevant to biochemical processes and drug synthesis with emphasis on carbonyl chemistry and pericyclic reactions, integrating mechanisms and arrow pushing. The laboratory practical in this module provides you with essential skills in experimental techniques in organic chemistry, and a variety of modern techniques in instrumental analysis.

This module explores applied aspects of microbiology particularly focussing on interactions between micro-organisms humans, animals and the environment. It further explores concepts of immunology, cellular molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of a range of different immunopathologies and the regulation of the human endocrine system. Knowledge of laboratory skills and analysis of data will be developed using immunological and endocrinological techniques.

This module develops practical skills in conducting assays used in cancer research. You will also be trained to select the appropriate protein markers for studying aberrant cell signalling pathways in human cancers. You will learn the principles and applications of methods in cancer research for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Year 3 will involve your own research project and more advanced study of applied biochemistry alongside a range of different specialist options including biotechnology, pharmacology, nutrition and diagnostic techniques.   

The module will develop key concepts in specialist areas of Biochemistry in relation to applications in research, industry and medicine. Advanced laboratory skills will be developed and their application in biochemistry research explored. 

The module enables you to recognise how traditional and modern biotechnology can be applied to produce products or services to achieve a more sustainable future. The use of biotechnology on food security, bioremediation, waste and water management and production of biofuels will be explored. The module considers the current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of its application. You will learn how to use vectors and tools for the manipulation of DNA/RNA in order to modify microorganisms, plants and animals for the production of GMOs. Bioethical issues and intellectual property related to the biotechnology field will be considered.

The module develops your understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a range of diagnostic techniques. You will learn to recognise abnormal results and relate them to basic technical problems, anatomical or physiological changes in the human body. The module also covers the ethical and legal issues related to clinical decisions and the collection, storage and use of medical data.

This module covers the scientific basis underlying nutritional support, medical ethics and nutritional counselling. It provides a review of the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional support and dietetic application for the common disorders, within the context of current scientific recommendations.

This module provides an overview of the concepts and methods associated with conservation science in different ecological contexts. You will explore how different techniques of conservation science could be used to protect and restore nature in an increasingly anthropogenic environment and to lead to a sustainable future. You will learn to formulate sustainable strategies on acceptable levels of risk based on both science and values.

The module teaches you the advanced methodologies and technologies that are required for the analysis of biological samples in medical and pharmaceutical research. The curriculum will cover a broad range of bioanalytical techniques, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassays, and molecular biology methods. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles underlying these techniques and their applications in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and biomarker discovery. We explore a combination of cutting-edge instrumentation, automation, and data analysis tools to make sure you are aware of the complexities of modern bioanalysis.

This module explores pharmacology, physiological systems and regulation, cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action, clinical application, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. You will learn to apply pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics principles to propose drug dosage regimens that optimise the therapeutic benefit whilst minimising toxicity.

This module enables students to formalise and integrate professional experience into their programme. It aims to link academic learning to professional work-based skills. The module provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience from the process of applying for work in relevant organisations and enhance their skills of self-expression, communication and self-reliance.

The year-long placement is an opportunity for you to work in an industrial, field or laboratory-based setting gaining important and relevant skills related to their biology degree programme. The module aims to enhance your employability skills, embed transferable and graduate skills and enable you to reflect on how the knowledge gained is relevant to their degree programme and the field of biology. Through the work placement you will gain experience of working in a team, facilitate your understanding of the workplace and enhance your skills of self-reliance and communication, self-expression and co-operation.

You will learn through participation in group learning, workshops, group discussions, peer review of oral presentations and written documents, problem solving exercises and engaging in assessment activities.

You will gain practical skills through participation in laboratory classes, virtual labs and video demonstrations and project work for the dissertation. Graduate skills are taught and embedded throughout the course. 

You are introduced to skills in the Skills for Scientists module which will be utilised and developed within modules at each level. Emphasis is placed on ICT and numeracy skills in particular. You will be supported in personal and career development with career tutorials and employability workshops with our network of employers and external speakers.  

You will be studying at our north London Hendon campus.

Here is a guide to the part time and full time study schedules:

• Full time: 2-3 days on campus
• Part time: 1-2 days on campus.

Plus independent learning, assessment and field trips - during the semester and after the end of semester 2.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 3 hours of interactive learning sessions
• 4 hours of laboratory practical
• 2 hours of seminars
• 3 hours workshops.

The course is very practical and will help you develop the skills you need in a laboratory and give you hands-on experience in diagnostic techniques.

Your work will be divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We aim to make your timetable available at least 2 weeks before you the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Your learning will be assessed regularly. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide.

Assessments

Your knowledge and understanding are assessed by seen and unseen examinations, laboratory work reports, portfolios, essays, case studies, and oral and poster presentations.  Skills are assessed by problem solving exercises and case studies, laboratory reports and portfolios, proposals and a dissertation. Practical skills are assessed by presentation and laboratory practical exams.  

The above learning, teaching and assessment are designed to develop and assess these graduate competencies:  

• Curiosity and learning  
• Collaborative innovation   
• Resilience and adaptability   
• Technological agility   
• Entrepreneurship   
• Communication, empathy, and inclusion   
• Leadership and influence   
• Problem solving and delivery.  

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.