Biochemistry - University Of Nottingham

BiochemistryExplore itImprove itnottingham.ac.uk/life-sciencesUndergraduate guide 2020

Gain substantialA member of the prestigiousContentsRussell Groupand founding member of the globalUniversitas 21 networkContentslaboratoryexperiencefrom year oneWelcome 4Our courses 5How will I study? 14Careers and employability 16How to apply 18Experience it 19Flexibilityto transfer betweendifferentbiochemistrydegrees Join aglobalcommunityT he degree enabled me to understandbiochemistry in great depth andapply this knowledge to develop anunderstanding of clinical agents and amore diverse understanding of disease.of over 46,000students, from morethan 150 countriesMegan Cox,BSc Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine95%of our research is of‘internationalquality’*2*According to the Research ExcellenceFramework (REF) 2014.Gain abreadth ofknowledgefrom a varietyof differentfieldsImproveemployabilityby developing skillsin data interpretation,research methods andproblem-solvingA large percentageof your learningis based in theMedical Schooland taught bybiochemistry specialists3

WelcomeOur coursesWhere could biochemistrytake you?Our coursesDegree titleUCAS code Duration A levelsIBBSc BiochemistryC7003 yearsAAB34MSci BiochemistryC7034 yearsAAB34BSc Biochemistry and Biological ChemistryC7203 yearsAAB34MSci Biochemistry and Biological ChemistryC7214 yearsAAB34BSc Biochemistry and GeneticsCC473 yearsAAB34MSci Biochemistry and GeneticsCC4R4 yearsAAB34BSc Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineC7413 yearsAAB34MSci Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineC7424 yearsAAB34Single honoursThe advancements inbiochemistry over the lastcentury have been astonishing.It is the branch of sciencethat combines biology andchemistry to explore life atthe molecular level.Biochemists ask questions and solve problemsto develop a greater understanding of how lifeworks, both in health and disease. Could yoube one of the next generation of biochemistsworking to answer some of these molecularbiological problems?In all our degrees, our aim is to stimulate yourinterest and understanding, and to help youdevelop the research skills that will allow youto continue learning throughout your career.Our staff are actively engaged in research, sothey can guide and advise you on the latestdevelopments and technology. In the latestResearch Excellence Framework results,95% of the school’s research was deemedto be of international quality.** Research Excellence Framework (REF) 20144nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciencesIn addition to knowledge and understandingof molecular and cellular biology, these degreecourses will also ensure that you develop thenecessary skills in data interpretation, researchmethods and problem-solving.We hope that you will consider Nottinghamfor your degree, and that you will visit us tosee University Park Campus and the MedicalSchool for yourself.Dr Ian KerrCourse DirectorFor all of the above we require GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 (C).Foundation coursesApplicants who are not eligible for directentry to undergraduate study may be able toapply for a foundation course. Find out moreat nottingham.ac.uk/foundationcoursesStudents who successfully complete thepresessional course to the required level canprogress onto their chosen degree coursewithout retaking IELTS or equivalent.Find out more at nottingham.ac.uk/celeEnglish language requirementsIELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element).For details of other English language testsand qualifications we accept, please ’s an MSci?MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courseswhich last for four years and have an integratedmasters qualification. They are the equivalentto a bachelors degree plus a masters levelqualification.Academic English preparationIf you require additional support to take yourlanguage skills to the required level, you maybe able to attend a presessional course at theCentre for English Language Education, which isaccredited by the British Council for the teachingof English in the UK.These courses usually provide additionalindustry and/or research experience to enhanceyour future prospects. An MSci is excellentpreparation for further study such as a PhD.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biochem5

Our coursesBSc MSci BiochemistryThese degrees will provide youwith a thorough understandingof modern biochemistry,including molecular cellbiology, molecular genetics,biotechnology and metabolism.Year oneThe course begins with an introduction tothe fundamental aspects of cell biology,biochemistry, genetics and cellular control, aswell as core skills in biochemistry and genetics.You will also cover essential chemistry, exploringmolecular structure, bonding and reactivityof organic molecules. Theoretical learning issupported by practical studies in cell biology,biochemistry, genetics and physiology.Alongside core modules, you will have40 credits of optional modules. Twenty ofthese credits are to be from the School of LifeSciences, while the other 20 can be from otherschools in the University, such as languagesor business.Year twoIn the second year, you will cover topicsin greater depth. You will study proteinsand enzymes, from their structure to theirmechanisms. Basic properties of DNA areexplored, with practical sessions for youto practise manipulating DNA and expressrecombinant proteins. You will also cover cellsignalling and metabolic regulation.6A dissertation is undertaken along with studiesdeveloping transferable skills of presentation,interpretation and criticism of scientific data.Typical modulesYear oneYear twoYear threeCore Core Skills inBiochemistry Genes, Moleculesand Cells FundamentalInorganic andOrganic ChemistryCoreCore Higher Skills in AdvancedBiochemistryBiochemistry Signals and Biochemistry ofMetabolic RegulationDisease Structure, Function Biochemistryand Analysis ofResearch ProjectGenesOptional Structure, Function Biochemistry ofand Analysis ofCancerProteins Chemical BiologyOptionaland Enzymes Concise Inorganic Molecular Basis ofand OrganicMedicineChemistry Molecular From Genotype toDiagnostics andPhenotypeTherapeutics Infection and MolecularImmunityMicrobiology and MacromolecularInfectionstructure assembly Protein Folding andand analysisBiospectroscopy Microbial Signal TransductionBiotechnology The PharmacologicalBasis of TherapeuticsA major feature of the final year is an individualproject which may be laboratory, bioinformaticsor literature-based. The aim is to provide youwith the ability to analyse a relevantbiological problem in depth, in a modernresearch environment.Other modules will help you understandbiochemical diseases, genetic engineering andprotein folding. Optional modules are availableto enhance your learning. You could discovermore about cancer, proteins, cells or infection.Year four (MSci only)The focus of this year is a masters-level researchproject. You will choose an area of biochemistryyou find interesting, then plan, research andpresent your findings. The learning style willbe strongly student-centred with one-to-onesupervision from a research academic.Optional modules will also be available. Thisgives you the opportunity to concentrate on atopic that complements your previous study,or to try something new.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciencesOptional Evolution, Ecologyand Behaviour Fundamentals ofNeuroscience Human Physiology Life on Earth Molecules of LifeYear threeYear four (MSci only)Core ResearchPresentation Skills Research ProjectOptional AdvancedExperimentalDesign and Analysis Cutting-EdgeResearch Ideas inMolecular Biology Process andPractice in ScienceModules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer,not a definitive list. The above year three modules will be changing for 2019 entry. The most up-to-date information can befound on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biochemistry7

Our coursesBSc MSci Biochemistryand Biological ChemistryAccredited by the Royal Societyof Chemistry, these coursesequip you with the fundamentalaspects of biochemistryand chemistry.Teaching is split between the School of LifeSciences and the School of Chemistry, providingyou with expertise from both subjects.Year oneDuring this introductory year, you will studycell biology, biochemistry, genetics and cellularcontrol together with essential chemistry. Thesemodules are supported by practical studies incell biology, biochemistry, genetics andchemistry. Students without A level maths will berequired to take modules providing the necessarymaths skills for chemists.Year twoIn the second year, you will expand yourchemical knowledge, both theoretically andpractically. Proteins and enzymes are explored,from their structure to their mechanisms.Other core topics include cell signalling and anunderstanding of how biochemical processesare integrated and regulated.Year threeAdvanced laboratory work in biochemistry andchemistry is a major feature of the third year.In biochemistry, you will perform a number offundamental and advanced molecular biologytechniques. Individual results and data from theclass will be analysed as part of an overall projectto investigate relevant scientific questions.In chemistry, you will further your experience inthe principles upon which modern experimentalmethodology is based, chemical synthesis,obtaining and interpreting physical data, andreport writing.Other advanced modules are available,from looking at disease to a detailedunderstanding of proteins.Year four (MSci only)A substantial feature of the fourth year is anextended individual project in biochemistryor chemistry, which may be either lab orbioinformatics based. All subjects will requirea review of published work and the planning ofa research project under the guidance of twosupervisors. You will be assessed by adissertation and oral presentation.Additional modules are available which may coverdisease, business, immunology or nucleic acids.Typical modulesYear oneYear twoYear threeYear four (MSci only)Core Core Skills inBiochemistryand BiologicalChemistry Genes, Moleculesand Cells FundamentalChemistry Theoryand PracticalIf you do not haveA level maths, you willtake: MathematicalToolkits andCalculations inChemistryIf you do have A levelmaths, you can choosefrom: Calculations inChemistry Molecules for Life Human PhysiologyCore IntermediateInorganic andOrganic Chemistry Core ChemistryLaboratory Work Signals andMetabolicRegulation Structure, Functionand Analysis ofGenes Structure, Functionand Analysis ofProteinsCore Advanced(Chemistry) LabTechniques AdvancedBiochemistry AdvancedBiochemistryLaboratory Work Biochemistry ofDisease Bioinorganic andMetal CoordinationChemistry Organometallicand AsymmetricSynthesis Pericyclicsand ReactiveIntermediates Protein Folding andBiospectroscopyCore Biochemistry ofCancer Biochemistry orChemistry ResearchProject Cellular andMolecularImmunology ContemporaryOrganic Synthesis Enterprise forChemists NanostructureFabrication Nucleic Acidsand BioorganicMechanisms Signal TransductionOptional modules Principles inAnalyticalChemistry MedicinalChemistry andMolecular BiologyModules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer,not a definitive list. The above year three modules will be changing for 2019 entry. The most up-to-date information can befound on our website at c.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences9