Medical Biochemistry/Clinical Biochemistry BSc/MSci

Be at the forefront of biomedical research and practise your skills in our cutting-edge lab environment.

Duration

BSC: 3 years full-time, 4 years with placement, 6 years part-time

Attendance

Full-time

Fees

$11,300 (CA) $16,400 (INT)

Course Summary

Studying BSc Medical Biochemistry with us will introduce you to new ideas and products that are applied to some of the biggest health problems of today. You’ll study the subject with a focus on human biology and medicine. Core themes will include chemistry, immunology, and molecular biology. There are two honour degree programmes to choose from – one is a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc), and the other is a four-year Master of Science (MSci). We’ll teach you how to think like a biochemist. You’ll develop essential research, diagnostic, and laboratory skills. The wide range of academic and professional skills gained on this course will prepare you for different career paths within the field. You can choose from working within a hospital or private labs in the health sector, research institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech industries. You’ll have the chance to pursue your interests with optional modules and individual assignments. You’ll study in some of the CA’s best laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge technology: the bioscience suite, the cell and tissue culture lab, and medical engineering labs, to name just a few. You’ll have access to all the latest equipment you need to develop your skills and launch a career. How you’ll practise your skills. Our course is unique among other medical biochemistry degrees because we focus on getting you work experience throughout your time with us. You’ll have the option of taking a year-long industry placement that’ll help you develop your transferable skills. We also have a work experience module that’ll allow you to increase your chances of employment and practice working in the scientific field. You’ll learn through a series of computer-based sessions, laboratory practicals, and workshops. This mixed learning style will ensure you’re practising your skills in hypothesis formation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation as you learn. In addition, you’ll get the chance to become a member of the East Coast Biochemical Society and gain experience as part of different research groups. You’ll get all the support you need to succeed. From your Personal Tutor to your Graduate Academic Assistant, each one has studied your subject and will provide the support you need based on their own experience. If you need a little help with writing, numeracy or library skills, we can help with that too.

Course Content

Course content What will you study on the BSc Medical Biochemistry/MSci Clinical Biochemistry? This course covers the field of biochemistry with a focus on human biology and medicine and includes core themes from a wide range of science subjects including chemistry, molecular biology and immunology. Laboratory, research and diagnostic methods will be developed throughout the course. You will learn practical skills in analytical and diagnostic techniques applicable in a wide range of fields including industry and research. As well as in-depth knowledge on the subject, you will also gain a wide range of skills relating to some of the biggest current issues in public health as well as the key techniques required in the human health and medicine industries. You will have the knowledge and skills in n medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and public health education and the ability to undertake biochemical research related to human health. You will also gain numeracy, research, collaborative and presentation skills. With the MSci, you will gain additional postgraduate skills to work in Clinical Biochemistry laboratories in hospitals, research organisations or industry. What is the difference between the BSc and MSci course? There are two honours degree programmes available for each area of study – a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a four-year Master of Science (MSci).Both degrees share a common first three years but due to the advanced nature of the MSci programme students must demonstrate they have the high level knowledge and skills required at the end of year 2 and 3 to progress on the programme. You must apply direct to either the BSc or MSci, but you can also choose to change programme. You must apply for the MSci in Year 1 if you want to guarantee your student loan will cover the fourth year of fees. Work experience. There are two opportunities to gain relevant work experience, the one-year placement and a work experience module. Both the placement and the work experience module provide excellent opportunities to gain employability skills, transferable skills and experience of working in science. This may be in an industrial, research laboratory or hospital-based environment for example. BSc Medical Biochemistry modules Year 1 Biological Techniques (30 credits) – Compulsory This module introduces the fundamental laboratory and research techniques that underpin the study of biological sciences. Skills introduced in this module include observations and note taking; data handling, analysis and presentation; safe working practises and the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a variety of formats. The module will enable you to develop these skills within your degree programme and facilitate recognition of these skills in relation to employability. Metabolic Biochemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory The main aim of this module is to introduce and familiarise yourself with the key metabolic pathways of energy metabolism. This includes the study of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and bioenergetics, and the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and their derivatives. Cell Biology and Genetics (15 credits) – Compulsory This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level. Principles of Microbiology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module is an introduction to the scope of microbiology, the nature and importance of micro-organisms and factors influencing their growth and survival. The module explores the field of microbiology and its applications and importance in biotechnological processes, the environment and in health and disease. Fundamentals of Chemistry (30 credits) – Compulsory This module provides you with the skills and knowledge of chemistry that will underpin your future studies in biochemistry. Emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base around key academic concepts in chemistry and biochemistry using examples from health and the environment to reinforce ideas. You will acquire a range of laboratory practical skills and learn how to analyse and interpret experimental results and put these into context with theoretical concepts. Physiology and Anatomy (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide the knowledge of human anatomy and its hierarchical organisation from cell to organ system. An understanding of how the main body systems and mechanisms involved maintaining a “state of health” will be developed along with an introduction to how these systems can malfunction. Grounding in practical anatomy will be provided which includes “hands on” practical work in identification and recognition of the main anatomical features of organs and structures of the body. Year 2 Functional Biochemistry (30 credits) – Compulsory This module provides 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 explored with a particular emphasis on enzyme kinetics. Molecular Biology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module will reinforce and expand on the Year 1 module Cell Biology and Genetics. The overall aim is for the you to obtain understanding of the molecular processes occurring in organisms. In addition, you will gain experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and application of commonly employed molecular methods and genetic tools and techniques. Immunology and Endocrinology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to introduce the concepts and language of immunology that are, or may be, applied clinically. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the different cellular and molecular communication processes. Laboratory skills will be developed in using immunological and endocrinological techniques and interpreting data. Research Methods and Project Planning (30 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements. Pharmaceutical Chemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory This module introduces pharmaceutical chemistry. It examines the essential biochemistry on which understanding of medicinal chemistry is built and discusses strategies involved in developing an effective drug. Medical Diagnostic Techniques (15 credits) – Compulsory The module will provide an understanding of the medical diagnostics techniques used in diagnosis of hereditary disorders, infectious diseases, blood disorders and oncology. A comprehensive range of current techniques that are used will be covered. An overview of the future potential of genomics, metabolomics and proteomics will be given. The module will have a strong practical component. Sandwich Year (Optional) Biology placement This 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 your programme. The module aims to enhance your employability skills, embed transferable and graduate skills, and you’ll be encouraged to reflect on how the knowledge gained is relevant to your 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, communication, self-expression and co-operation. Year 3 Advanced Biochemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory The module will develop key concepts in specialist areas of biochemistry in relation to human diseases. Advanced topics on molecular basis of disease will be delivered, based primarily around the research specialisations of staff within the biochemistry teaching group. Gene Expression and Control (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide an understanding of processes involved in regulation of gene expression and current laboratory methods available for investigation. It also aims to provide an understanding of how gene expression may be modulated according to changes in the cellular environment, how environmental conditions can trigger changes in these processes and how aberrations in gene expression can lead to disease. Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide you with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of major organ function, along with the biochemical laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management. You will gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings and of evaluation of novel methodologies for use in a clinical setting. Pharmacology and Toxicology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module discusses pharmacology, from a cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action and metabolism, clinical applications, toxicology and pharmacokinetics. Dissertation (30 credits) – Compulsory This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous modules and from the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Further development of research skills, analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted in completing a dissertation. Bioinformatics (15 credits) – Optional This module will introduce bioinformatics and aims to give an overview of the computational tools that are commonly used. The module will follow a hands-on approach. Genome and proteome data will be retrieved from public repositories and analysed for biological patterns using command line and graphical user interface tools. Gene Technology (15 credits) – Optional The module considers current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of their applications. Ethical issues and regulations of the field of gene technology will be explored. Current Topics in Bioscience (15 credits) – Optional The module gives you an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of a current topic within a biological sciences subject area of interest to them. You will be guided towards independent research of an appropriate topic of your choosing and then present your findings orally and in writing. Biology Work Experience (30 credits) – Optional This module will enable you to gain credits for work experience related to your programme. It aims to link academic learning to a placement organization. The experience provides opportunities for you to work in a relevant organisation and enhance your skills of self-expression, communication, co-operation and self-reliance. MSci Clinical Biochemistry modules Year 1 Biological Techniques (30 credits) – Compulsory This module introduces the fundamental laboratory and research techniques that underpin the study of biological sciences. Skills introduced in this module include observations and note taking; data handling, analysis and presentation; safe working practises and the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a variety of formats. The module will enable you to develop these skills within your degree programme and facilitate recognition of these skills in relation to employability. Metabolic Biochemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory The main aim of this module is to introduce and familiarise yourself with the key metabolic pathways of energy metabolism. This includes the study of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and bioenergetics, and the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and their derivatives. Cell Biology and Genetics (15 credits) – Compulsory This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level. Principles of Microbiology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module is an introduction to the scope of microbiology, the nature and importance of micro-organisms and factors influencing their growth and survival. The module explores the field of microbiology and its applications and importance in biotechnological processes, the environment and in health and disease. Fundamentals of Chemistry (30 credits) – Compulsory This module provides you with the skills and knowledge of chemistry that will underpin your future studies in biochemistry. Emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base around key academic concepts in chemistry and biochemistry using examples from health and the environment to reinforce ideas. You will acquire a range of laboratory practical skills and learn how to analyse and interpret experimental results and put these into context with theoretical concepts. Physiology and Anatomy (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide the knowledge of human anatomy and its hierarchical organisation from cell to organ system. An understanding of how the main body systems and mechanisms involved maintaining a “state of health” will be developed along with an introduction to how these systems can malfunction. Grounding in practical anatomy will be provided which includes “hands on” practical work in identification and recognition of the main anatomical features of organs and structures of the body. Year 2 Functional Biochemistry (30 credits) – Compulsory This module provides 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 explored with a particular emphasis on enzyme kinetics. Molecular Biology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module will reinforce and expand on the Year 1 module Cell Biology and Genetics. The overall aim is for the you to obtain understanding of the molecular processes occurring in organisms. In addition, you will gain experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and application of commonly employed molecular methods and genetic tools and techniques. Immunology and Endocrinology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to introduce the concepts and language of immunology that are, or may be, applied clinically. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the different cellular and molecular communication processes. Laboratory skills will be developed in using immunological and endocrinological techniques and interpreting data. Research Methods and Project Planning (30 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements. Pharmaceutical Chemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory This module introduces pharmaceutical chemistry. It examines the essential biochemistry on which understanding of medicinal chemistry is built and discusses strategies involved in developing an effective drug. Medical Diagnostic Techniques (15 credits) – Compulsory The module will provide an understanding of the medical diagnostics techniques used in diagnosis of hereditary disorders, infectious diseases, blood disorders and oncology. A comprehensive range of current techniques that are used will be covered. An overview of the future potential of genomics, metabolomics and proteomics will be given. The module will have a strong practical component. Sandwich Year (Optional) Biology placement This 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 your programme. The module aims to enhance your employability skills, embed transferable and graduate skills, and you’ll be encouraged to reflect on how the knowledge gained is relevant to your 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, communication, self-expression and co-operation. Year 3 Advanced Biochemistry (15 credits) – Compulsory The module will develop key concepts in specialist areas of biochemistry in relation to human diseases. Advanced topics on molecular basis of disease will be delivered, based primarily around the research specialisations of staff within the biochemistry teaching group. Gene Expression and Control (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide an understanding of processes involved in regulation of gene expression and current laboratory methods available for investigation. It also aims to provide an understanding of how gene expression may be modulated according to changes in the cellular environment, how environmental conditions can trigger changes in these processes and how aberrations in gene expression can lead to disease. Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide you with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of major organ function, along with the biochemical laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management. You will gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings and of evaluation of novel methodologies for use in a clinical setting. Pharmacology and Toxicology (15 credits) – Compulsory This module discusses pharmacology, from a cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action and metabolism, clinical applications, toxicology and pharmacokinetics. Dissertation (30 credits) – Compulsory This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous modules and from the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Further development of research skills, analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted in completing a dissertation. Bioinformatics (15 credits) – Optional This module will introduce bioinformatics and aims to give an overview of the computational tools that are commonly used. The module will follow a hands-on approach. Genome and proteome data will be retrieved from public repositories and analysed for biological patterns using command line and graphical user interface tools. Gene Technology (15 credits) – Optional The module considers current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of their applications. Ethical issues and regulations of the field of gene technology will be explored. Current Topics in Bioscience (15 credits) – Optional The module gives you an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of a current topic within a biological sciences subject area of interest to them. You will be guided towards independent research of an appropriate topic of your choosing and then present your findings orally and in writing. Biology Work Experience (30 credits) – Optional This module will enable you to gain credits for work experience related to your programme. It aims to link academic learning to a placement organization. The experience provides opportunities for you to work in a relevant organisation and enhance your skills of self-expression, communication, co-operation and self-reliance. Year 4 Clinical Disorders (15 credits) – Compulsory This module aims to provide you with detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of major organ function, along with the laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management. You will understand the aetiology and biochemical investigation of a range of malignancies and gain experience of performing and assuring a range of methods used in the investigation of major organ function and cancer. You will gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings. Endocrinology and Metabolism (15 credits) – Compulsory This module provides the knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major endocrine organs in the body, emphasising the importance of clinical and biochemical parameters in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring patients. In addition, you will gain an understanding of clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, malabsorption and obesity and the use of biochemical testing for diagnosis and management. You will perform endocrine and nutritional status assays and gain experience of the interpretation of hormone results in common endocrine and nutritional conditions. Bioanalysis and Clinical Toxicology (15 credits) – Compulsory The module aims to examine the bioanalytical techniques used in biomedical research, and in the diagnosis of disease. It also provides a detailed understanding of the theory, practice and application of emerging bioanalytical techniques. The translation from research to clinical laboratory setting is also examined. Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) – Compulsory The module aims to provide you with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip you with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context. Research Project (60 credits) – Compulsory The module aims to develop your skills in the planning and execution of an analytical, laboratory-based study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on your acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop your communication skills to enable you to communicate your findings in written and oral form. You can find more information about this course in the programme specification, BSc Medical Biochemistry. MSci Clinical Biochemistry. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

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