Biochemistry

Description

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Biochemistry we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts – including several leading researchers in Biochemistry, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work. Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments. In addition to “traditional” lectures you will also have classes where discussion is encouraged or problems are worked through as a group.
• Practical classes: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles. Every first and second year module has at least six practical classes associated with it. Practical classes reinforce lectures and teach skills which are greatly valued by employers.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.
• Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment preparation is carried out.
• Work placements: Students taking Biochemistry may undertake an optional work-placement module in the summer between second and third years. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. It counts towards your final degree mark and is assessed as a second year module. Students may transfer to Biochemistry with Professional Studies if they wish to undertake a longer, year out placement.
• Research (Honours) projects: In final year, you will undertake a project in one of the research laboratories in the School. You will be given a real problem to work on – i.e. something that we genuinely do not, yet, know the answer to. Your Supervisor will support you and guide you in carrying out your research. Feedback will be provided on draft write-ups. This project counts for 20% of your final degree mark.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre. We take pride in the openness of all our staff: students can approach staff at the end of lectures or in other classes if they wish to ask questions. They can also make appointments to discuss the lecture material or more general aspects of the subject.

Careers

Studying for a Biochemistry or Biochemistry with Professional Studies degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Biochemistry.

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the molecular life sciences significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.

Biochemists can attain employment in many growth areas such as the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries, Clinical research, Health services, Research and Development in Academia and Industry as well as connected areas such as Science communication and Education. Biochemists are employed in sectors such as Health, Life Science and well as Agri-Food and Environmental areas, helping to find solutions to many of our world’s most fundamental challenges.

Graduate Careers and Achievements

Further study is also a common option open to Biochemistry graduates. For those wanting a career in biochemistry research, the normal route is to obtain a PhD (a three year postgradute degree which involves intense research into a topic under the supervision of one or more academics). Every year, some of our Biochemistry graduates have secured fully funded PhD studentships at Queen’s University (not just in the School of Biological Sciences, but also in Medicine, Pharmacy and Chemistry). Our graduates are also highly competitive in securing funding at other leading universities, such as Manchester and Cambridge. The Biochemistry degree also provides a route into professions which require a knowledge of the subject. Biochemistry graduates are eligible to study PGCE (a qualification to enable graduates to teach in schools) in either Biology or Chemistry. Both subjects are in demand in schools across the UK. The subject is also widely accepted for graduateentry to medical and dental schools. This is an increasingly common route into medicine and dentistry with many universities in the UK and Ireland offering four year, graduate-only programmes. Masters courses offer the opportunity to train in specialist areas (e.g. forensics, nutrition, biotechnology) in order to enter professions in those fields or to further enhance academic and research skills before embarking on a PhD.

Queen’s University places a strong emphasis on Employability. Our graduates are highly valued by many employers, locally, nationally and internationally.

Queen’s is member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. As a Queen’s student, you will be advised and guided about career choice and through the Degree Plus initiative, you will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skill development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.

Recognising student diversity, promoting employability enhancements and other interests is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe and learning development supports as well as involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others e.g. employers

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

Stage 1

Biochemistry
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Introductory Skills for Biosciences
Micro-organisms
Plus two modules in Chemistry

Stage 2

Biochemical Methods
Enzymology
Mammalian Biochemistry
Microbial Metabolism and Physiology
Molecular Genetics
Plus one other module, usually either Virology or Work Placement (3-year programme)

Throughout Stages 1 and 2, practical classes in Biochemistry reinforce and complement the theory and this gives students a sound foundation on which to build their final year.

Note: Biochemistry with Professional Studies students undertake a one-year, degree-related work placement between Stages 2 and 3.

Stage 3

In their final year all students carry out a two-module research project under the supervision of academic staff on a topic related to one of the many active areas of biochemistry research in the School. In addition, there are four taught modules:
Biochemical Basis of Disease
Biomolecular Structure
Cell Signalling
Genetic Manipulation and Biotechnology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-level BBB including Chemistry and at least one from Biology (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology or Double Award Science + GCSE Mathematics.Note: AS Biology grade C would be acceptable in lieu of A-level Biology.
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry and at least one from Biology (preferred), Maths or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Accreditation

The degree conforms to the Biochemical Society's core curriculum in biochemistry. In addition, it is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and graduates can apply for admission as an Associate Member (AMRSC).