Biochemistry

Description

Modern Biochemistry has made a significant contribution to all fields of science allied to medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology. There is a constant need for graduates with expertise in this area, who can apply their skills to problems in medicine, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and biotechnological industries. This degree examines fundamental principles relating to the chemistry of life on earth. We aim to provide you with an integrated knowledge base directly relevant to the disciplines of pharmacology, biomedical science, plant sciences, molecular genetics, biotechnology and nutrition.

You will have an opportunity to develop expertise in data interpretation, critical analysis and synthesis of scientific information, presentations and scientific writing skills. Extensive research expertise will support this taught degree programme with modules covering aspects relating to toxicology, integrative physiology and biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology and immunology.

How You Study

Example Modules:

• Cell Signalling
• Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology
• Natural Products
• Chemical Ecology
• Free Radicals in Health and Disease
• Biochemical Nutrition.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well placed to follow a diverse range of career pathways both within industry and academia. Typical career opportunities include further studies at MSc or PhD level, academic publishing, scientific sales and industrial research within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.

Careers Service

While you are at the University of Lincoln, you will have different services at your disposal that will help you best prepare for your future career.

The University's Careers & Employability Team offers qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University and once you graduate.

This service includes one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities. Having achieved new knowledge and skills, you will be fully supported to fulfil your career ambitions.

The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world. It advertises a range of graduate positions around the country.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10700 Year (EEA)
• EUR 16230 Year (Non-EEA)

• £9,000 Per level (Full and part-time)
• £13,648 Per level

• English

Course Content

Level 1

Animal Anatomy and Physiology (Option)

This module is concerned with the principles of the diversity of anatomical form and function in animals using a comparative approach. Anatomical adaptations will be explored across taxa within the animal kingdom in order to show how different types of organisms use their anatomy to solve the similar morphological and physiological problems. Through this, an understanding of anatomically distinct and shared features across animal species will be developed using examples of how organisms from different taxa address key aspects of their life histories.

Biochemistry and Metabolism

This module aims to provide you with an overview of biochemistry at the cellular level. The importance of cellular and molecular pathways will be covered with a view of highlighting key metabolic pathways required to sustain cellular functions. Basic concepts of biochemical signalling pathways will also be introduced.

Cell Biology

This module aims to provide an introduction to the structure, composition and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. From this basis the module considers cell specialisation and division and an introduction to microscopy, histological and microbiological techniques which may be used to safely examine and identify cells and tissues.

Genetics

This module provides you with an introduction to genetics by discussing the development of genetics as a field of science, from Mendelian genetics through to genetics at the molecular level. This module will provide the knowledge necessary to understand the genetic polymorphisms responsible for drug reactions across different populations.

Human Anatomy & Physiology, with Clinical Correlations 1 (Option)

This module provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems in the human body. It is intended to explore the role of the nervous system in the physiology of stress and its role in homeostasis. The module will also enable students to identify and understand the function of human bones, muscles and joints and provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the heart, lung, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the human body

Human Anatomy & Physiology, with Clinical Correlations 2 (Option)

The module explores the role of the endocrine system in homeostasis. It is intended to explore the components of the blood and immune system and their various functions. It will enable you to identify the anatomy and understand the physiology of the kidney, urogenital and digestive systems.

Integrative Biochemistry

This module is designed to provide a foundation to develop an understanding and appreciation of biochemistry in the context life processes. This module will focus on basic biochemical principles and introduce the fundamental building blocks of life with the inclusion of concepts relating to the structure and functional properties of biological molecules. The importance of cellular and molecular pathways will be covered with a view of highlighting key metabolic pathways required to sustain cellular functions. Basic concepts of biochemical signalling pathways will also be introduced.

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

The basic principles of analytical chemistry and is directed towards both theoretical and conceptual aspects. Furthermore, students are encouraged to develop the practical skills necessary for all the future chemistry-based practical applications.

Plant Structure and Function (Option)

This module provides a broad overview of plant form and function by reviewing the key structural characteristics of cells, tissues and organs in a range of plant species. It investigates the diversity of plant form and the evolutionary history of plant life; emphasis is placed on the adaptations of plants to their environment. It focuses on the relationship between anatomy and the mechanical role of cells, tissues and organs. On completion of this module students will have a broad understanding of form and function in plants, key elements of plant-animal coevolution / interactions, and an appreciation of the diverse range of structures and tissues utilised by humans.

Research Methods for Life Scientists 1

This module aims to introduce the skills and knowledge necessary to assimilate and judge scientific knowledge. You will be introduced to the tools required to search and evaluate the scientific literature relevant to their studies, and some of the key philosophical constructs around which scientific knowledge is based. You will be taught about hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, basic mathematical and statistical concepts and data presentation, and be shown how these methods are put into practice through a series of research seminars.

Level 2

Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Option)

This module covers the most advanced techniques in analytical chemistry and their use in Forensic Science. This module also provides with advanced knowledge required to support level 3 units such as Forensic Toxicology, Fire and Explosion Investigation, Bioanalytical Techniques, Biotechnology and drugs of abuse. Furthermore, students are encouraged to develop the practical skills and independent thinking necessary for all the future chemistry-based practical applications.

Analytical Techniques

This module provides an introduction to the theoretical principles, instrumentation, automation and application of the most important laboratory instrumental techniques applied in Forensic and Biomedical Science. The module provides the background in analytical methods necessary to support other modules in both degrees. It also provides students with the basic analytical skills necessary to pursue their Independent Study with confidence.

Biology of Human Disease (Option)

The module provides an overview of the biology of some common human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, haemostatic disorders, neurological disease, gastrointestinal disease and anaemia. It will introduce students to the use of laboratory techniques in the investigation of disease, from a theoretical and practical point of view.

Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology

This module is concerned with the study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular and physiological systems.

The module aims to:

• Give an introduction to pharmacology principles
• Provide a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of actions of selected drugs
• Develop a critical appreciation of the importance and relevance of pharmacology in the treatment of selected diseases
• Understand the basic principles of toxicology and drug overdose therapies.

Immunology

This module provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response in health and human diseases. The structure, function and complex mechanisms of host defence by B- and T-Cells will be discussed. Students will evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators, soluble effectors and cellular cytotoxicity in inflammation and immunity.

Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry (Option)

The module provides an overview of the main principles of medical biochemistry It enables students to discuss endocrine disease as well as liver, respiratory, gastrointestinal, vascular and renal disease.

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is of critical importance when understanding biological systems. This module is designed to provide students with an insight into the techniques used and applied by molecular biologists in a number of specific contexts.

Plant-Animal Interactions (Option)

In this module students will gain an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the interactions between plants and animals that have been the driving force for the evolution of the world as we know it. Interactions between the flowering plants and vertebrate and invertebrate animals have led to the huge diversity of flowering plants that maintain the essential life support systems of the planet and are the basis of all current agricultural systems. Despite the huge economic costs of agricultural pests that damage plants, the evolutionary arms race between plants and their herbivores has driven the evolution of many of the important plant secondary compounds we use today as stimulants (e.g. caffeine) or drugs (e.g. salicylic acid = aspirin). Other economically, evolutionarily or ecologically important plant-animal interactions include pollination and seed dispersal. Students will examine the economic, evolutionary and ecological consequences of plant-animal interactions at scales from ecosystems to molecules. They will have the opportunity to develop their own perspective on this important topic, and will be asked to review, interpret and evaluate the evidence available in the primary literature.

Research Methods for Life Scientists 2

The module introduces the principles of experimental design and various methods of collection of quantitative and qualitative data. It describes statistical significance tests for comparing data and enables students to practise where and how to use each statistical test. The module will allow students to critically assess published work with regard to design of experiment and analysis of data. It will provide students with skills required to design and analyse a research project generally, and specifically that undertaken in year three of their course.

Level 3

Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology (Option)

The module provides an overview of the role of clinical biochemistry and immunology laboratories in the functional diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine function, bone metabolism, malignancy, gout, allergy, autoimmunity and nutritional status.

Genetics & Bioethics (Option)

The module provides an overview of the applications of clinical genetics and its ethical and social considerations. This module also intends to discuss genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis of genetic disease and also carrier detection and pre-symptomatic testing. The module enables students to evaluate the population screening, and community genetics for single gene and chromosome disorders and also the ethical and social considerations of the Human Genome Project and treatment of genetic diseases and gene therapy.

Life Sciences Research Project

In this module students undertake an independent programme of research under supervision from a member of staff. It provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate original and critical thought, as well as to build practical and project-management skills. A wide range of subject expertise exists within the School, and students are expected to select a project that is relevant to their programme of study. Under the guidance of a supervisor, students will review the literature, identify a hypothesis or hypotheses and design a programme of research to test their hypotheses. They will be expected to manage the project, including obtaining relevant ethical approval and conducting a risk assessment. They will collect and analyse data, recording their activities in a lab notebook. Projects can be conducted in the laboratory or field, as appropriate for their field of study, use mathematical modelling or use pre-collected data to test hypotheses via meta-analysis. Students may work individually or in groups addressing similar questions, but must write up individually. The project will be written up in the format of a scientific paper following closely the style of a key journal relevant to their area of study, or as a thesis.

Molecular Ecology (Option)

This module examines the application of molecular techniques to the ecology, evolution and conservation of populations, species, individuals and natural resources. It aims to provide the theoretical background for understanding evolutionary and population genetics. Case studies will be used to illustrate how the theory and molecular techniques are applied to inform behavioural, ecological and conservation questions, particularly relating to management of rare and threatened species.

Overseas Field Course (Option)

An overseas field course gives students the opportunity to investigate biological phenomena in the field. They will be encouraged to view the ecosystem within the wider context of the anthropogenic impacts being imposed on it, and students will work in groups, guided by staff, to develop and test hypotheses allowing them to understand more about biological processes operating within the study area.

Requirements

Students must have the required UCAS tariff points (top of page). These should include a minimum of 2 A level subjects (or equivalent), including at least 80 points from a science subject (we would recommend Chemistry, but can accept any science related subject). In lieu of a full A level Chemistry, an A at AS Chemistry will be accepted. A Level Applied Science acceptable but not preferred.

Equivalent qualifications, such as a science based access course, advanced GNVQ, or BTEC National Diploma in Science will also be accepted. Pass Access with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above. BTEC Diplomas should have a high science content.

In addition, applicants must also have at least three GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) to include English Language, Maths and Science.

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 University of Lincoln.