C741 BSc Medical Biochemistry
C749 MBiol, BSc Medical Biochemistry (Integrated Masters)

Medical Biochemistry offers a fantastic opportunity to excel in a rapidly evolving and up-to-the-minute discipline. Watch one of our students talk about their time at Leeds.

This course offers:   

• exciting contemporary topics such as: gene therapy, cancer and oncogenes, viruses, protein structure and function, molecular machines in action, stem cells, membranes and signalling, nanotechnology, enzyme design and evolution, genomics and bioinformatics and modern methods in structural biology

• wide range of options such as: microbiology, pharmacology, immunology, virology, chemotherapy and exercise biochemistry

• the chance to study in a Faculty ranked 4th in the UK for research in biological sciences by the leading scientific journal ‘Nature’ based on the numbers of staff producing research that was “world leading or internationally excellent”

• recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry as fulfilling the academic requirements for admission to Associate Member (AMRSC)

• excellent career prospects

• the opportunity to undertake an integrated masters (MBiol) programme

• high student satisfaction

• comprehensive practical training in first-class purpose-built teaching laboratories

• opportunities to work on contemporary issues with expert researchers throughout your course, culminating in an individual final year project

• the opportunity of a career-enhancing industrial placement year

• the chance to study abroad

• all the facilities and resources of a major university

• outstanding personal development opportunities including our distinctive Leeds for Life scheme

What is Medical Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is central to all areas of the “biological” and “life” sciences. It aims to provide an understanding of disease through studying every aspect of the structure and function of living things at a molecular level. It is a practical laboratory science that applies the molecular approaches of chemistry to the vast variety of biological systems.

We offer three biochemistry degrees, with a each slightly different emphasis. The first year content is the same for all three degrees, but as you progress you are able to specialise in certain areas. See also: BSc Biochemistry.

Why study Medical Biochemistry?

The impact of biochemistry on modern life is enormous:

• Understanding diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is built on research by biochemists. This newfound knowledge is allowing the development of innovative drugs and vaccines.

• Techniques such as DNA-fingerprinting have revolutionised forensics and crime detection, while DNA-chip technology has fuelled rapid advances in gene research.

These are just a few examples and the revolution is only just beginning!

Biochemists are able to:

• probe the structure and function of specific biomolecules

• see in exquisite detail how proteins work

• understand how metabolic pathways are regulated

• decipher the human genome

• analyse the expression of genes

• identify molecular defects in human diseases

Contemporary applications of biochemistry continue to expand and career opportunities are excellent.

Biochemical Society : www.biochemistry.org

Entry Requirements

2014 entry requirements

2013 entry requirements	BSc Medical Biochemistry - UCAS code C741 A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA-ABB from 3 A2/Advanced Higher, including Chemistry and another science subject. General studies excluded. We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GSCE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): Typically DDD in Applied Science, including Distinctions in 10 units which will be specified if you are made an offer. International Baccalaureate: 38-34 (with 18-16 at HL) including 6 in HL Chemistry and another science at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB-AAABBB including an A in HL Chemistry and another science at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3-D3/M2/M2 including Pre-U Chemistry plus another science subject. Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science. MBiol, BSc Medical Biochemistry (Integrated Masters) - UCAS code C749 A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher, including Chemistry and another science subject. General studies excluded. International Baccalaureate: 38 (with 18 at HL) including 6 in HL Chemistry and another science at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in HL Chemistry and another science at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Chemistry plus another science subject. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement. Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science.
Duration of the course	3 Years Full Time (C741) 4 Years Full Time (C749) An Industrial Placement or Study Year Abroad will add a year to the duration of the course
Accreditation	Recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry
English language requirements	If English is not your first language, please check our minimum English language requirements.
See also:	BSc Biochemistry
Admissions policy	Download our Admissions Policy for 2013 entry. (PDF format). This includes information on the application process, our admissions intake and the selection process.
Admissions enquiries	Mrs Joan Gillson Tel: 0113 343 3021 Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Admissions tutor	Dr. Stephanie McBurney Tel: 0113 343 1457 Email: s.j.burney@leeds.ac.uk
Department	Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School
Programme Leaders	Dr Alan Berry
Course brochure	Download a course brochure

Course Structure

Our exciting Medical Biochemistry programme integrates practical, tutorial and lecture courses to deliver a course that will develop your knowledge from basic principles to the latest cutting edge developments in biochemistry.

The structure of your course will vary dependent upon which of the following pathways you choose:

BSc Course Structure

Modules

Each year of the Medical Biochemistry programme is designed around compulsory core modules. In order to allow you to study additional subjects of interest, there will be opportunities to take optional (chosen from a list of alternatives) or elective (a free choice) modules; the balance depends upon the year and programme of study.

Medical Biochemistry Year 1

The first year of the Medical Biochemistry programme you with an integrated foundation to the subject including the key elements of biochemistry, chemistry and molecular biology. The focus will be on the molecules and processes of life. Laboratory sessions are an integral part of the coursework and small group teaching complements the course and helps develop your problem solving skills. Lectures in “hot topics”, given by Faculty experts and invited external speakers, will introduce you to cutting edge research. You may choose to take optional modules in pharmacology, genetics, immunology and microbiology or to pick an elective module of your choice.

Medical Biochemistry Year 2

In the second year the programmes focuses on more in-depth studies of the major areas that underpin modern biochemistry. Key themes will include gene expression, cell communication, the biochemistry of disease and protein structure and function. Regular practical classes provide you with an opportunity to continue to improve your laboratory skills and you will take greater responsibility for your experimental design. Small group, academic tutorials have an emphasis on data analysis, problem solving and the interpretation of research literature. The range of second year optional modules includes exercise biochemistry, human genetics, chemotherapy, toxicology, and virology.

Medical Biochemistry Year 3

In the final year you will develop specialist knowledge that will enable an understanding of current research themes in medical biochemistry. A distinctive feature of the final year of the BSc Medical Biochemistry degree at Leeds is the strong emphasis on the teaching of “advanced topics”. You will choose advanced topics based on your particular interest and specific degree programme. These topics are taught by leaders in their research fields and focus on an understanding of specialist subjects at the cutting edge of knowledge.

Current advanced topics include:

• Protein Folding and Assembly
• Neurodegeneration
• Molecular Oncology
• Gene Therapies
• Membrane Channels
• Cell Biology of Viral Infection
• Directed Evolution
• Bioinformatics
• Sensory Transducers
• Stem Cells
• Protein:Nucleic Acid Interactions
• Building Blood Vessels
• Plant Cell Biology
• Viruses versus Cells

Module Details

This link takes you to detailed information (on another part of the University of Leeds website) about this degree for the 2012/13 academic year. Please bear in mind that programme details may change and that entry requirements refer to previous years.

Research Projects

As a final year student, you will choose an individual research project from a wide range of topics, to suit your interests and career aspirations. The project is an original laboratory, literature or computer-based study, supervised by an academic member of staff. Final year research projects are an important way for students to learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment.

Recent examples include:

MBiol Course Structure

To find out more about how the MBiol differs from the BSc programme, download our PDF guide to MBiol degrees.

Visit the Studying with us pages to find out more about studying in the Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School.

Teaching and Assessment

Our approach to teaching and learning is based around developing your knowledge and skills, and training you to be independent and to think critically. This means that you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials with additional time allocated to private study, project work and laboratory practicals, the balance of which will vary through your course and as you become more confident and experienced. At Leeds you will learn in many different ways:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical work
• E-learning
• Research-based teaching
• Research projects
• Research placement opportunities
• Industrial/professional placement opportunities
• Study year abroad opportunities

Typical timetable (3 year BSc)

Across all three years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study. A typical week

• in year one includes ten to twelve hours of lectures, a tutorial and a three to six hour lab practical session, plus private study time.
• in year two consists of around eight to ten lectures per week, tutorials and a six hour lab practical session, plus plus private study time.
• in year three your research project will take around three days per week (mainly in Semester One), you will also attend a number of associated lectures, plus private study time.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods including:

• multiple-choice testing
• practical work,
• data handling and problem-solving exercises
• group work
• discussion groups (physical and online)
• computer-based simulation
• essays
• posters
• oral presentations.

Current assessment details for each individual module can be accessed via the programme catalogue.

Careers

Biochemistry graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as their training opens up opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers alike. Our Medical Biochemistry programmes foster the development of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.

Medical Biochemistry Careers

Careers Support

Read about more BSc Biochemistry graduates...

• Gareth Rosbrook (2006); PhD student at the University of Leeds
• Faye Gould (2005); PhD student at the University of Leeds

See more graduate profiles.

Careers Resources

• www.prospects.ac.uk

For more information on our approach to graduate employability, please see: www.leeds.ac.uk/employability

Students' Experiences

Rebecca Platt

Rebecca did an industrial placement year at Pfizer.

"This was another very valuable experience which opened my eyes to a different world of science."

Ethan Morgan

Ethan earnt a Industrial Placement with Glaxosmithkline (GSK).

“The integrated nature of the course means that you are always engaging with different people on your course, such as people who sit on your lab bench and people who are in your tutorial group”

See more student profiles.