Course summary

This advanced undergraduate joint honours degree brings together two complementary and overlapping disciplines, giving you in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research which are the basis for understanding all forms of life. The 4 year MSci is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to a 3 year BSc. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. The MSci programme follows our BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics course, but offers specialist training in a broad range of laboratory techniques. In the additional year you will develop an extended, research project. Molecular biology is a growing subject which is making enormous impact in many scientific areas that overlap with biochemistry, including the study and treatment of many human diseases, pharmaceutical development, and the complex relationships between our environment and ourselves. You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms and how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels so gaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans. You will develop excellent project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes. We were one of the first universities in the UK to introduce Genetics as a BSc discipline in the 1960s so we have a very long and respected track record in this field. You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including bioanalytical equipment such as HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.