Comments about BSc Biological Sciences - At the institution - Leicester - Leicestershire
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Objectives
If you want to study Biochemistry with an emphasis on its relevance to Medicine, then look no further than the Medical Biochemistry programme at Leicester. Over the course of three years (four, if you take the additional Sandwich year, see below), you will learn about the very latest developments in our understanding of the chemistry of life. This includes consideration of the normal functioning of cells, and what goes wrong when they become cancerous; the importance of gene expression in health and disease; and the way that knowledge about drug action and drug metabolism can inform the development of new and better medicines. With the Department of Biochemistry at Leicester having an internationally-recognised reputation for the quality of its research, your lectures and tutorials will frequently be led by scientists who are directly involved in ground-breaking work in these fields.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements * A/AS Levels: Three A levels, including Chemistry and preferably Biology. * Two AS levels considered in place of one A level. General Studies not accepted. Equivalent UCAS Tariff points (300-360) may be offered. * GCSE: English Language and Mathematics required, if not held at A/AS level. Biology and Physics required, if not held at A/AS level, either single subjects or part of a Dual Award Integrated Science. * Access to HE courses: Pass, with at least the requisite credits at level 3. * European Baccalaureate: Pass with 70% overall * International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 32-34 points * Leicestershire Progression Accord: 270-330 points as above plus full Accord credits * BTEC Nationals: Diploma with DDM, plus A Level Chemistry. * Other qualifications: Other national and international qualifications welcomed. * Mature students with alternative qualifications considered. * Second Year Entry: Possible for those with advanced qualifications strictly comparable with our degree structure. * Interviews are not normally required. * All applicants receiving an offer will be invited to visit the Department. This degree is not available on a part-time basis.
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Academic title
BSc Biological Sciences
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Course description
BSc Biological Sciences
Programme
First Year
The first year provides a sound base for advanced study across the breadth of modern Biological Sciences, from molecules to populations. Modules taken cover Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Animal & Plant Diversity, Cell & Developmental Biology and Environmental & Evolutionary Biology. Tutorials and laboratory work are integral to all of these modules, enabling you to develop your critical and practical skills. There are also modules in Chemistry and skills-based teaching including ICT & Numeracy and Study & Communication skills.
Students who perform at first class level in their first year may apply for consideration for transfer to the first year of medicine.
Second Year
Modules cover in detail the structure and function of proteins; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; metabolic regulation; cell communication and the trafficking of proteins and molecular machines. You will take the core module 'Research Skills' and can choose additional modules relevant to biochemistry selected from molecular aspects of genetics, microbiology, physiology or pharmacology.
Final Year
You may focus on those aspects of biochemistry which interest you most. Modules offered include Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology; Biochemistry of Gene Expression; Antimicrobial Biochemistry; Understanding & Using Enzymes and the Structure, Dynamics and Engineering of Proteins. In addition you will undertake either a library- or laboratory-based research project. The latter will provide you with an opportunity to work alongside research students and post-doctoral scientists. Recent research projects have included: Regulation of Gene Expression; Cell Signalling; Molecular Enzymology; Transgenic Technology; and Protein Structural Studies.
