Modules

Year 1
Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts.

◘ Biomolecules - Explore key biomolecules (sugars, lipids, DNA, RNA, amino acids and proteins), how they are formed, their structure and function. Includes a large practical laboratory component giving hands-on experience of key biochemical techniques that can be used to study these biomolecules.
◘ Cells to Systems - Examine the basic structure, organisation and function of cells and sub-cellular structures. How cells communicate, the cell cycle, cell death, and how cells come together to forms tissues and organs with specialised functions.
◘ Microbiology and Genetics - A comprehensive introduction to the basic principles and fundamental skills of microbiology, as well as the core concepts of genetics and the use of model organisms.
◘ Molecular Metabolism - Explore the molecules, reactions, enzymes and regulation mechanisms involved in the major metabolic pathways, including key aspects of organic chemistry. In addition, this module develops your transferable and personal skills crucial for success in various career paths post-graduation.

Year 2
Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes and learn how to apply fundamental biochemical concepts to experimental and real-world problems.

◘ Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Find out how microbes, enzymes, mammalian cells and molecular genetic techniques can be utilised for biotechnology applications, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics.
◘ Mechanisms of Pathology - Investigate the principles underlying pathology of a variety of diseases, how the immune system responds to infection or damage, and the ability of pathogens to cause cellular and tissue pathology.
◘ Cell Membranes - In-depth coverage of the structure and function of biological membranes and their roles in transport, signalling processes and drug discovery.
◘ Protein Structure and Function - Explore in detail the structure and function of proteins along with the experimental techniques that can be used to study them. Develop transferable and research skills such as problem-solving, science communication, group work, and experimental design.

Placement year
Gain valuable career-boosting experience during your integrated placement year by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.

◘ Biosciences placement

Final year
Undertake a substantial original research project, choose from a range of advanced modules, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post-graduation.

◘ Research Project Preparation - Demonstrate practical competency in a range of fundamental biosciences techniques. Select and critically analyse relevant scientific literature for your project, including elements of health and safety legislation and appraisal of the ethical impacts of research.
◘ Research Project - Undertake an independent research project. Generate, analyse, interpret, draw conclusions and present your findings in both written and oral formats.
◘ Professional Development for Biochemists - Develop a range of research and translational skills, such as critical analysis of data, good practice and self-reflection, that will equip you to undertake scientific careers and demonstrate professional behaviour.

Assessment methods

Through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, you will gain key laboratory, analytical, computational and communication skills needed by the modern biochemist. We maximise the time you spend doing hands-on practical work in the lab using specially designed online activities both before and after the lab sessions.

Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to; lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, and work placements.

You will be assessed throughout the course with wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as: examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple-choice questions), essays, presentations, laboratory reports, project work and computer-based assessment.

Extra funding

Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding