This degree is all about the study of biology at the molecular level, providing novel insights into the nature of genes and proteins and the relationship between them. You might already know that DNA carries all the information that determines the structure of proteins. Nowadays, we can read and re-write its sequences to measure the effects of those changes in living cells. This means, you’ll get the opportunity to be a part of a new era that can investigate organisms at their most fundamental level. Explore how cells take instructions, grow and divide. Learn how specialised cells differentiate and how they make up millions of different life forms. You can gain practical experience in genetic manipulation. These technical skills are highly valued by employers, giving you the tools, you need to succeed in your future career pathway when you leave us.
In your first year you will gain a solid foundation in areas such as genetics, how drugs work inside our bodies and how viruses and fungi are formed and spread. You will also be able to choose two optional modules. Would you like to explore the chemical principles that underlie biological processes? Or maybe focus on the organic, structural and physical chemistry in biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences? The choice is yours.
In your second year you’ll specialise even more. You will learn about the different research methods applied to study diseases and drugs. You can even start your medical work experience at this point if you want to.
Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you invaluable experience of a clinical, diagnostic or research workplace, it will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too.
In your final year you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics that you just need to delve deeper into. All modules are optional, whether you’d like to look at disease, blood or medicine. In this year, you will also do a major project or dissertation in your chosen area of research.
You’ll enjoy 20 hours of contact time, with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week. The remaining time is devoted to practical work. Throughout your degree, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. This will include exams, literature reviews, portfolios, lab reports, practical's and presentations. Coursework assessments account for around 50-100% per module.
