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Biochemistry BSc Honours

A biochemistry degree gives you the theoretical knowledge and lab-based practical skills to put you at the forefront of the next generation of biochemistry professionals or specialise in Medical Biochemistry.
Code
C79A
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years with placement
5-6 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dirk Wildeboer

Our BSc Biochemistry lets you build on your existing scientific interest while you develop practical biochemistry skills over a study period that’s tailored to suit your career ambitions.

Why choose Biochemistry BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Our course has a strong focus on practical learning and developing skills applied to biochemistry research and practice.

You will be introduced to new ideas and technologies that are applied to some of the biggest health and environmental problems of today.

You'll have the option of specialising in medical biochemistry in years 2 and 3 for an award in BSc Honours Medical Biochemistry.

What you will gain

As well as in-depth knowledge on the subject, you will also gain a wide range of skills relating to some of the biggest current issues in public health as well as the key techniques required in biomedicine and biotechnology.

We’ll teach you how to think like a biochemist.

You will have the knowledge and skills in medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and public health education and the ability to undertake biochemical research related to human health. You will also gain numeracy, research, collaboration and presentation skills.

You’ll develop essential research, diagnostic, and laboratory skills. The academic and professional skills gained on this course will prepare you for a variety of careers within a hospital or private labs in the health sector, research institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech industries. You’ll have the chance to pursue your interests with optional modules and individual assignments.

We have some of the UK’s best laboratories, equipped with the latest tech. Our Hatchcroft Building houses specialist bioscience and chemistry labs, microbiology, cell and tissue culture labs, the cancer research lab, the mass spectrometry facility and medical engineering labs, to name just a few. You’ll have access to all the latest equipment you need to develop your skills and launch a career.

Following graduation, you could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate or PhD level.

What you will learn

You’ll study the subject with a focus on applications to research, medicine and industry. Core themes will include biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry and bioinformatics.

You’ll learn through a series of practice-focused activities, interactive classes and workshops. This mixed learning style will ensure you’re practising your skills in hypothesis formation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation as you learn.

In addition, you’ll get the chance to become a member of the Middlesex Biochemical Society and gain experience as part of different research groups.


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About your course

This course covers the field of biochemistry with a focus on human biology and medicine and includes core themes from a wide range of science subjects including molecular biology, immunology and chemistry. Laboratory, research and analytical skills will be developed throughout the course. You will learn practical skills in analytical and diagnostic techniques applicable in a wide range of fields including industry and research.

Duration

  • 3 years full-time: September 2023 to June 2026
  • 4 years with placement: September 2023 to June 2027
  • 6 years part-time: September 2023 to June 2029

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Professional Skills (15 credits)

      This module aims to develop student’s academic and transferrable skills in key areas applicable to biosciences. This includes mathematics for analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. As well as reading and writing literacy at university standard within a scientific context. Furthermore, employability content to create career awareness and showcase opportunities for personal and professional development, both within and outside the academic institution.

    • Metabolic Biochemistry (30 credits)

      The main aim of this module is to introduce and familiarise students with the key metabolic pathways of energy metabolism. Students will acquire the skills and underpinning knowledge to pursue further studies in biochemistry.

    • Form and Function (15 credits)

      This module focuses on structural organisation and physiological function of organisms. It will introduce biological structures of animals and plants, their relationships and their physiology.

    • Fundamentals of Chemistry (30 credits)

      This module provides students with the skills and knowledge of chemistry that will underpin their future studies. Emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base around key academic concepts in chemistry using examples from health and the environment to reinforce ideas. Students will acquire a range of laboratory practical skills and learn how to analyse and interpret experimental results and put these into context with theoretical concepts.

    • Cell Biology and Genetics (30 credits)

      This module explores the cellular structure and function and genetics of eukaryotes, bacteria, archaea and viruses. It will provide students with principles of genetics as well as a detailed understanding of the genetic processes that are operating at molecular, organism, population and species levels and that ultimately underlie adaptive change. Students will also be introduced to core theory and experimental techniques used to investigate physiology, growth and death of cells

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Functional Biochemistry (30 credits)

      This module provides students with the knowledge of biochemical molecules and their physiological functions. Particular emphasis is placed on the molecular structure and its relationship with the biological function. Reaction mechanisms and kinetics of biochemical reactions will be explored with a particular emphasis on enzyme kinetics.

    • Statistics and Experimental Design (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide students with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work with focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills will be explored to meet individual programme requirements.

    • Molecular Biology (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide a foundation on the molecular mechanisms underlying the structures and functions of genomes. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to acquire experience in the main laboratory technologies used for the analysis of DNA to gain essential skills for the application of genetic techniques.

    • Analytical Biochemistry (15 credits)

      This module provides students with the knowledge of important “state of the art” analytical methods in biological sciences. There is a focus on developing practical skills in sample preparation, analytical methods and the analysis and interpretation of results. A particular emphasis will be on proteins in the context of biosciences research and analysis of samples from different context.

    • Immunology and Endocrinology (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce the concepts and language of immunology that are, or may be, applied clinically. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the different cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of a range of different immunopathologies. Regulation of the human endocrine system will also be introduced and explored by developing an understanding of what happens when regulation is lost leading to the onset of common endocrine pathologies. Knowledge of laboratory skills and analysis of data will be developed using immunological and endocrinological techniques.

    • Gene Expression and Control (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide an understanding of processes involved in gene regulation and current methods available for investigating gene expression. It also aims to give an apprehension of how gene activity may be modulated according to changes in the cellular environment, how environmental conditions can trigger changes in these processes and how aberrations in gene expression can lead to disease.

    • Applied Microbiology and Endocrinology (15 credits)

      The module aims to explore applied aspects of microbiology including the use of microbial production methods to produce pharmaceuticals and foods. There is a focus on the role of micro-organisms in infectious disease transmission and emerging and re-emerging diseases in the clinical and environmental setting. The module will also consider the challenges of outbreak control strategies including through antimicrobial use and vaccinations.

  • Year 2 - Optional

    • Biochemical Methods in Cancer (15 credits)

      This module is to develop practical skills in conducting assays used in cancer research. Students will also be trained to select the appropriate protein markers for studying aberrant cell signalling pathways in human cancers.

    • Advanced Organic Chemistry I (15 credits)

      This module builds upon the principles and concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry developed through the year 1 module Fundamentals of Chemistry. In this module students will develop a more complete appreciation of some of the chemical reactions relevant to biochemical processes and drug synthesis with emphasis on carbonyl chemistry and pericyclic reactions, integrating mechanisms and arrow pushing.

  • Optional Sandwich Year

    • Sandwich Year in Industry or Research (120 credits)

      The year-long placement is an opportunity for you to work in an industrial, field or laboratory based setting gaining important and relevant skills related to their biology degree programme. The module aims to enhance your employability skills, embed transferable and graduate skills and enable you to reflect on how the knowledge gained is relevant to your degree and the field of biology. Through the work placement you will gain experience of working in a team, facilitate your understanding of the workplace and enhance their skills of self-reliance and communication. The placement experience provides you with the opportunity to enhance your skills of self-reliance, communication, self-expression and co-operation.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Dissertation (15 credits)

      This module fosters academic curiosity; an inquiry-based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest that they wish to study in-depth and will manage their own learning with the support of an academic supervisor.

    • Applied Biochemistry (30 credits)

      The module will develop key concepts in specialist areas of Biochemistry in relation to applications in research, industry and analytical sciences. Advanced laboratory skills will be developed and their application in biochemistry research explored.

  • Year 3 - Optional

    • Work Experience (30 credits)

      This module enables students to formalise and integrate professional experience into their programme. It aims to link academic learning to professional work-based skills. The module provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience from the process of applying for work in relevant organisations and enhance their skills of self-expression, communication and self-reliance.

    • Informatics for Bioscientists (30 credits)

      This module will provide students with computer skills to analyse complex biological datasets. The module will follow a hands-on, problem-based approach to learning. Students will be given an overview of the computational tools that are commonly used, will be taught to program and to use the command line. They will then apply their skills, individually and in groups, to address authentic and biologically relevant questions using publicly available biological datasets.

    • Informatics for Molecular Biologists (30 credits)

      This module will provide students with computer skills to analyse complex molecular biology datasets. The module will follow a hands-on, problem-based approach to learning. Students will be given an overview of the computational tools that are commonly used, will be taught to program and to use the command line. They will then apply their skills, individually and in groups, to manipulate and explore publicly available biological datasets and answer authentic questions related to molecular biology.

    • Biotechnology (30 credits)

      This module enables you to recognise how traditional and modern biotechnology are applied to produce products or services for a more sustainable future. You will learn how to use the main tools for the manipulation of the genetic information and the production of GMOs. In addition, bioethical and legal issues in the field of biotechnology will be considered.

    • Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Diagnostic Techniques (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of primary organ function, along with the biochemical laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management.

    • Cellular and Molecular Pathology (30 credits)

      The aims of this module are to develop the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the principles of cellular and molecular pathology. The module encompasses an overview of epidemiology of specified common pathologies, Cellular changes in disease, Pathogenesis and clinical presentation of common disease of major organs, histopathology and cytopathology.

      Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of a range of molecular pathology tests in assisting with diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Principles of immunhistochemisty, including immunohistochemical methods used in identifying tumour-associated antigens

To find out more about this course, please download the full download the Biochemistry BSc specification (PDF).

  1. Teaching vs independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

Facilities

Hatchcroft Building

Our Hatchcroft Building houses specialist bioscience and chemistry labs, microbiology, cell and tissue culture labs, the cancer research lab, the mass spectrometry facility and medical engineering labs, to name just a few. You’ll have access to all the latest equipment you need to develop your skills and launch a career.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, childcare and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability Advice and Support service.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

We'll help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial Support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Biochemistry BSc Honours support your career?

The course will provide you with a range of academic and professional skills to prepare you for a wide range of relevant careers including working in hospitals or private laboratories in the health sector, research institutions or the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Optional modules and individual assignments will allow you to design your course to focus on your career aspirations.

Graduate job roles

Previous graduates have gone into careers in the following sectors:

  • Hospital and university labs
  • Biomedical Research facilities
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Sales, marketing and technical support
  • Science education
  • Publishing and law.

MDXworks

Our Careers & Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 10 UK universities for students who want to be CEOs and entrepreneurs (Hitachi, 2021).

Global network

Our location in London helps us connect you with over 1,000 industry partners to develop your future employment prospects. And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.  You’ll study with students from 184 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Placements

Our tutors and the placement office will advise you of placement opportunities. You will also be encouraged to become student members of the Biochemical Society during your studies.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Our specialist Employability Service and north London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain placement opportunities.

If you choose to do this course with a year placement you can take a 'thick sandwich year with a 120-credit placement after successfully passing your second year. There are no University fees for the placement year.

You will be visited in their placement at least twice and supported by an in-placement mentor, the placement office and a member of the programme team. Both you and your mentor will have a guide handbook to explain the requirements and you will keep an ongoing reflective diary of your experiences and also produce a critical appraisal of the organisation you work in.

If you successfully complete the 120-credit placement module you will be awarded a Diploma in Industrial Studies or Diploma in Employability Studies, depending on the nature of your placement.

  1. UK entry
  2. International
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time students: £77 per taught credit

International students

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free e-books and e-journals for key course texts
  • Free access to everything on your reading list
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees Disclaimers

1. UK Fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International Students. Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Helen Roberts
Associate Professor in Skeletal Cancer Research

Dr Roberts is currently Associate Professor in Skeletal Cancer Research at Middlesex University, and coordinates a research track investigating the regulation of aberrant cellular behaviour and subsequent skeletal tissue morbidity. She has a particular interest in the role of epigenetics and autophagy in the regulation of osteosarcoma metastasis and chemoresistance.

Dr Roberts is Programme Leader for the Faculty of Science and Technology Foundation Programme, and Director of Programmes (Quality Enhancement) for the Department of Natural Sciences. Dr Roberts also contributes to the teaching of epigenetics, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology and cell biology on undergraduate and postgraduate modules, and supervises a number of undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (MSc, MRes and PhD) research projects.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Biomedical Science BSc

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: C700

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