BSc Biochemistry
Entry requirements
A level: BCC - CCD
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, examining life processes at the molecular level. Core topics include laboratory techniques, research methods, and critical and analytical thinking. The programme offers an optional placement year in industrial, clinical, or research settings and concludes with an independent research project. Advanced modules include protein engineering, gene editing technologies, and synthetic biology.
Modules
- Biomolecules
- Cells to Systems
- Microbiology and Genetics
- Molecular Metabolism
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Mechanisms of Pathology
- Cell Membranes
- Protein Structure and Function
- Biosciences placement: Gain valuable career-boosting experience by applying your academic knowledge in a real-world professional context. This year involves working alongside professionals in an industrial, clinical, research, or other relevant setting, significantly developing your practical, professional, and transferable skills.
- 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.
- Advanced Cell Membranes: Explore cutting-edge research in membrane biology, focusing on Aston's expertise in membrane proteins, lipids, and their roles in health, disease, and biotechnology. Discuss advanced experimental techniques and potentially computational modelling approaches used to investigate membrane systems.
- Advanced Molecular Biology: Master advanced molecular techniques central to modern biotechnology and research. Examine protein engineering (mutagenesis, directed evolution), gene editing technologies ( a cornerstone of synthetic biology ), advanced cloning strategies, and quantitative analysis (qPCR). Critically evaluate data from high-throughput methods like next-generation sequencing, incorporating bioinformatic analysis workflows.
- Applied Microbiology: Gain deep insights into microbial systems and their exploitation. Focus on antibiotic mechanisms, the challenge of resistance, modern drug discovery pipelines (potentially involving bioinformatics and computational screening), and the intricacies of bacterial gene regulation relevant to biotechnological applications.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Apply core pharmacological and toxicological principles to understand how drugs and toxins interact with biological systems at a molecular level. Develop advanced problem-solving, teamwork, and self-directed learning skills through case studies, focusing on interpreting complex experimental data and communicating scientific findings.
- Trends in Molecular Biosciences: Master the art and science of communicating complex, cutting-edge bioscience topics (including areas like synthetic biology or computational findings). Analyse current trends and research breakthroughs and develop skills in designing communication strategies and materials tailored effectively for diverse audiences (e.g., public engagement, policy briefs, scientific outreach).