Biological Sciences

Unpicking the biochemical processes that make all living things (and viruses) tick is the first step to understanding the mechanisms that define life. Welcome to the fascinating and diverse world of biochemistry. The browser you are using is no longer supported and for that reason you will not get the best experience when using our website.

Unpicking the biochemical processes that make all living things (and viruses) tick is the first step to understanding the mechanisms that define life. Welcome to the fascinating and diverse world of biochemistry. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

In your first year, you will focus on understanding of the fundamental biological processes that occur in cells, including DNA and protein synthesis, as well as the metabolic reactions that sustain cells and organisms. In subsequent years you will develop a greater understanding of how molecular processes are exquisitely controlled to ensure that the right process occurs in the right location – and at the right time. This control is essential to the correct functioning of cells, and the body as a whole, and errors can lead to disastrous consequences.

One example of this is in cancer formation, where genetic mutations lead to loss of control of proteins that govern when cells replicate. You will learn how our knowledge of these molecular processes is leading to breakthroughs in disease treatment, through targeting and inactivating key molecules in the defective pathways.