Medical Biochemistry

Entry requirements

Applicants should either have at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a cognate subject, at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.

All applicants should ensure the following requirements are addressed in their personal statement, using no more than 500 words: Commitment to the subject: you should include your reasons for applying for, and interest in, this specific MSc course. You should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this course and how completion of the course will benefit you in your longer-term career planning. Prior lab experience: you should include an outline of your lab experience to date, in particular whether you have completed a lab-based research project as part of your undergraduate degree and what the title of your project was. Please also briefly detail what lab techniques you have experience of.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Engage with innovative theory. This course has been designed to significantly expand both your practical expertise within the field of medical biochemistry and your transferable skills. Exposure to a range of techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy and diagnostic assays, and their associated theories will significantly develop your understanding of medical biochemistry.

During your studies, you will prepare for, and undertake, an extensive independent project. You will discuss your project in detail with your supervisor before carrying out your research and writing up your study in a thesis. Additionally, you will study related subjects such as metabolism, physiology and the genetics of drug responses.

This course will develop your competencies in data analysis and statistics, science communication and professional development, enabling you to further your career as a confident medical biochemist or researcher.

This course has been designed in-line with the specific criteria required to go on to undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme. As well as gaining an understanding of the practice and theory of advanced medical biochemistry, you will master other skills required to be a capable scientist. These include data analysis techniques such as using SPSS, and effective science communication, for example developing conference posters, delivering presentations, writing scientific papers and using social media to disseminate your research.

You will complete an extended lab module where you will work as a team in our research facility to complete biochemical projects. This will overlap with your other project work to mimic the high pressure environment a career in biomedical sciences would likely involve, giving you the chance to adapt your work ethic and develop sound organisational skills. Our guest lecture series sees external speakers share their insights and experience of working in the industry and the research community. Often these events offer valuable networking opportunities to our students. You can also join our student-led Biomedical Sciences Society, and share ideas with your peers and our academic community.