Biochemistry - MBiol (Hons)

University of Leeds

Many devastating diseases, such as cancer, are caused by just a few atoms being out of place inside your cells. Biochemistry aims to understand how living things work at the atomic level. This knowledge drives the most exciting developments in biomedical research, from the development of new drugs to treat neurodegenerative disorders to cancer therapies and coronavirus vaccines. How are genes encoded in DNA and how do cells use this information to produce proteins? How do proteins fold into 3D structures? How does protein misfolding cause devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s? How do mutations cause inherited disorders and cancer? How do viruses infect and replicate inside cells? On this course, taught by leading research experts, you’ll explore these questions and many others. You’ll understand the molecular basis of health and disease and how biochemists lead the way in therapeutic development. Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary subject at the boundary between biology and the physical sciences. As such, you’ll gain a unique knowledge base and skill set from your degree. This will make you highly sought after by a wide range of top employers within the biological/biomedical research sector and beyond.The integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.Course highlightsExperience the cutting edge in a research-active environment with world-class facilities.Perform a final-year project at the frontier of modern research.Weekly practical classes in the first two years of your degree, with the option to experience working in a research lab in your final year.Build transferable skills and employability with our skills-based teaching.Extensive wellbeing and employability support from dedicated faculty teams.Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.The ongoing expansion of biosciences creates varied employment prospects and career opportunities.Flexible degreesBiochemistry is a specialist degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, which offers you flexibility throughout your time at Leeds.Many of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there may be opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology with Enterprise. Course transfers must happen prior to the commencement of Year 2 and are subject to space and academic background approval.FacilitiesThe School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is an international research hub with outstanding facilities for structural biology, biophysics, cell biology and imaging. This is underpinned by a recent £17 million investment by the University and a large grant portfolio from major external funders (the Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, BBSRC and MRC). These facilities underpin our research-led teaching and allow us to offer final year projects at the frontier of modern research. Recently refurbished teaching labs and dedicated computer clusters will allow you to develop your practical and computational skills during the first two years of your course. The Faculty Student Opportunity Team provide expert support for preparing applications for placements, internships and jobs.Wellbeing and support The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing.