Biochemistry MSc

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical properties of biologically important molecules and processes in cells and tissues. It deals with the structure and function of cellular components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Biochemical understanding is fundamental to all biological disciplines. While much of modern biochemistry aims to provide an understanding of fundamental biological processes at a molecular level, it also contributes to the solving of medical problems and the discovery of safe and effective drugs. This programme aims to provide a thorough knowledge of contemporary Biochemistry at the cellular and molecular level. This programme allows students to gain research experience and professional skills, sometimes in a different area to their first degree, before deciding on a future career in industry or academic research.

This is a research focused Masters course. We do not teach Biochemistry using a traditional lecture-based format; instead we use an interactive approach where you learn through seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and during your research placements. For students who have had little hands on laboratory experience in their undergraduate degree we offer the Research Skills Summer School   which takes place for four weeks prior to the start of the main course and offers intensive research skills training.

• 120 credits are from research projects
• 15 credits are from units related to research skills
• 45 credits are from transferable skills units

• Research Placement 1 (60 credits)
• Research Placement 2 (60 credits)
• Research Skills(15 credits)

• Tutorial and Workshop (15 credits)
• Science Communication (15 credits)
• Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits)

Academic entry qualification overview:

A First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a biological or medical sciences discipline. Exceptional applicants with a 2:2 with some research experience or equivalence would also be considered.

English language:

For MSc applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5 in each component, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.

Other international entry requirements:

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For more details see entry requirements from your country.

The programme comprises four compulsory components:

Research projects: Your two projects will provide experience in carrying through a substantive research project including the planning, execution and communication of original scientific research. They are assessed by written report.

Tutorials and Workshop Unit : Tutorials give you the opportunity to learn about research being carried out in the Faculty of Life Sciences and thereby to acquire a broad knowledge of biological sciences.The Bioethics Workshop gives you experience of exploring and debating some of the ethical issues that surround current scientific research. Activities for the Tutorials and Bioethics unit include preparative directed reading, private study and preparation of oral presentations.This unit is assessed by peer-review of tutorial session and staff assessment of oral presentation during the tutorial and written reports.

Science Communication Unit: This unit allows you to acquire the ability to listen to a presentation, understand the key concepts and record important details, and then summarise its contents in a brief written report. Activities include private study and preparation of written assignment. For each of 5 seminar presentations, a 500 word précis has to written. You are assessed on these assignments plus a poster and an oral presentation.

Experimental Design and Statistics Unit: This unit aims to introduce you to the procedures and tools used in the design of experiments and the methods and tools used in statistical data analysis. Activities include lectures, workshops, group discussions and e-learning. Assessment is through multiple choice exam, critical assessment of literature and online statistics exercises.

Graduates acquire a wide range of subject specific and transferable skills and gain extensive laboratory research experience. Graduates typically enter professional careers in research, the health service or industrial environments. The University of Manchester has a strong record of placing students in PhD programmes at Manchester and other universities.

Faculty of Life Sciences

See: About the Faculty of Life Sciences.

Contact name: Recruitment and Admissions Office

Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 5032

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 275 5456

Email: pgtaught.lifesciences@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.ls.manchester.ac.uk/masterscourses/