Biochemistry MSci

This module further develops and enhances the skills you will have learned in the year one skills module. In year two you will write a short dissertation, solve biochemical problems, explore the scientific method applied to biochemistry, learn how to present science to the public and look issues around the ethics of science and research. The module includes lectures, tutorials and workshops.

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the structures of DNA and RNA and how the information within these nucleic acids is maintained and expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types. Additionally, this module describes how nucleic acids can be manipulated in vitro using molecular biological approaches. Practical classes will focus your learning on the cloning and manipulation of DNA to express recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.

This module offers an in-depth exploration of the biochemical processes that underpin metabolism, focusing on the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways essential for cellular and organismal function.

Key topics include:

• core metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid metabolism
• the integration and regulation of metabolism in response to physiological and pathological conditions
   

Emphasis is placed on understanding how metabolic dysfunction contributes to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

The module has a strong practical component, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in the investigation of metabolic biochemistry. Laboratory sessions are designed to develop key laboratory skills and students will conduct experiments investigating various aspects of metabolic biochemistry that support and contextualise the basic theoretical content of the module.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, this module will equip you with critical analytical and problem-solving skills, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of metabolism and its relevance to health and disease.

In this module, you'll embark on a comprehensive exploration of the protein life cycle, from translation and folding to action and eventual degradation. You'll learn about the diverse roles of proteins, understanding how their structure enables them to function as enzymes, molecular machines, cellular receptors, ion channels, and transporters, which are key targets in pharmacology. Through selected examples, you'll uncover how proteins drive biological processes such as metabolism and signalling, and how disruptions in protein activity can lead to various diseases.

You'll delve into proteins as therapeutic targets, investigating drug-protein interactions and the use of proteins as industrial tools and therapeutic agents. By the end of this module, you'll grasp the core principles of protein science and understand how these principles underpin vital biological processes. This module will equip you with the knowledge to appreciate the significance of proteins in health and disease, and their applications in biotechnology and medicine.

In this module, you’ll delve into the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable communication within the nervous system. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how neurons and glial cells work together to process and transmit biochemical signals, as well as how they interact with target tissues to regulate essential functions. 

Your studies will focus on the molecular and cellular levels, exploring intercellular and intracellular signalling along with the pathways and cascades involved. This detailed examination offers valuable insights into the fundamental processes that underpin nervous system communication, equipping you with a strong foundation in this essential area of neuroscience. 

In this module, you’ll delve into the development and organisation of the nervous system, examining its complexities through comparative studies of invertebrates and vertebrates. You’ll explore evolutionary concepts and analyse the nervous system at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, gaining insights into how it develops, functions, and supports life. 

The module places a strong focus on the mammalian brain, offering a detailed understanding of its structure and function. Through this comprehensive exploration, you’ll uncover the intricate processes that shape the nervous system and its remarkable adaptations across different species. 

This module delves into the intricate relationship between developmental biology and evolution, examining how modifications in developmental processes drive evolutionary changes. You’ll explore the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that give rise to new traits and structures, shaping species adaptation and diversification.

Key topics include gene regulatory networks, developmental pathways, and evolutionary constraints, which will be studied to understand how they influence morphological variation across species and their effects on health. Through engaging case studies and cutting-edge research, the module bridges the divide between microevolutionary processes and macroevolutionary patterns, offering a deeper appreciation of the complexity of organismal form and evolution.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the cellular (e.g. T cells, B cells) and molecular (e.g. innate immune signalling, antibody production) aspects of the immune system in health and disease.
 

You will learn about how specific aspects of microbial physiology and biochemistry impacts the immune response to infection. The mechanisms by which medically relevant pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, are able to evade the immunological response will be explored, in addition to the development of non-infectious diseases resulting from immune dysregulation. 

The module provides both a theoretical description of modern spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry) for structural analysis of organic and biological molecules and practical applications of these techniques in problem solving. Aspects of the stereochemistry of bio-organic molecules are covered, including conformational analysis and stereocontrol in bio-organic reactions.

The module is divided into two parts: (a) Functional group chemistry: synthetic transformations of alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and alkenes, and how these transformations are used to synthesise complex molecules such as natural products or pharmaceutical agents. (b) Synthesis: Introduction to retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of organic molecules using a selection of pharmaceutical agents as examples. Formative feedback is given on the material in this module at the associated workshops. Summative feedback is provided after the exam by the module convenor.

This module offers you a comprehensive introduction to modern biotechnology, covering foundational concepts and the tools used to address biological challenges. You’ll explore how biotechnology contributes to solutions for complex societal issues, including pandemics and vaccine production, biofuel development, food security, and the creation of therapeutics. Alongside this, you’ll engage in discussions about the ethical dilemmas that arise from the use of biotechnology in society.

Laboratory classes will give you hands-on experience in applying biotechnological concepts, reinforcing your understanding of core techniques. This practical approach, combined with in-depth exploration of biotechnology’s applications, equips you with valuable skills and insights into its pivotal role in tackling global challenges.

This module explores the fascinating world of microorganisms, focusing on how bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses survive and thrive as the predominant biomass on Earth. You’ll examine key themes in microbiology, including the discovery and diversity of these organisms, their replication and survival mechanisms, and their ecological roles and interactions. Topics will also cover disease-causing processes such as antibiotic resistance, alongside the beneficial effects of microorganisms, like probiotics and gut microbiota, and their applications in technology and society.

A key feature of the module is its emphasis on experimental techniques, such as genomics, used to study these themes. You’ll also participate in a lab-based practical, applying your knowledge to a specific focus area. This hands-on approach will deepen your understanding of the complex and essential roles microorganisms play in the natural world.

In this module, you’ll examine the intricate connection between human nutrition and physiological function, building on the foundational knowledge from earlier studies. You’ll explore how nutrients shape metabolic processes, influence body systems, and contribute to overall health. This advanced exploration will deepen your understanding of how the body processes and responds to dietary intake and how specific nutrients impact physiological functions. 

You’ll also investigate the role of nutrition in managing health conditions and preventing disease, integrating key concepts from nutrition and physiology. By bridging these areas, the module equips you with the tools to support evidence-based approaches in health and wellness, providing a comprehensive insight into the science behind nutrition’s impact on the human body. 

In this module, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts behind effective drug exposure and the toxicity of drugs and chemicals. You'll learn about the processes that affect the concentration of drugs reaching their targets within the body, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Additionally, you'll develop basic quantitative skills for estimating and interpreting drug exposure parameters.

The module will also delve into the mechanisms and consequences of drug and non-drug toxicity on various body systems, and how toxicity can be assessed using different methods. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises, you'll enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for a career in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery.

This module will provide an in-depth analysis of drug action, and its application to the design and use of current therapeutics. You will learn to define what drugs are, the different ways they act at the cellular and molecular level, and the pharmacokinetic principles underlying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. You will explore examples in cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes and obesity, CNS disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Overall, you will develop a deep understanding of what the discipline of pharmacology represents, and its application to both basic biological research and current and future medical advances.