BSc (Hons)Biochemistry

Aims

The course aims to:

· Make you a high quality biochemistry graduate with the appropriate generic, subject-specific and transferable skills to prepare you for a career in the industrial, health care, research or education sectors.

· In addition, if you choose to undertake a sandwich degree, the course aims to give you the technical skills used in the workplace via a placement, enabling you to integrate the knowledge you have gained in the theoretical aspects of the course with the skills and techniques used in a professional environment.

Year 1 - provides you with an extensive introduction to this interesting and exciting subject. You will learn about biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, with supporting subject knowledge in chemistry, microbiology and physiology. The medical slant of this course introduces human disease prevention and treatment, and how our immune systems can help us fight diseases. The analytical techniques used in biochemical investigations are also covered.

Year 2 - allows you to gain extensive experience in practical biochemistry. You will continue to develop your understanding of proteins, the immune system and how disease states are investigated and you will learn how the biochemistry of organisms helps them adapt to their environment. Key aspects of metabolism, how changes are made to cellular molecules and how these are controlled are also explored further.

You can choose to take an optional year-long work placement in your third year, or go directly to your final year which covers how we can examine gene sequences to forward the frontiers of science, apply genetic information to problems of medical importance, assess the role played by biochemistry in diagnosing diseases and look at ethical issues concerning modern biochemists. You will also examine the essential role of biological membranes in life processes. Your practical skills are further enhanced by studying an advanced practical module as well as engaging with independent research towards your honours project.

More detail on course content can be found in the Biochemistry Course Guide

· The course has recently been awarded Society of Biology Recognition

· You will be able to put theory into practice in our state-of-the-art laboratories located in a brand new £21m building, the Rosalind Franklin Science Centre designed for teaching and research at Wolverhampton.

· This broad-based course enables you to examine the techniques used to investigate the world of the cell at a molecular level.

· You will be able to explore how the cells in your body function and how malfunction of these subcellular processes can occur.

· It helps you develop the practical skills and knowledge required to consider challenging areas of science such as the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, DNA fingerprinting and forensic science.

· An optional one-year placement provides you with the opportunity for valuable work experience as well as giving you useful employment contacts.

· You will get extensive practical experience applying your knowledge in the laboratory.

· The laboratory and IT facilities that support your studies are up there with the best and offer first class support for your honours project.

· There is an opportunity to progress directly to MSci Molecular Bioscience

"First of all, I want to point out that I really enjoyed my time in Wolverhampton. As an international exchange student, it was a very nice experience to develop in a new environment and to study at a foreign University. In the first days everything was new but the introduction meetings and other events for the exchange students were quite helpful to get familiar with the new situation. In the course of studying Biochemistry modules at the University of Wolverhampton I gained more expertise in subjects which are not offered at my home university and could also improve my English skills."

· Biochemistry graduates have excellent job prospects. According to Unistats.com, 93% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of leaving, with 55% finding “graduate level” jobs, placing us in the top 15 Universities for employability in this field.

· Some of our graduates are working in hospital analytical laboratories as MLSOs, as post-Doctoral research fellows and as science teachers.

· Graduates are needed by employers looking for relevant skills in areas such as pharmaceuticals, brewing, food, biotechnology and agrochemicals.

· Career opportunities also exist in hospitals, public health laboratories, teaching and research.

· There is also the opportunity to study for a higher degree, for example, MSci (Hons) Molecular Bioscience, MSc Molecular Biology with Bioinformatics or MSc Medical Biotechnology.

You will be a clear thinking individual with a sound knowledge of the issues surrounding the central role of biochemistry in all aspects of life science. You will have developed the skills to discover information for yourself and critically evaluate this in the light of your subject knowledge. You will be literate, numerate, articulate and equipped with a high level of key employability skills and IT skills. In addition you will have had experience of a range of analytical techniques that are directly related to the needs of your future workplace role.

Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.

2016 Entry

• 200 UCAS points including a minimum of 180 UCAS points from at least 2 A levels or equivalent.
• Post-16 qualifications should include Biology or Chemistry at A-Level.
• The access to HE (Science) Diploma is also accepted. You will need to have achieved 36 credits in Science based subjects at Level 3, of which 18 credits will be Merit.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science grade MMP or BTEC National Diploma grade DM.
• Applicants will normally be expected to hold GCSE English and Maths at grade C or equivalent
• If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
• International student language requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply
• Successful completion of the foundation year of our BSc (Hons) Science and Engineering with Foundation Year guarantees entry on to this course
• Successful completion of the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering guarantees entry on to this course

Other Requirements

An offer of a place will not be made until you have attended a formal interview.

Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.