Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences industry. Biochemistry explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases, and enables ‘genetic engineering‘. Consequently, the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology and biomedical research.
Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
4 years (Full Time)
Entry Requirements
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 and H3 in any order in Chemistry and Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
OR
H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 and H3 in any order in Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Biology and Mathematics.
Careers / Further progression
Studying Biochemistry at Queen‘s develops the core skills and employment related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions – particularly analytical and numerical skills.
Biochemists can gain employment in growth areas such as the biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industries, biomedical research, the NHS and research and development in academia and industry. Approximately one third of our graduates go on to further study before entering specialist employment.
Although the majority of our graduates pursue careers in the molecular life sciences, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors such as science communication, education, legal services, journalism, finance and management. The subject is also widely accepted for graduate entry to medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy schools – an increasingly common route into these professions, with many universities in the UK and Ireland offering four-year graduate programmes.
Further information
Start date: September 2024
Deadlines for on-time applications
2024 entry application deadlines
For courses starting in 2024 (and for deferred applications), your application should be with us at UCAS by one of these dates – depending on what courses you apply for. If your completed application – including all your personal details and your academic reference – is submitted by the deadline, it is guaranteed to be considered.
16 October 2023 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.
31 January 2024 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – for the majority of courses.
Some course providers require additional admissions tests to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline. Find out more about these tests at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/admissions-tests
Check course information in the search tool to see which deadline applies to you at the application weblink below.
Apply as soon as possible: Student funding arrangements mean that as offers are made and places fill up, some courses may only have vacancies for students from certain locations. It’s therefore really important that you apply for your chosen courses by the appropriate deadlines mentioned above, as not all courses will have places for all students.
All applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing - find out more about Clearing at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing
The MSci in Biochemistry enables students to gain an extensive understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry and the application of a range of practical laboratory skills. Students will explore the relevant analytical principles and techniques, and apply these in a research setting. You will understand collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve.
Additional skills such as; personal and team skills, data management, presentation skills, career management planning and applying your degree in the workplace will also be covered.
Importantly, this integrated Masters programme, allows students to carry out Masters level research in their final year.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Year 1
Core Modules
World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Chemistry (20 credits)
Year 2
Core Modules
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis (20 credits)
Advanced Cell Biology (20 credits)
Experimental Biochemistry (20 credits)
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II (20 credits)
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 (20 credits)
Cell Biology (20 credits)
Year 3
Core Modules
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations (20 credits)
Biomolecules in Health and Disease (40 credits)
Immunology and Immunotherapy (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)
Year 4
Core Modules
Research Project (MSci) (120 credits)
Admissions
Tel: 028 9097 3838
Fax: 028 9097 5151
Email address: admissions@qub.ac.uk