Medical Biochemistry (Hons)

Overview

About the Medical Biochemistry (Hons) program offered by University of Huddersfield

The course helps open up all kinds of opportunities in medical research, the pharmaceutical industry and wider areas of healthcare. When it comes to our understanding of the molecular processes that cause degenerative disease and cancer, biochemistry has played a truly vital role. It is groundbreaking work in this field that has led to our knowledge of the structure of DNA, RNA and proteins and that holds the promise of further breakthroughs in treatment in the future.

• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• During this course you’ll be able to build your own knowledge and skills to develop a firm foundation in the molecular and cellular aspects of biology and the principles of drug action.
• As your studies with us progress, you’ll begin to focus on disease processes in modules such as epidemiology and pharmacology, paving the way for investigating more advanced topics such as molecular medicine and metabolic disease in your final year.
• You will focus not only on theory, but will also gain practical, hands-on experience. In the lab sessions you’ll be able to get to grips with modern, scientific equipment and in your third year you can choose to try out your skills for real during a supervised work placement. It’s all designed to help get you ready for a successful career beyond graduation.
• As a student on this course you’ll be able to apply for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK). You’ll also be eligible for student affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Biology and upon successful graduation be eligible to apply for one year associate membership, this can help open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Biological Sciences subject area have undertaken placements with Abcam plc, the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Pfizer, Solvay (Novecare), The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany) and Sooam Biotech Research Foundation (South Korea).

Careers

Graduates from our Biological Sciences courses can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing and teaching.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Microbiologist at CREH Analytical Ltd, Biomedical Scientist at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Research Assistant at Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Laboratory Analyst at ALS Environmental Ltd and Healthcare Scientist at Public Health England.