Biochemistry

The course is divided into three components, the contents of which are reviewed and updated as the subject evolves (for more details, see the Departmental website). In the first year, five subjects, Molecular Cell Biology, Biological Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Mathematics and Statistics for Biochemistry are studied at a foundational level, leading to the Preliminary Examination at the end of the year. In the second and third years, the course comprises more advanced study of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Structural Biology and Genetics, with emphasis on both molecular and cellular biology and on structural and biophysical aspects of molecules in order to understand precisely how each works. Most background coursework is obtained from specialist textbooks, but many topics are taught at research level and students are expected to read original research papers. There is no examination at the end of the second year; Part I of the Final Exam, consisting of written examinations, is taken at the end of the third year. For the 2020 intake onwards, it is proposed that in addition to these written papers, termly assessments of progress during years 2 and 3 will contribute a proportion of Finals marks.

The fourth year, comprising Part II of the Final Exam, is often regarded as the most rewarding as it consists of an entire year of guided laboratory research, study of critical literature and scientific writing. Each student spends 23 weeks in a research lab, undertaking original research on which they write a dissertation. Results obtained from such original research may contribute to publications in which students have shared authorship. In addition, students independently survey current scientific literature and write an original, critical review of a specific area of research. The laboratory project, examined by dissertation and oral presentation, plus the review article, constitutes the Finals Part II assessment.