Lancaster University

• To provide a structured and broad understanding of biochemical processes, including a molecular and genetic knowledge of living organisms both in health and disease.
• To offer all students the opportunity to conduct a substantial research project.
• To encourage academic curiosity which will prepare students for lifelong learning.
• To equip students with the intellectual and practical skills necessary for progression to postgraduate study.
• To prepare graduates for careers with a wide variety of employers such as pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, government agencies and hospitals.
• To develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills as well as general/transferable skills so as to prepare students for more general, non subject-specific graduate employment.
• To offer students the opportunity of spending a year at an approved university in North America

Knowledge and Understanding

Knowledge and understanding of the structures and functions of biological macromolecules and their relationships in health and disease:

To include core knowledge of:

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Physiology
• Cell biology
• Biomedicine
• Microbiology

With an opportunity to specialise in a subset of topics. Students will be given guidance on an appropriate choice of modules.

Intellectual skills

• Plan, conduct and report a substantial individual investigation
• Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources
• Analyse and interpret a range of biochemical processes
• Formulate and test concepts and hypotheses
• Apply biochemical principles and methodologies to the solution of problems
• Reason critically
• Interpret numerical data

Practical skills

•  Apply quantitative techniques in biochemical analysis
•  Use spectroscopic and instrumental methods for the monitoring and measurement of biomolecules
•  Retrieve and select information from a variety of sources
•  Collect, analyse and present observations and experimental data
•  Carry out risk assessments and list appropriate safety precautions associated with practical or project work

Transferable skills

• Work independently or as part of a team
• Find information and use relevant information technology
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
• Design and prepare project proposals
• Be self-reliant
• Assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others
• Manage time and work to deadlines