Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics

Biochemistry is the study of how living organisms work at the molecular level. It lies at the interface of many disciplines, incorporating principles of chemistry, biology and physics. Molecular biology is an area of biochemistry which seeks to understand and unravel complex molecular mechanisms and the behaviour of living organisms by focusing on their molecular structure and the interactions among the biomolecules which constitute all living organisms. Molecular genetics is concerned with the control and function of genes at a molecular level and how the genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next.

Specific topic areas include the structure, information content and replication of genetic material; the organisation and expression of encoding genes and the structure of gene products (proteins); genetic and protein engineering; macromolecular structure and interactions; cell differentiation and organism development; the basis of inherited diseases; biotechnology and medical diagnostic molecular biology; genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.

School of Molecular Bioscience website

What do biochemists and molecular biologists do?

Biochemists and molecular biologists are highly sought after in a wide variety of national and international research laboratories, in hospitals and industry. They work in organisations which include medical and agricultural research institutes; biotechnology companies; hospitals; diagnostic laboratories; universities; schools; the pharmaceutical industry; the biotechnology industries and the food manufacturing industries.

Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular changes which occur within organisms: the conversion of food to cellular components; the provision of energy to drive bodily processes; the chemical nature of genes and the way in which these define and control biological processes. Biochemists and molecular biologists study the nature of disease and undertake the design of drugs and production of vaccines and human hormones.

One of the most stimulating and positive aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology is the increasing interaction with medicine. Biochemists and molecular biologists study the molecular basis of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS, leading to definitive diagnosis and towards the development of cures.

Studies in biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics form an ideal base for graduate research in molecular biology and genetics or professional graduate entry programs, such as the university’s medical and dentistry programs.

What will you study?

Your molecular biology and molecular genetics studies begin in first year with a defined molecular biology and genetics unit, along with biology, chemistry, mathematics, and one other unit (usually physics or computer science). The first year molecular biology unit will introduce you to the biomolecules which make up all living organisms and their behaviour and function within the simplest organism, the prokaryote.

You will continue with molecular biology in second year, extending your studies to the more complex organism, the eukaryote. Your biochemistry studies begin in second year with two defined biochemistry units in which you will study the structure and function of proteins and enzymes; the basic chemical constituents of living matter; the storage and breakdown of energy-rich fuel molecules to provide energy; the response of storage pathways and fuel breakdown to different physiological situations.

Your third-year studies in biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics continue with an offering of five units, covering advanced molecular biology, the structural biochemistry of macromolecules, human molecular cell biology, medical and metabolic biochemistry and proteomics. topics include the control of gene expression; the maintenance of the genome; protein engineering and drug design; the molecular basis of the host response to infection; cellular signal transduction; cancer; the regulation of metabolism; the protein profile of the cell in health and disease.

Experimental science is fundamental to biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics. All units are accompanied by laboratory classes which give you the experience of real experimental science and provide an excellent training in practical and generic skills.

Honours

An honours year comprises a project within one of the research laboratories within the school, a small coursework module and participation in the school seminar program.

Advanced units

All units are available at advanced level to selected students. The advanced programs offer the opportunity to explore particular topics in greater depth within a small-group environment.

Further studies

If you wish you pursue a career in biomedical research, you may choose to continue to postgraduate studies within the school in the PhD by research program.