School of Medicine

BSc Biochemistry in Relation to Medicine

BSc Biochemistry in Relation to Medicine

Understanding the molecular basis of modern medicine and its future advances in a rapidly changing world.

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Programme Leader

Professor Alan Berry
0113 343 3158
Email: a.berry@leeds.ac.uk

Admission Enquiries

Maureen Cummings
0113 343 4226
Email: m.cummings@leeds.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

First two or three years of a UK medical/ dental/veterinary medical degree or other related degree from any UK institution which permits an intercalated year as part of its programme of study.

Application Procedure

All applicants can follow the procedure here. External applicants may email Maureen Cummings directly.

Course Overview

The Intercalated BSc in Biochemistry in Relation to Medicine course provides an extended and more detailed study of biochemistry and molecular biology in order to understand the molecular basis of modern day medicine and its future advances in a rapidly changing world. The course aims to introduce the students to 'molecular medicine', providing a sound training in research methods and appreciation of the scientific literature in a biochemical context.

The programme provides:

  • in-depth study of the medical aspects of biochemistry, one of the key biosciences upon which medical science is based;
  • a choice of topics, relevant to medical biochemistry, for study within some modules;
  • an individual supervised research project with an emphasis on medical aspects of biochemistry;
  • teaching that draws on the combined expertise of a large and highly rated research-active department with links with researchers in the School of Medicine and the University's Teaching Hospitals, and in the pharmaceutical industry;
  • study at the 'cutting edge' of research developments and subject applications in medical areas of biochemistry;
  • opportunities to develop the skills for using the scientific literature.

Content

Module Code Name Credits Semester Compulsory Optional
BIOC3121 Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry 1 20 1 Y  
BIOC3160  Laboratory / Literature / Computing Research Project 40 1+2 Y  
BIOC3222 Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry 2 20 2 Y  
BIOC3232 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 3 20 2 Y  
BIOC3303 Advanced Biochemistry: Skills 20 1+2 Y  

Research Project

A major component of the course is a medically-related research project. Students are offered a choice of project from a wide range of laboratory-, literature- and computer-based topics. Recent laboratory research projects include topics such as:

  • Control of regulated protein secretion in human gut tumours
  • Signal transduction pathways involved in the response of cells to stress
  • The mechanism of antigen presentation in tumour cells
  • The molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease
  • Function and regulation of med family tumour suppressor genes
  • Characterisation of a novel photosensitising drug and determination of its potential for the photodynamic treatment of cancer.

Literature projects have included reviews of:

  • p53 in cancer therapy
  • Gingivitis and cardiovascular diseases
  • The roles of the vacuolar ATPase in disease states
  • Trinucleotide expansions in neurodegenerative disease
  • Development of an artificial kidney

Some of the techniques used in these projects include use of cloned DNA probes and synthetic oligonucleotides, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, protein purification, chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques and electron microscopy. In the case of laboratory projects the student works in the research laboratory of the supervisor and advice and assistance are usually available from experienced research workers in the research groups as well as the supervisor. Projects of all formats involve weekly one-to-one supervision meetings with the project supervisor at which progress is reviewed and plans agreed.

Previous Students

Although there have not been any internal students registered on the Biochemistry degree recently we would love for you to consider applying to us. For this reason we have no recent feedback from intercalated students however some comments from students on the three year Medical biochemistry degree include:

"I chose to come to Leeds University to study Biochemistry because of its status as a research-led university. I wanted to be lectured by people who were still working at the forefront of science, and still actively giving to the scientific community."

"I think the most important thing I gained from my project was self-confidence. It helped to show me that I have the ability to carry out scientific research should I choose to do so in the future."

Duration

This course runs for one academic year, beginning in September and ending on the June.

Fees

Please see this page for further details

Further Information

Students who wish to find out more about Biochemistry in Relation to Medicine may like to explore some useful web sites. These include: