BSc (Hons) in Applied Biochemistry

Biochemistry is central to all areas of the “biological” and “life” sciences. It aims to provide an understanding of every aspect of the structure and function of living things at a molecular level. It is a practical laboratory science that applies the molecular approaches of chemistry to the vast variety of biological systems. Biochemistry encompasses the study of the chemical changes needed for life processes, such as providing energy and building block molecules from our diet, so that we may grow, move and reproduce. It is, therefore, the most important and broadest of the life sciences, spanning a wide range of areas from microbiology to plant and animal sciences. The impact of studies in biochemistry on modern life is enormous. Understanding the pathology of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is built on research by biochemists. This novel approach is allowing the development of innovative drugs and vaccines. Techniques such as DNA-fingerprinting have revolutionised forensics and crime detection, while DNA-chip technology has fuelled rapid advances in gene research. Biotechnological applications in agriculture and genetically–modified crops offer enhanced resistance to pests and improved yields. Scientists are able to probe the structure and function of specific biomolecules, understand how proteins work in exquisite detail, recognize how metabolic pathways are regulated, decipher the human genome, analyse the expression of genes, identify molecular defects in human diseases amongst others through research advances in the field of biochemistry. In addition, the rapid development of bioinformatics over the last decade, has brought new tools for researchers to use in understanding the molecules of life, and in integrating information into networks and systems. Biochemistry has shaped the new concepts of structural biology and molecular genetics.