BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Program Overview

Wrexham University's BSc (Hons) Biochemistry program prepares students for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food science, and research. The curriculum emphasizes industry-standard techniques, aligns with professional standards, and provides practical experience through modern laboratory facilities and integrated research projects. Students develop a deep understanding of Biochemistry, from core concepts to advanced topics like disease biology and nanomedicine. The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree introduces students to a range of industry-standard and novel techniques, aiming to produce high-quality graduates with excellent further study and employment opportunities. Modules are designed to cover the specific criteria of the QAA Biosciences 2019 Benchmarks and align with PSRBs such as the Biochemical Society and Royal Society of Biology. The program aims to:

• Provide a broad, practical-based Biochemistry curriculum.
• Develop competence in scientific methods of enquiry and problem-solving.
• Enable students to develop in-depth knowledge in the field of Biochemistry and acquire a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject.
• Provide opportunities to learn practical skills in the brand-new teaching laboratories on the Plas Coch campus.
• Integrate students into the culture of research from enrollment through to graduation.
Students will interface with researchers from other disciplines and work alongside MRes and PhD students as well as Post-doctoral researchers on independent research projects in both the second and final year of the course.
• Adopt an approach to learning and teaching utilizing the university Active Learning Framework (ALF), which embraces the importance of flexibility, accessibility and building a sense of community.
• Equip students with a wide range of industry-standard and novel techniques applicable in Biochemistry.

Outline:

The program is structured across three years (Level 4, Level 5, Level 6) and includes both core and optional modules:

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Introduction to Chemistry (Core): Provides sufficient background knowledge and insight in chemistry, required for subsequent modules.
• Maths and statistics for science (Core): Develops essential mathematical knowledge and understanding for university science programs.
• Essential skills for the Life Sciences (Core): Develops essential skills in laboratory procedures and techniques, emphasizing safety and ethics.
• Professional Practice for the Biomedical & Life Sciences (Core): Introduces students to the theoretical, practical, and professional aspects of the Biomedical & Life Sciences.
• Introduction to Immunology & Microbiology (Core): Equips students with core knowledge in microbiology and immunology, preparing them for advanced study at levels 5 and 6.

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Advanced Biochemistry (Core): Builds upon core concepts taught at Level 4, providing in-depth understanding on topics like key biomacromolecules, protein structure/function relationships, enzymatic kinetics/mechanisms, the biochemical underpinnings associated with various diseases, and bioorganic chemistry and its applications.
• Analytical Methods in Applied Science Research Methods, Theory and Practice (Core): Introduces students to main techniques for the isolation and chemical analysis of trace materials.
• Applied and Medical Microbiology (Core): Establishes detailed knowledge of various microbial organisms, including their structure, life cycles, and interaction with hosts.
• Advanced Laboratory Skills for the Biomedical & Life Sciences (Core): Introduces advanced Biomedical & Life Science laboratory techniques, focusing on Regulatory Issues, Health and Safety, and applying academic knowledge in a Pathology Laboratory context.

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Research Project (Core): Integrates and applies knowledge gained during degree studies in a self-motivated, practical, enquiring, and problem-solving manner, extending learning to a specific area in applied science.
Develops practical research expertise and prepares students for postgraduate study/graduate level employment in an area of applied science.
• Structural and Functional Biochemistry (Core): Brings together knowledge of life's building blocks like amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides, developing a coherent understanding of their organization within cells.
• Nanomedicine and Biochemistry Futures Advances in Medicine (Core): Explores the emerging discipline of nanomedicine and other frontline research and applications of biochemistry, including diagnostics, therapeutics, biosensors, and nanotechnologies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
• Drugs & Toxicology (Core): Broadens scientific and technical knowledge through the exploration of high-profile drug-related case studies.

Assessment:

• A broad range of assessment methods are used, including:
• Learning journals
• Group projects
• Portfolios
• Coursework
• Literature reviews
• Oral and poster presentations
• Case studies
• Laboratory reports
• Exams/in-class tests
• Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential.
• A project dissertation forms one of the final parts of the assessment.
• Most assignments involve electronic submission.

Teaching:

• Underpinned by the University's Active Learning Framework (ALF), the course will involve a number of flexible approaches:
• Synchronous (live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) sessions
• Laboratory practical sessions
• Lectures, seminars, and group tutorials
• Self-directed study and independent tasks
• A learning blend is used, which varies between modules.
There is a minimum amount of on-campus activities (3 days per week for each level of the program), online sessions, and interactive activities.

Careers:

The course creates wide-ranging opportunities for employment in the following fields:

• Biotechnology industry (research and development)
• Pharmaceutical industry (research and development)
• Food and water industry (testing, research and development)
• Cosmetics and formulation industry
• Environmental agency
• Medical Sales
• Healthcare support worker
• Veterinary laboratory worker
• Academic researcher
• Teaching
The degree also prepares students for a career in research, teaching, or pursuing studies towards an MSc Biomedical Science course. The skills developed in the program ensure employment opportunities outside of immediate bioscience areas, such as management and finance roles.

Other:

• The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry course is relevant and employer-ready, providing a broad and practical-based Biochemistry curriculum.
• The content is informed by QAA Biosciences 2019 Benchmarks, as well as being aligned to PSRBs such as the Biochemical Society and Royal Society of Biology.
These new facilities equip students with a wide range of industry-standard and novel techniques applicable in the Biochemistry field.
• The Careers & Employability service at Wrexham University helps students make decisions and plan their next steps towards a bright future.