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Biochemistry Master of Biology
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): C701 (full-time); C702 (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Four years FT or five years FT with a placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Research. Next-level understanding. Advancing your studies to Master's level. To be the best of the best you need them all.
We’ll bring together biology and chemistry in this course and we’ll support you as you discover disease prevention, diagnosis and treatments and how you can turn these into solutions for global challenges. And through studying the processes in living organisms you’ll be advancing your understanding of the underlying data with bioinformatics and how to communicate your finding.
With the support of our staff and an extra year of study, you’ll have everything needed to prepare you for a career in research or the wider scientific sector.
You might also be interested in BSc (Hons) Biochemistry.
Why study MBiol (Hons) Biochemistry at NTU?
Get industry experience
Through group work and the Practical Techniques for Biology and Professional Skills in Biochemistry modules, you’ll develop problem-solving skills by testing and learning. These are valuable skills for any graduate to have and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your course. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the course, so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it.
Alongside your course our Biochemistry Cafe programme runs throughout the year. You’ll get to take part in biochemistry-focused employability workshops and job fairs – another chance to boost your skills before graduation.
Research-informed teaching
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. This means you can be sure that what you are learning is at the cutting edge of new biological discoveries. For example, Dr Christos Polytarchou and Dr Ben Dickins have used their expertise to uncover microRNA as a non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of colonic adenomas and colorectal cancer.
During your final year research project, you’ll get to work closely with a research-active member of staff. Your project will focus on a specific area within their research, so you’ll be working on real-world problems and gaining valuable experience at the same time.
Community and support
With support from your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, you can be sure we'll be here for you during your studies. Alongside your lectures and lab classes, you’ll also have tutorial sessions. These are a chance to regularly meet in small groups with your personal tutor and members of your course to discuss the topics you are studying.
Got any feedback on your course? You’ll have lots of opportunities to discuss your course, for example in your tutorial sessions, with your course leader and course reps and you even have the chance to feedback on every module you study with an end of module survey. We love to hear your feedback and how we can make improvements. Following your feedback, we have recently added Professional Skills modules which are specific to the area of biosciences you are studying. We’ve also increased our support for your coursework assignments too, through drop-in sessions accessible when you need them most.
There’s support from your peers too. Our mentoring schemes give you support from other students on your course. Whether you need help with your studies or university life in general, they’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective. Find out more about the support you’ll receive at NTU.
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An MBiol qualification gives you an extra year to develop and expand your biochemistry knowledge up to the Master's level. You’ll study Master's level modules in your final year and spend time building your research experience by working on your extended year-long project alongside our bioscience researchers. It’s ideal preparation if you’d like to continue with your studies with a PhD. -
While you are at NTU you’ll create a skills portfolio. This is where you’ll keep evidence of all the techniques and skills you’ve mastered. These portfolios help you to document and develop your skills while you are with us. And they are a valuable tool when you graduate too, as they can be used to show future employers you are ready to work in a professional environment. -
You'll be supported throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary during your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
What you’ll study
What you'll study
You’ll develop an understanding of what is happening inside the cells of living organisms and how this has changed through the evolutionary process. With a focus on understanding the data, you’ll look at DNA / RNA synthesis, proteins and genetics and learn how these can unlock the diagnosis of biochemical disorders and human diseases. Understanding, analysing and drawing meaning from data is becoming increasingly important in the industry. We’ve recently redeveloped this course to include bioinformatics skills across all years of your course. If you are really interested in this growing area of biochemistry, then you can also immerse yourself further by focusing on bioinformatics for your final year research project.
As the course is highly practical, you’ll get experience in cutting edge molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA technology, protein analysis, diagnostics, as well as bioinformatics. You will also gain key biochemical skills such as biochemical catalysis, protein purification and enzyme kinetics.
In your third year, you’ll start to take some Master's level modules such as Bioinformatics and Biomathematics and Advanced Bioinformatics. These modules take your knowledge and skills to the next level and are part of the MBiol qualification.
In your final year, you’ll take a Master's level module, Science Communication. This takes your knowledge and skills to the next level and is part of the MBiol qualification. Your main focus will be on a substantial research project that will run for the whole year. You choose the subject of your project and the length of the project really lets you develop your knowledge in a specialist area and work closely with a member of staff who is an expert in the subject. It is ideal if you have the ambition to progress into a professional scientific career in industry or onto a PhD.
Living Systems
Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills upon which other modules are developed.
Practical Techniques for Biology
Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.
Genetics and Immunology
Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.
Introduction to Biochemistry
Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and interrelationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.
Molecular Principles for Biochemistry
Introduction to Pharmacology
Considers the principles of how drugs work, including factors that affect the magnitude of the response to drugs, specificity of drug action, drug interactions and side effects of drugs.
Bioinformatics and Biomathematics
Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of bioinformatics using web-based resources, database structures and Bayesian and maximum likelihood theories.
Metabolism and its Control
Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells. You’ll also cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.
Molecular Biology and Protein Structure
Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and promosomes in DNA replication as well as RNA polymerases.
Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases
You'll develop knowledge and understanding of gene therapy.
Experimental Design
Gain an underpinning in research skills relevant to the independent study required for an undergraduate project. Formulate a research question, search literature, practice experimental design and practice data collection and statistical analysis.
Biochemical Techniques
Study the concepts of current biochemical techniques and their practical applications in science. Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases You will develop knowledge and .understanding of gene therapy.
Optional placement year
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
Core modules
Honours Project
Learn practical research techniques, including a review of scientific writing and critical appraisals of published work, as well
as oral presentations and plagiarism.
Cell Signalling and Cancer
A range of exciting and up to date topics on cell proliferation and cell death. The cell cycle, the cytoskeleton and signal transduction will be presented, and we will discuss their implication in carcinogenesis.
Current Topics in Biochemistry
Biological research is driven by new paradigms, often introduced by novel therapies and / or techniques. The molecular basis of modern biology results in many of these developments having a strong biochemistry element, so this module introduces the latest developments by addressing them from a biochemical perspective.
Advanced Bioinformatics
Using artificial neural networks, discover how to find biomarkers and validate them. Carry out proteomic and genomic data analysis, and examine phylogenetics and genome assembly.
Comparative Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics
Introduction to developmental biology and concepts in speciation and evolution.
This will be Year Five for placement students.
Science Communication
Prepare for engagement in medical and science writing, education and policy making, where communicating knowledge to national and international audiences is key.
MBiol Research Project
This substantial independent research project runs for the whole of your final year giving you the opportunity to explore and expand your research skills in an area that interests you.
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How you’re taught
You will typically study six modules every year for your first three years. Each module involves substantial amounts of practical work, in addition to around 20 one-hour lectures. You will also take part in regular seminars and tutorials to support you with your studies.
In your final year, you will focus on your research project alongside one module, Communicating Science. You’ll regularly meet with your project supervisor (or supervisors if your project covers multiple areas) to discuss ideas and your progress.
Meet our staff
Whether your interest is working in research or in the industry, we have experienced teaching and technical staff from a wide range of backgrounds. They’ll be teaching you the latest thinking in biochemistry and their contacts help us secure guest speakers and support you in finding great placement opportunities.
In your final year, you’ll work on an individual research project. You’ll work closely with a member of staff and your project will be linked to their research area. This means you’ll be getting a real experience of research in practice which will look great on your CV.
Contact hours
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (24%) and independent study (76%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (21%) and independent study (79%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
Year 4 - lectures/seminars/workshops (17%) and independent study (82%)
How you’re assessed
Year 1 - coursework (42%), written (50%) and practical (8%)
Year 2 - coursework (75%), written (25%) and practical (0%)
Year 3 - coursework (67%), written (33%) and practical (0%)
Year 4 - coursework (100%), written (0%) and practical (0%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
As well as the Masters-level practical laboratory skills, this course will equip you with transferable skills in critical analysis and understanding, qualities and attributes necessary for a wide range of careers in industry, commerce, teaching, and research.
You will be well placed to pursue positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and the majority of biological science-related disciplines.
Our recent biochemistry graduates have gone into a wide range of industries and fields including:
- hospitals (clinical analysis)
- university research departments (laboratory technicians)
- agriculture (plant biotechnology)
- food institutes and companies
- industrial laboratories (quality control)
- government administration (adviser for science policies).
Recent graduates have gone on to work in the following roles and companies:
- Eurofins – sample registration technician
- Nottingham City Hospital – medical laboratory assistant
- Nova Laboratory – biochemist
- Severn Trent Services – laboratory technician.
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, National Institute of Medical Research and The Health Protection Agency. They secured varied roles such as Associate Practitioner, Research and Development Intern and Laboratory Classroom Assistant.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where will I study?
Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
Rosalind Franklin building
You will have access to some of the best laboratory facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory can house up to 200 students all studying at the same time. You'll be hands-on in the lab from your very first day with us, using the pioneering IT facilities and equipment to ensure that you get the practical experience employers are looking for.
Natural Sciences Research Facility
The Natural Sciences Research Facility supports and enhances the School’s research in Physics, Biosciences, Chemistry, Imaging, Materials and Sport.
Entry requirements
- 128 - 136 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Biology grade C and Chemistry, Physics or Maths grade C
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 136 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Biology grade C and Chemistry, Physics or Maths grade C
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential textbooks is available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees for 2022 entry.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential textbooks is available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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