BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University

This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the

Building on your knowledge of biological pathways and processes from other modules, you will explore how concepts from the chemical and analytical sciences are applied in the study of biochemistry. Through student-led, case-based learning tutorials, you will also investigate real-life applications of biochemistry, including the diagnosis and treatment of disease, developing teamwork and leadership skills. You will further develop skills in data analysis and communication, drawing together key sk

The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop as a result of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences.

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. You will explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. You will also develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.

In this module you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will s

In this module, you will explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, from sequencing technologies to gene cloning and genetic engineering. You will learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutics. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatic tools, whilst also considering some important ethical prin

This module explores the human immune system. This includes addressing the generation and selection of the immune repertoire, the cellular basis of the immune system and an exploration of functional insights into immune protein structure and pathogen structure, including viruses and bacteria. You will further develop key skills in the application and analysis of data from antibody-based analytic techniques such as ELISAs and western blotting, and will explore how to access the PDB protein databa

Here you will study the biology of bacteria, viruses and parasites, considering a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. You will explore approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences will be developed through the production of content on a select module t

The module will introduce the drug development pipeline from in-silico studies to clinical trials. You will apply knowledge of biological and chemical structures to explore principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in modern drug discovery. Specific examples of biological targets and drug molecules will be discussed, where you will develop higher-level skills in accessing and manipulating structural information for ligand-target interactions. You will also further develop teamwork and

This module will build on your knowledge of major metabolic pathways with a focus on the integration and regulation of metabolism in healthy nutritional states and disease. You will explore key aspects of metabolic control and some of the changes in metabolic activity that are associated with inherited and acquired disorders. You will further develop key skills in literature analysis and hypothesis-driven study design and communicate outcomes to a scientific audience.

This module introduces you to the signalling pathways that regulate multiple cellular processes by acting through sensors to stimulate molecules responsible for controlling different important cellular processes. You will explore these signalling pathways and provides details on their molecular components and their mode of action. The module also places an emphasis on independent study and further develops skills in the acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information.

This module brings together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. In this module you will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.

This module will expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, you will develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused works

In this module, you will look at some of the applications of key genetic concepts at the level of the individual and the population. Focusing mainly on medical genetics, you'll learn how a person's genetic make-up can affect their health and how to estimate genetic risk and explore some of the applications of molecular genetics in the study of, diagnosis of and treatment of genetic diseases. You will develop group working and communication skills as your progress through the teaching and learnin

Advances in molecular biology, analysis and sharing of genomic data have important applications in the plant, ecological and conservation sciences. You will study how genetic and genomic tools, both in the lab and at the desktop, are being used to enhance our understanding of plant biology and ecological processes. The module will help you to think in a 'genes to ecosystems' framework and prepare you for careers in a big data post-genomic world.

Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data and presentation. You can choose from a range of projects, depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching and learning, or outreach. In addition to a project report, you will also present outcomes as an oral presenta

Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scient

In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement