MBiol (Hons) Biochemistry Integrated Master's degree at the University of Leeds

This module offers a concise introduction to modern chemistry, with an initial focus on electronic structure and how it determines the chemical and structural properties of molecules. You'll then be introduced to organic molecules, functional groups and reaction mechanisms.

You'll learn about the fundamental processes of life, identifying the key concepts that underpin the biological processes in all living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. On completion, you'll have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

This module delves into the structure and function of proteins and how we study them. You'll also learn about how cells make proteins, how proteins fold, and what happens when this process goes wrong.

You'll explore the different meanings of 'genetics' and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms. To what extent do genes determine our inheritance? How do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

You'll be trained in data collection and experimental techniques relevant to the biological sciences. You'll learn how to use laboratory equipment, design and execute simple experiments, understand approaches used to study biochemical and molecular processes and analyse and interpret numerical data.

You'll explore key concepts taught in the lectures through tutorials and lab practicals. This will consolidate your understanding of the subject, develop competency in laboratory techniques, and nurture transferrable analytical and problem-solving skills.

You'll explore the organic chemistry concepts that underpin biochemical reactions. This will be useful if you're interested in topics such as drug design and wish to deepen your knowledge of biological chemistry.

This module is mandatory if you did not develop your mathematical skills significantly beyond the GCSE level. Its goal is to equip you with the basic mathematical skills necessary to gain a full understanding of Chemistry. It will progress from arithmetic to algebra and calculus, with emphasis on problem-solving and with extensive use of chemical examples. The teaching methods will include lectures and problem-solving workshops.

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role of those taxa in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge including food security, disease, and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

You'll review fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You'll discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences, learning about the roles played by the different types of leukocytes, antibodies and complement.

The module introduces you to the diversity of microbial life and viruses on this planet, with an emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections. You'll explore how microorganisms interact with each other and how they influence more complex organisms, and how fungi, bacteria and viruses are safely manipulated.

This module introduces the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. The idea that the environment, exercise or disease can disturb these systems will be introduced.

As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Metabolism studies how chemical reactions power life. A looming epidemic of obesity and type-2 diabetes poses one of the greatest public health burdens in the Western world. This module studies how enzymes catalyse biochemical reactions; the key metabolic pathways by which cells obtain energy and break down and synthesise the basic building blocks of life; and the role of plant and animal metabolic pathways in health, disease and the environment.

This module explores how biochemical knowledge enhances our understanding of cellular processes central to human health and disease, and how this understanding is revolutionizing diagnostics and therapeutic development. You'll investigate the molecular basis of key cellular functions and how their coordination underpins complex biological responses. By applying advanced biochemical and chemical principles, you'll explore how disruptions in these processes lead to disease and how these insights a

You'll be introduced to omics-based approaches at the forefront of equipping biologists to overcome global challenges. You'll also develop practical data-science skills in comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in order to conduct group-based and individual research projects.

This module develops core laboratory skills in molecular biosciences through a continuous research project. You'll design, troubleshoot, and analyse experiments, focusing on gene cloning and protein production. With workshops and practical sessions, you'll gain expertise in data interpretation, software tools, and scientific communication, providing a strong foundation for carrying out research professionally.

This module builds on foundational laboratory and data analysis skills developed in the first year, equipping you to tackle more complex biochemical questions. You'll learn how to apply advanced techniques in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical evaluation to address hypothesis-driven problems. In addition, you'll refine your ability to manipulate numerical data, critically assess results, and develop coherent, well-illustrated laboratory reports. This module enables the developme

This module introduces the principles of designing new medicines, focusing on how drug molecules bind to biological macromolecules. You'll explore key concepts such as pharmacophores, intermolecular bonding interactions, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, grounded in the fundamentals of chemistry. Through analysis of biological data, you'll learn to identify structure-activity relationships and solve pharmacokinetic problems.

This module provides an introduction to human cell biology and the molecular basis of cancer. You'll begin by studying the key structures and processes within a normal cell, exploring how components work together to maintain cellular function. The module then examines how these processes can become disrupted, leading to the development of cancer. Finally, you'll learn about therapeutic strategies for combating cancer, including the development and action of targeted treatments.

This module explores a range of human diseases, both inherited and environmentally linked, including heart and vascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, dermatitis, and conditions related to dietary deficiencies. You'll examine the underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, developing an in-depth understanding of their biological basis and real-world impact.

This module provides a detailed exploration of the microorganisms that cause human disease, focusing on bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You'll learn about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases, building on foundational microbiology concepts introduced in your first year. The module explores why and how microorganisms cause disease, alongside the strategies used to prevent and treat infections. You'll develop the skills to interpret case-based scenar

You'll review fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You'll discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences, learning about the roles played by the different types of leukocytes, antibodies and complement.