Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Intended learning outcomes

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• broad knowledge of the range of structures, functions and interactions of biologically important molecules including proteins and nucleic acids;
• appreciation of the fundamental importance of these molecules in biological processes, biomedicine and biotechnology;
• broad knowledge of the structure and expression of genomes in higher organisms and the technologies used to analyse and manipulate genes to discover gene function or to modify phenotype
• awareness of the experimental and computational techniques that determine and predict protein structure and function and an understanding of the principles of protein engineering and its impact on life science and biotechnology;
• practical and theoretical understanding of the scientific methods and research skills in modern molecular life science required to investigate the role of gene and protein expression and regulation;
• understanding of the significance and applications of genomics and bioinformatics in biotechnology and biomedicine;
• skills in the evaluation and synthesise of information from a wide range of sources and how to apply these to understand the international peer-reviewed scientific literature and primary research in several different disciplines;
• effective communication of science generally and biochemical concepts specifically, both written and orally in a structured format, to professional audiences;
• awareness of ethical issues biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in relation to genome sequencing and genetic engineering.