Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to:

• Define the structures, functions and interactions of biologically important molecules including proteins and nucleic acids
• Recognise the fundamental importance of biologically important molecules in biological processes, biomedicine and biotechnology
• Explain 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
• Outline 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
• Demonstrate practical and theoretical scientific methods and research skills in modern molecular life science required to investigate the role of gene and protein expression and regulation
• Illustrate the significance and applications of genomics and bioinformatics in biotechnology and biomedicine
• Evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources and critique international peer-reviewed scientific literature and primary research in several different disciplines
• Communicate specific biomedical, and general science concepts to peers and professionals through written and oral formats
• Describe ethical issues in biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in relation to genome sequencing and genetic engineering
• Practice teamwork within and outside the laboratory.