University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Master of Science in Biochemistry with Industrial Placement

The Master of Science in Biochemistry with Industrial Placement in Biology is offered by University of Aberdeen.

Program Length: 5 YEARS.

Master of Science in Biochemistry with Industrial Placement offered by the University of Aberdeen

Enhance your undergraduate degree with a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.


Biochemistry lies at the interface between biology and medicine. Whether it be single-celled bacteria or the trillions of cells found in humans, all of the fundamental processes of the cell happen at the biochemical level. Understanding these processes can provide insights into subjects ranging from the evolution of life to developing treatments for common conditions such as diabetes, cancer and obesity.

On any given day people who graduated with an Aberdeen Biochemistry degree will be analysing water samples for pollution, designing new life saving medicines, producing new nanotechnologies, examining nutrient content in food and drink, helping people conceive in IVF clinics or selling scientific equipment to labs around the world.

This degree programme covers many areas of biochemistry at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels. Additionally, you will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of biochemistry which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the University.

In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but, in general terms, you will have the opportunity to do a placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will be able to develop a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.

What you'll study

A degree in Biochemistry is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits with the exception of year three where you will take an additional 5 credit course in preparation for your placement. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.


Year 1
Year 1 courses include Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Compulsory Courses
Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
The Cell (SM1501)
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2
In year 2 you will take a mix of prescribed courses and courses of your choosing to gain a total of 120 credit points.

There are two year 2 Biochemistry courses: Molecular Biology of the Gene and Energy for Life. Year 2 curriculum also includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Compulsory Courses
Genes and Evolution (BI2017)
Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
Energy for Life (BI25M7)
Microbes, Infection & Immunity (BI25M5)
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)

Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3
In year 3 you will take a mix of prescribed courses and courses of your choosing to gain a total of 125 credit points.

Courses include the Molecular Control of Cell Function which explore the mechanisms involved in controlling cell function, such as protein-protein interactions. In addition, you will also take courses in Genetics or Microbiology.

Compulsory Courses
The Molecular Biology of The Cell (MB3006)
Working Out? Placement & Career Skills (BT3006)
The Molecular Control of Cell Function (BC3503)

Optional Courses
Select one of the following courses:

Genetics (GN3502)
Molecular Microbiology (MC3504)
Plus select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4
You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.

Compulsory Courses
Industrial Placement (BT5007)

Year 5
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of Biochemistry. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses
Honours candidates are required to take both a two hour general examination (SM 4901) and a three hour problem solving examination (SM 4902) at the end of the Final Honours Year.

Honours Biochemistry - Option 1 (BC4014)
Honours Advanced Molecular Biology (MB4050)
Honours Biochemistry - Option 2 (BC4314)
Biochemistry Honours Research Project (BC4502)
Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)
Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)



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