Medical Biochemistry: The University of Manchester

Course description

These programmes are aimed towards biochemists that are considering a career in research into the biochemical basis of disease and therapeutic medicine. This area is very promising in terms of career development, because many pharmaceutical and health care companies require well-trained medical biochemists. These graduates become key employees in the efforts of such companies to develop new drugs targeted against specific enzymes, hormone receptors or other biologically important molecules. As an alternative to entering industry directly, many medical biochemistry graduates continue their careers via a PhD course, or by taking a specialist Masters course in, for example, Bioinformatics.

The current final year teaching includes topics such as: Biochemical Basis of Disease, Protein Structure and Function, Molecular Biology of Cancer, Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease, Cell Signalling, Clinical Genetics, Current Topics in Bioinformatics, Glycobiology - Glycan Functions in Health and Disease, Immune Response and Disease.

Career opportunities

Medical Biochemistry graduates from the University of Manchester go into a variety of careers. About half stay in the life sciences and related disciplines, choosing either to study further research or taught courses such as a Masters or PhD, which could lead onto a career in bioscience, or medicine/dentistry degrees. A significant number go on to complete a science teaching qualification, such as a secondary science PGCE. Those that choose a career outside of the life sciences are highly sought after by large multinationals. Graduate programmes in accountancy, finance, law, marketing and publishing are particularly popular choices for graduates from the Faculty who do not wish to stay in science.

Entry requirements

• English language: Either GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.5 in any component) or an equivalent qualification.
• A level: Grades AAB-BBB. This should include:
  • Chemistry and
  • 1 of Biology, Physics, Maths, Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE.
• AS level: 2 AS levels are acceptable in place of the third non-science A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum of grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35-32 points overall including 5 or 6 points in Chemistry and one other science at Higher level.