The Department of Biological Sciences is responsible for a number of different degrees, some of which are quite distinct whilst others are variants which differ largely in the option choices taken. The Biochemistry and Computational Biology degrees are somewhat different, so that it is not generally possible to move into them from the other degrees. Some movement from Biochemistry to the other degrees is possible during the first year. The Undergraduate Prospectus , which gives full details, is also available on the Web. Together with the core courses, these choices define the degree being taken.
Students can apply, early in the second year, to go on our Intercalated Year scheme.
This provides industrial, research laboratory or commercial placements for one year. The year is not part of the assessment for a degree, but the extra experience gained is recognised in the final degree awarded, which carries the rider 'with Intercalated Year'. These choices and specialisations continue in the third year. This course was one of the first to include specialist courses in areas such as molecular biology, immunology and animal development, which are now recognised as being of central interest to biochemists. At the same time it retains a sound chemistry foundation which allows students to appreciate the sophisticated biophysical methods now used to describe biological macromolecules.