Biological Chemistry

Course Overview

The chemistry of biological processes is the basis of all life on planet Earth. On this course you will develop an understanding of the processes that are core to biological chemistry. We will explore aspects such as biosynthesis, retrosynthetic analysis, molecular biology and the principles of drug development. We will also look at the applications of biological chemistry in catalysts, synthetic methods and spectroscopy, giving our graduates an edge when looking for employment in academia or industry. The Master of Science in Biological Chemistry is delivered by Cardiff University. Distinctive features: Available on a one year full-time or three year part-time basis. Explore real life biological systems as well as applications of biological processes, for example in catalysis. Specialise in an area of interest to you with an end of course research project. Some overseas academic placements may be available for the research project. What skills will I practise and develop? On completing the course you will have developed key skills which can be applied to a variety of industrial and academic working environments. You will have gained learning skills including: Knowledge of the fundamental molecules of living systems, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates and their importance. Mechanistic aspects of biological catalysis. Methods and techniques involved in the preparation and purification of biological macromolecules. Modern techniques for the assay of biocatalysed reactions and measuring protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interaction. Application of biological catalysts to industrial problems. Molecular biology, synthesis and handling of DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), insertion into vectors and mutation of DNA using site directed mutagenesis, error prone PCR and directed evolution. Practical techniques in various areas of biological chemistry including a wide variety of analytical techniques, e. g. NMR spectroscopy, UV-vis and CD spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrophoresis. Computational modelling of biological systems including enzyme active sites. A broad knowledge of medicinal chemistry from the lab to the marketplace. Information handling, report preparation and presentation skills. Career Prospects: After completing this course there are usually two career streams open to graduates, research or industry. Within these two fields there are a variety of career options. For example, many of our graduates choose to follow up their MSc and decide to complete a PhD research degree with us. Those who have chosen not to continue in academia or teaching have gone on to a wide range of employment in private industries such as Kimberley-Clark group, Thales group, and Imanova Ltd.