Medical Biochemistry

What is Medical Biochemistry? Medical Biochemistry combines the approaches of Chemistry and Biology to describe how cells and organisms work. There is particular emphasis on the molecular basis of health and disease in human cells, but aspects of bacteria, viruses and micro-organisms relevant to disease are also covered.

Because Medical Biochemistry covers such a wide area, there are main different areas of specialisation. Aspects of Medical Biochemistry include:-

• How proteins act as the functional molecules of the cell, providing transport, catalysis, structural support etc.
• How information stored in the form of DNA can specify which proteins are to be made and when and how this information can be passed on to daughter cells
• How cells can obtain and store energy to drive cellular synthesis, movement etc.
• How signals are transmitted, received and processed by cells to allow integrated responses to changes in the environment
• How organisms are related to each other at a molecular level, giving insights into the process of evolution
• How disturbances to the basic mechanisms of the cell can lead to disease, and how these might be treated by appropriate drug therapies
• How bacteria, viruses and micro-organisms can invade human cells to cause disease and these agents can be controlled

The course: At Glasgow, Medical Biochemistry is taught within the Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences. The booklet: Biology - Undergraduate Course Information - describes the basic structure of all our courses.

Medical Biochemistry staff contribute to the Level 1 modules in Biology, for example providing introductions to Proteins, Nucleic acids, Membranes and Energy Metabolism.

At Level 2, Medical Biochemistry staff contribute to modules in Proteins: Structure and Function, Nucleic Acids: Structure and Function, Energy Metabolism, Biological Clocks and Science Communication.

By the end of Level 2, students should have a good foundation for their study of Medical Biochemistry as well as an appreciation of many other branches of the Biological Sciences. This should help them to put their medical biochemistry knowledge in a proper biological context.

After the two foundation years, Medical Biochemistry students enter the 2 year Honours course (Levels 3 and 4).

There is also an extensive set of laboratory practicals to help reinforce the lecture material, and a tutorial programme which is aimed at developing skills such as essay writing, oral presentation and problem solving.

Level 4 includes:-

• Four advanced courses from a choice including Central Approaches in Biochemistry, Molecular Immunology, Cell Signalling, Viruses and Diseases, Molecular Basis of Disease Processes, Hormones and Growth Factors in Health and Disease, The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle, Molecular Biology of Membrane Function, Control of Transcription and Human Molecular Genetics.
• A Dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff; this includes an oral presentation to staff and students.

• A Research Project, which allows students to investigate an aspect of Medical Biochemistry in depth. Projects are usually laboratory-based but can also investigate some wider aspect of the subject or be business-based, undertaken in conjunction with local biotechnology companies. The project gives students a real opportunity to contribute to the development of the subject and the results sometimes contribute to scientific publications.

Medical Biochemistry with Work Placement Students who have done well during Levels 1-2 can apply for a Work Placement year, taken between Levels 3 and 4. Medical Biochemistry placements are very varied and can be undertaken in the UK or abroad. Many of the placements are with the major pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.

Common questions

• What are the new developing areas of Medical Biochemistry? Medical Biochemistry is a very rapidly growing subject with significant advances being reported very frequently. Among the fastest growing areas are:- (a) Molecular Genetics, with the recent complete mapping of the human genome giving insights into the origins of inherited diseases, (b) Structure Biology, where the detailed structures of proteins show how they work and the basis of drug action, and (c) Bioinformatics, in which computers are being used to discern the relationships between the structures of proteins and nucleic acids. It is a very exciting time to be studying Medical Biochemistry!
• Are all Medical Biochemistry courses the same? No, courses across the country are distinct, reflecting the interests and expertise of the staff involved. To some extent, the majority of courses will cover much of the same fundamental material, but in different ways. In Glasgow, there are particular strengths in Cell Signalling, Gene Expression, Protein Structure and Function and Bioinformatics. In addition the enormous range of subjects within the Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences and the strong links with local hospitals and research institutes make it possible to bring a wide range of expertise into the degree course. We are particularly proud of the many different types of projects we can offer in Level 4.
• I am very interested in Medical Biochemistry but feel that my Chemistry may be weak; is that a problem? Because Medical Biochemistry seeks to explain biological processes and disease at the molecular level, some Chemistry is essential for the degree programme. You are required to take at least one year of Chemistry, although many students choose to take a second year as well. There are two types of Chemistry courses open to students in first year, catering for those with Higher or A-level qualifications and those with Standard Grade or GCSE (or no previous qualification) in the subject. A new course "Science Fundamentals" aimed at the latter group is being developed. This course will contain elements of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics and will show how these approaches can be used to answer a range of important biological questions. In the last two years of the Medical Biochemistry degree programme, the important concepts of Chemistry will be reviewed and applied in context to help deepen the understanding of biology at a molecular level. So, don't worry, we will do all we can to help you!
• What careers are open to Medical Biochemistry graduates? A large proportion (about half) of Medical Biochemistry graduates undertake further training via a postgraduate degree such as an M.Sc. or a Ph.D. In this way, the graduate can focus on a particular area such as pharmacology, genetics, immunology, cancer, structural biology, biotechnology etc. in which to make a career as a researcher. The wide-ranging nature of the Medical Biochemistry degree makes it an excellent platform for such later specialisation. Many Medical Biochemistry graduates are employed in laboratories in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes or universities. Others pursue a variety of careers in which they can use their science including the Civil Service, teaching and science communication. The wide range of skills acquired during the degree programme also makes Medical Biochemistry graduates well-equipped for a wide variety of careers outside science.
• The course will teach me a lot about Medical Biochemistry, but what else will my degree at Glasgow involve? Glasgow is a very vibrant city, with lots of entertainment for young people. The University has a large range of student societies and clubs where students can pursue their interests in sport, music, drama, politics etc. Students often become involved in the student Biochemical Society and organise lectures of general interest as well as social events. As well as Medical Biochemistry, the course will develop a wide range of transferable skills including use of IT, presentation of reports, group working and problem solving.

Still want to know more? Visit the IBLS website and click on the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: this will tell you a lot about what Medical Biochemistry staff are interested in. You may also contact the Honours course coordinator, Prof GW Gould at:- g.gould@bio.gla.ac.uk