molecules are at the centre of all life from the smallest virus to the largest animal. biochemists seek to understand how molecular processes control life at various levels; how do molecules make cells work, how do these cells coordinate in an organ and finally, how do these organs signal and work together for life to function? biochemistry is at the forefront of understanding how molecules control and affect life, and an appreciation of these concepts allows biochemists to answer life’s fundamental questions and contribute to resolving critical biological problems such as designing drugs to treat cancer or even bacteria that can clean up an oil spill.

through the lectures at reading students will explore and discuss these biochemical concepts accumulating in an in-depth understanding of the subject. they will have the opportunity to study their subject in a layered approach where they will focus on the molecular and cellular concepts of biochemistry in year 1, followed by discussions of the organ and organism effects of these biochemical processes in year 2.

finally, in year 3 study topics at the forefront of biochemistry from cutting-edge research to human disease and structural biology. during year 3, students will also take part in an 11-week research project where they will draw on all their skills and knowledge to tackle a biochemical research question. 

students will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between the second and final year. there is also the opportunity to undertake a 3-8 week summer placement between either part 1 and 2 or part 2 and 3. students in previous years have worked on industrial and summer placements at diamond light source (the uk’s national synchrotron), public health england, gsk, astrazeneca and covance.