COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biochemistry degree at the University of Reading is structured across three years with a mix of compulsory and optional modules that gradually build from foundational life sciences to advanced biomedical research and applied biotechnology. In the first year, students study core subjects such as Fundamentals of Microbiology, where they learn about microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists and their roles in disease, ecology, and antibiotic resistance, along with Anatomy and Physiology, which introduces the structure and function of major human body systems. They also take Fundamentals of Biochemistry, focusing on enzymes, metabolic pathways, and biochemical regulation, Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life, which explores cell structure and diversity across organisms, and General Chemistry B, which builds essential chemical knowledge relevant to biological systems. Optional first-year modules may include topics such as evolution, the history of life on Earth, and human pathology. In the second year, the programme becomes more specialised with compulsory modules like Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Research and Professional Skills, Medical Genetics, Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, which introduces computational tools and data analysis techniques essential for modern biology. Optional second-year choices include areas such as molecular microbiology, infectious diseases, haematology and immunology, and integrated anatomy and physiology, allowing students to tailor their studies toward medicine, research, or laboratory science. In the final year, students complete a major Research Project applying experimental and analytical skills to independent scientific investigation, alongside core modules like Integrated Biochemistry and Advanced Research Techniques, which focus on modern methods in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Optional final-year modules broaden applied understanding through topics such as neuroscience, cancer and cell communication, cardiovascular biology, epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, forensics, applied microbiology, evolution in health and disease, and innovation and product development, along with specialist topics like venoms and poisons. Across all years, the programme is designed to progress from fundamental science to advanced research and real-world applications, preparing students for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and scientific innovation.