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Molecular Biology, BSc

Course Overview

Overview

Molecular biology is one of the great successes of 20th century science. It has revolutionised our understanding of biology over the last half-century, culminating in the determination of the complete human genome sequence. Recent innovations in molecular biology include the technology behind genome engineering, which will have broad and lasting impacts on biology and medicine.

Molecular Biology is the investigation at the molecular level of all aspects of cells and tissues from simple systems in bacteria to more complex systems in plants and mammals. It has been responsible for spectacular successes in the treatment of disease caused either by bacteria and viruses on the one hand, or inborn genetic errors on the other. Molecular Biology is central to current investigations to understand the genetic basis of human disease and pathology, as well as to the development of improved crops.

This degree programme will provide you with a broad base of knowledge regarding molecular biology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Additionally, you will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Molecular Biology which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the School, and you will be instructed in the many applications of this subject.

5 year MSci degree

This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.

AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION BSc
DURATION 48 months
STUDY MODE Full Time
What You'll Study

A degree in Molecular Biology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year, you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

How You'll Study

You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of Northampton University Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.

As a student, your learning is supported by Northampton , our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

We make innovative use of ‘educational voting’ handsets in class, remote control ‘clickers’ that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

In year 1, you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Compulsory Courses

Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)

Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

In year 2 you will take a selection of courses that offer a training in fundamental aspects of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology.

Compulsory Courses

Genes and Evolution (NT2017) – 15 Credit Points
Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT20M3)
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
Energy for Life (NT25M7) – 15 Credit Points
Microbes, Infection and Immunity (NT25M5) – 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of molecular biology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses

Honours Biochemistry – Option 2 (NT4314) – 15 Credit Points
Honours Genetics – Option 1 (NT4010) – 15 Credit Points
Honours Advanced Molecular Biology (NT4050) – 30 Credit Points
Molecular Biology Honours Research Project (NT4502) – 60 Credit Points

In your Honours year the focus of taught courses is on special aspects of immunology and pharmacology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses

Current Research in Immunology (NT4006) – 30 Credit Points
Molecular Pharmacology (NT4005) – 15 Credit Points
Immunology or Pharmacology Project (NT4504) – 60 Credit Points

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Molecular Biology?
  • You will receive teaching in the cutting edge fields of genome analysis and bioinformatics through the Centre of Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine at the University.
  • The programme has a strong emphasis on medical and human genetics.
  • You will receive training in both specialist and employment-related skills.
  • Innovative and flexible teaching allows you to follow special interests.
  • Opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry are available to you throughout the degree programme.
  • The Northampton University was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
  • The Northampton University is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
  • The Northampton University is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020

Careers

Many of our Molecular Biology graduates follow their degree with doctoral research. Others move into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Some of our graduates have gone on to train for careers in Genetic Counselling, Biomedical Ethics and Forensic sciences.

Major employers of graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and related industries.

Students in Molecular Biology at Northampton have taken part in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) Competition, which is held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. iGEM is an international competition that gives undergraduate student experience of the exciting and rapidly developing field of synthetic biology. Past Northampton University teams have won gold medals in this competition.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others, offering:

  • A 10-week full-time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
  • The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
  • Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

Entry requirements

       

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB*

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

 

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

  

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year. 

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

  • Degree certificates showing award of degree.
  • Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
  • A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

  • You may be offered a place unconditionally
  • You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
  • Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
    View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions

  • The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

    Northampton University admissions terms and conditions