Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/
Molecular Genetics

Why study Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Molecular Genetics at Dundee?

The University of Dundee is recognised internationally as one of the leading centres for biochemical research, including areas such as cell signalling, cell and developmental biology, cell division, diabetes and cancer research.

Our teaching is research-led, meaning that the degree programmes benefit from association with research of international standard and its commercial and biomedical applications, and from the active participation of many leading scientists in the field.

What are Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology?

Biochemistry involves the study of complex processes in cells and organisms at the molecular level. Molecular genetics is concerned with the structure and function of the genetic material, and molecular biology with the functions of the cell's macromolecules.

The boundaries between Biochemistry and its related disciplines are, however, becoming less distinct. We reflect this by providing a common structure to the degree programmes for these subjects in your first three years of study.

Depending upon your choice of project and taught topics at Level 4 you can graduate with a degree in either Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Molecular Genetics.

What's so good about Life Sciences at Dundee?

Practical experience

Dundee can offer you a range of Level 4 Research Projects in leading laboratories because of its high level of top-rated research activity in these areas.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff based in the College of Life Sciences.

There are regular meetings of staff-student liaison committees. While this provides a forum for formal contact, there is also opportunity for informal contact between you and academic staff, whom you will find friendly and approachable.

Careers

A degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics or Molecular Biology opens the door to many career options. Graduates in these areas are in great demand in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biotechnology and healthcare industries, with openings for laboratory work or in the marketing, sales and management areas. Comparable openings can be found in the various agricultural, medical and veterinary research institutes, hospitals and the scientific Civil Service.

Dundee is a rapidly expanding centre for biotechnology with new firms opening and forming links with Dundee University biochemists. Work placements are encouraged and provide an exciting taste of the new industries. Many of our students enter areas of employment not directly related to science, often as trainee managers or salespersons.

Postgraduate Study

Some of our students proceed to higher degrees (MSc or PhD) and go on to undertake or supervise original research, and others go on to take a degree in Medicine.

We offer a number of Masters level courses in addition to PhD research opportunities in the College of Life Sciences.

Entry Requirements

These are minimum indicative entry requirements, not a guaranteed entry level. You will get an individual offer from us following our review of your application. Please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Your application for entry will be judged based on the highest level qualifications you have or are taking, e.g. students offering A-Levels or Scottish Baccalaureate will be made an offer based on entry to the 3 year Honours degree as this offers the best academic progression.

4 year Honours degree (Level 1 / SCQF 7 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	not available
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (Higher, ILC Higher, IB Higher Level) Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, ILC Ordinary Level at C or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

3 year Honours degree (Level 2 / SCQF 8 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (AH) + BB (H) in other subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade A in the graded unit with appropriate Science units, and 120 SCQF credits (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade AA in the graded units with appropriate Science units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Distinction with AB at AH Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access to Science Programmes	Relevant science subjects with AAA grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science modules (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade A with ASL-A Level Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE C (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-Levels in Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE grade C (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£10,500 per year.	Sir James Black Scholarship Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BSc Biochemistry	C700	View KIS data for this course
BSc Molecular Biology	C720	View KIS data for this course
BSc Molecular Genetics	C431	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

Your personal statement should demonstrate an interest in the subject you are applying for and a commitment to the study of that subject. How did your interest in the subject arise, and do you have a particular career path in mind?

You should comment on your participation in both school/college/work and extracurricular activities and on the extent to which they have aided in your personal development and the acquisition of skills that will be of value to you as a life sciences student.

• Do you have an enquiring mind?
• Do you have good analytical skills and problem-solving ability?
• Are you self-motivated and able to work independently?
• Are you a good team player?
• Do you have good communication skills?

If you are planning a gap year, comment on the intended activity and the benefits that you think you are likely to gain from the experience.

Tips for your application

Give careful consideration to both the style and content of your personal statement as it can be an indicator of your ability to communicate as well as providing an account of your personal achievements and skills.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: