Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry is a vibrant and fast-moving subject, giving students the opportunity to study the molecular basis for life. MBiochem students at Merton join a lively intellectual community, with the subject sitting alongside Medicine, Chemistry, and Biology. At the postgraduate level there are a number of graduates reading for higher degrees in Biochemistry and related subjects.
Subject Intake: Three
Course Duration: Four Years (MBiochem)
Course listing and admissions criteria: Biochemistry at Oxford
Biochemistry teaching at Merton is coordinated by Dr Lindsay Baker.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry allows students to study life at the molecular level, drawing on a wide range of scientific techniques that develop our understanding about life, medicine, environmental monitoring and more. Undergraduates are taught through departmentally-delivered lectures, classes and practicals, supplemented by tutorials (small group teaching with group sizes of typically 2-4). Data analysis skills are also taught. Teaching in years 2 and 3 is arranged in blocks, each of which explores a specific biochemical question. Fourth-year students carry out a project, providing an opportunity to undertake laboratory-based research. Merton’s Biochemistry tutors also teach our undergraduates studying medicine.
Merton's Biochemistry students have a strong academic record, and take a wide range of Biochemistry options within the discipline.
Merton offers generous academic grants and funding for research projects and travel.
There are lots of opportunities for students in different years of their course to work and socialise together. This creates a strong sense of community and means there’s plenty of advice about settling into your degree and making the most of your time here.
The College has a graduate mentor scheme which enables undergraduates of all abilities to seek one-to-one assistance with developing their broader academic skills, e.g. time management, prioritising reading, approaching essays or problem sheets.
The College awards prizes for strong work in mock exams (‘collections’) and for achieving at the highest level in university examinations, including Finals.
All undergraduates are assigned a Director of Studies from the subject’s tutors, who has overall responsibility for oversight and guidance of academic progress.
