Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Our research aims to answer fundamental questions about how cells and organisms work at the molecular and biochemical level. We study the structures and properties of DNA, RNA and protein molecules, and how these molecules interact within cells to form complex functional networks. We are also working towards applications of our knowledge to address important real-world problems.

Our biochemists and molecular biologists study the “molecules of life”, the essential molecular components of all living organisms. We aim to understand how these molecules perform their functions, using a variety of modern molecular and biochemical approaches including structural analysis at the atomic level by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectrometry, and other biophysical methods. The knowledge gained by this research gives us opportunity to invent and develop novel ways of altering biological processes to our advantage, with applications in molecular medicine, biotechnology, synthetic biology, as well as industry.

PhD programmes in biochemistry and biotechnology will carry out a cutting-edge research project in an area that aligns with the expertise of one or more of our principal investigators in the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology. The subject of the project may be fundamental “blue skies” science or may be targeted at an important application. Projects may also be related to basic science and integrate with our existing research themes, while other projects are more focused on translational aspects of our research.

Some of our current research areas are:

• cell signalling mechanisms in mammals, plants and insects
• mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial proteins
• mechanisms of DNA sequence rearrangements
• DNA sequences in human disease
• genetic circuits and switches for synthetic biology
• plant molecular biology
• photosynthesis, plant photobiology, circadian factors in plants
• structural determination by NMR and X-ray crystallography
• structural bioinformatics, molecular modelling
• drug receptors, molecular pharmacology
• nuclear genomic architecture
• mechanisms of intracellular trafficking
• protein folding, targeting and modification
• protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions
• cell-surface interactions

Our PhD programme provides excellent training in cutting edge technologies that will be applicable to career prospects in both academia and industry. Many of our graduates become postdoctoral research associates while others go on to take up positions within industry, either locally or overseas. We have strong academic connections with many international collaborators in universities and research institutes.

Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing your scientific knowledge and skill set.

Information for international students

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.