Biochemistry
Modern biochemistry uses molecular tools to investigate the chemical basis of living processes. It is a rapidly-moving field, which the course at Oxford reflects. Undergraduates study all aspects of modern biochemistry from structural biochemistry, metabolic processes, gene function and flow of genetic information to cell biology, together with related chemistries such as biophysical and biological chemistry. In the fourth year, students carry out a laboratory-based research project on a topic of their choosing within the Department of Biochemistry – this enables them to contribute to Oxford's internationally recognised biochemical research. Biochemistry students here show enthusiasm for the subject, and strong chemical ability. An understanding of biological systems and an innate curiosity about life are also important.
Oriel Biochemistry students benefit from the learning environment that the College provides, including the excellent College Library. Oriel has an extensive collection of the latest biochemistry text books available on long-term loan. In addition, all student rooms now have access to the internet allowing rapid access to the extensive University subscriptions to the electronic journals. Oriel students are also supported financially through the award of Scholarships and Exhibitions based on academic performance. In addition, Oriel also offers an impressive range of bursaries.
"Oriel's performance in biochemistry in recent years has been outstanding. This reflects the admission policy, the quality of the students and the excellent quality of teaching" - Prof. Raymond Dwek FRS
Biochemistry is taught by a team of experienced tutors, all of whom are active researchers in the fields of molecular cell biology, molecular immunology, metabolic biochemistry and structural biology. The expertise of the teaching team means that students benefit from specialist support throughout their studies. The tutorial program in Oriel is designed to complement and extend the learning from the Departmental lectures and practical classes. Oriel Biochemists benefit from the large biomedical community within the college, which currently includes Lecturers and Tutorial, Research and Professorial Fellows. This offers a wider interdisciplinary forum for academic and social events.
Biochemists from Oxford are highly valued by employers for the skills they have acquired during the course. While many of our students become academic or industrial researchers, their logical, analytical, information-processing, and presentation skills also equip Biochemistry graduates for diverse careers which have recently included finance and patent law.
Tutorial Fellows:
Admissions:
It is essential to have A-level, or the equivalent, in Chemistry. The course has significant maths and biology content, so Biology and Maths and/or Physics at A level, though not requirements, are very helpful. However, the first-year course provides the necessary background in biology, physics and mathematics for those who have not studied these subjects beyond GCSE.
Places: 4
The admissions information below is reproduced from the Department of Biochemistry website. Further general information about the department can be found at http://www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/
Typical conditional offers:
The following are typical offers recommended by the Department:
Candidates studying A levels - AAA, including chemistry and another science or mathematics;
Candidates studying the IB - 39 points overall, including Bonus Points, with 7 in HL chemistry and 6 or 7 in another science or maths; Candidates studying Scottish Highers – for those doing three AHs, AAB, including A in chemistry and A or B in another science or maths; for those doing two AHs and one H, AAA, including A in AH chemistry and A in another science or maths at AH or H level.
Candidates for whom English is not their native language need to meet the University’s English language requirements; if not met already, such requirements will form part of the conditional offer./p>
Deferred Entry
Biochemistry tutors welcome applications for deferred entry. There is no significant difference between offer rates to candidates seeking either immediate or deferred entry. After discussions with candidates, a number of deferred entry candidates may be offered an immediate place instead, or vice versa. Deferred entry candidates will not be made offers more demanding than candidates for immediate entry.