Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Subject Tutors

Fellows:
Dr Catherine Pears
Dr Nigel Saunders (Special Supernumerary Fellow)

Student Profile:
Becky Heslop, 4th year

Dr Catherine Pears teaches molecular and cellular biochemistry, molecular and genetic methods, signal transduction, cell cycle control, the molecular basis of cancer development, as well as specialist options which fall into her area of expertise. Her research focuses on genetic approaches to understanding the biochemical pathways that lead to changes in cell behaviour in response to extracellular signals. In particular, she researches the molecular mechanisms by which cells respond to damage to their genetic material (or DNA) in order to stop dividing and correctly repair the damage. This is approached by studying cells in which these pathways are defective and determining the consequences for cell behaviour and survival. She is also interested in how cells change the pattern of genes expressed, particularly as they switch from proliferating to differentiated states. This involves chemical modification of the proteins which interact with the DNA and the DNA itself. Understanding the mechanisms by which these modifications lead to changes in gene expression will help us understand the capacity of stem cells to regenerate themselves and create many different cell types and also increase our understanding of the molecular basis of disease states such as cancer. For further information, please see the Department of Biochemistry Website.

Dr Nigel Saunders teaches aspects of molecular and cellular biochemistry, specialising in immunology.

About the Course
Biochemistry, the study of the structure and function of biological molecules, is one of the largest and most exciting fields of current scientific research, covering areas as diverse as genetic engineering, the Human Genome Project, molecular modelling, and targeted drug design. Its use extends throughout all areas of biological interest and has major relevance to biomedical research.

The Oxford Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry course lasts four years, allowing for a significant amount of specialisation and practical experience in the final year. The first year of the course provides a broad base for this future specialisation. It involves study of (i) the Molecular Biology of the Cell, including genetics and many aspects of cell structure and function: (ii) Biological Chemistry which introduces the macromolecules which provide the basis for life: (iii) Biophysical Chemistry which allows us to understand biological systems in molecular and structural terms: (iv) Organic Chemistry which underpins all of the reactions which take place in cells and (v) Basic Maths and Statistics to facilitate experimental design and data analysis. The emphasis is on the first three of these subjects.

The second and third years involve studying a wide range of biochemical subjects in some detail, including molecular structure, genetics, and applied areas such as immunology and disease states such as cancer. Optional supplementary subjects can be studied if desired. In the fourth year students spend 12 weeks in a research laboratory undertaking a practical research project, and this is likely to increase to 20 weeks in the near future. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience laboratory-based research at first hand and to gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in increasing medical and biological knowledge. A wide range of projects are offered covering all aspects of biological and biomedical research and which also include relevant library- or computer-based projects. Many students opt to carry out their projects in one of the many other departments around Oxford involved in related research and a number of students each year undertake their projects abroad as part of the Erasmus scheme. At present, exchanges are offered with Holland, Germany, Italy and the USA. Following completion of the project, students choose to study three out of around eight options on offer, allowing selected subjects to be studied in great depth.

Teaching
In the first three years, teaching is divided between lectures held in the department (around 10 per week) and practical classes (averaging one full day per week). In the first year the department also organises classes of up to 8 students for problem-based subjects. Tutorials are arranged within the College and are designed both to complement and to extend the teaching beyond the core syllabus, with an emphasis on stimulating discussion and undergraduates’ own interests. The majority of tutorials are given by the College Fellows but additional specialist teaching is provided by colleagues with close ties to the College.

In later years, students are also encouraged to attend research seminars which are held within the department and in other departments in Oxford in which leading researchers will present their latest findings.

Oxford has excellent biochemical teaching resources with an on-line virtual learning environment, both University and College-based libraries, and easy internet access. The University College library holds copies of all the basic texts required as well as many more specialist books. Journals reporting recent research are freely available on-line and University College has computing facilities to aid access. The recently refurbished practical teaching labs are well equipped and allow the students to gain experience in a wide range of practical techniques.

Joint Schools
There are no Joint Schools for Biochemistry.

Admission
Every year we accept four undergraduates from all varieties of social and educational backgrounds to read Biochemistry. Candidates will have two pre-arranged interviews with Fellows from two separate colleges and performance in both interviews, as well as the information contained in the UCAS form, is taken into account in accordance with published selection criteria. At University College we make every effort to ensure the interviews take place in a friendly and informal environment. The course assumes a good grasp of Chemistry and Chemistry at A-level (or equivalent) is required for admission to read Biochemistry. Biology or Maths at A-level (or equivalent) is preferred, but not essential. However, all applicants must be numerate and interested in biological systems. Offers are likely to be set at AAA (or the equivalent).

Deferred Entry
Univ is willing to admit candidates wishing to apply for deferred entry for Biochemistry. However, this decision should be made prior to application or discussed with the tutors at interview as it is unlikely that this can be changed once an offer is made.

Graduate Study
Many Biochemistry graduates choose to undertake further research and enter graduate study and University College has a lively community of graduates in this field. Biochemistry has strong links with many of the other related science subjects, and, at graduate level especially, there is much overlap in research fields with those studying medicine, psychology, neuroscience and chemistry, for example.

Further Information
For more information, please consult the website of the Department of Biochemistry. Further details about careers in Biochemistry can be obtained from the webpage of the Biochemical Society.