MSc Biochemistry Handbook

On behalf of the School of Biological Sciences, I’d like to welcome you to Edinburgh and to this Taught Masters Programme. This guide gives you the basic information about your programme and I would like to emphasise a few important points here.

The MSc in Biochemistry comprises two components, the taught courses in Semesters 1 and 2, followed by a research project. For your project you will first submit a proposal in Semester 2 in the form of a research grant application; you will then work full time in a research laboratory for three months from May and submit a dissertation in August. This project is a key element in helping you decide whether you want to continue in academic research, by looking for a PhD position, or where and how you wish to develop your career outside academia. Our aim is that this mixture of taught courses and independent research project should prepare you for your chosen career far more effectively than going directly on from an undergraduate degree. The transferable skills you will develop, including communication, time management, project planning and independent thinking, should be very helpful to your future career.

All of the students on this programme have already completed an undergraduate degree in some branch of biological sciences; however, coming from different courses and different cultures, you will have variations in your background knowledge, understanding and experiences. I particularly want to emphasise that you are not in competition with the other students on this programme and I encourage you to get to know each other quickly so that you can learn together, share your skills and help each other. This will also help you to build up your own network of academic friends for the future.

For some of you, this will be your first experience of a UK university and our ways of doing things may be different from what you are used to. One of our aims is to ensure that you appreciate what are the international standards for scientific research and to realise that the essence of becoming a scientist is to learn to take the initiative and to be responsible for your own work – which must be your own work because plagiarism is a serious academic offence.

As well as your education whilst you are here, your welfare is also important to us. If you have any problems whilst you are here, please talk to someone as soon as possible rather than worry alone. If it is a problem with a particular academic course, you should consider talking to the Course Organiser first or, if you prefer, you can always contact me. You will also be assigned a Student Adviser to provide guidance and support throughout the year. If you have a personal or domestic problem, please contact your Student Adviser or the Programme Administrator, and we will try to help you. Also, the University has a comprehensive student welfare system that you can access. Please remember that we are here to support you and that any problems you encounter are best resolved quickly.

Finally, on behalf of everyone associated with the programme, I wish you every success and an enjoyable time here, and I look forward to meeting you.

Dr Janice Bramham

The compulsory and optional courses for your programme are listed in the Degree Programme Table (DPT).

Biochemistry DPT

Students are not allowed to take more than a total of 30 credits below level 11. 

An alternative appropriate course may be substituted with the permission of the Programme Director.

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated Course Learn Ultra page. Note that access to our Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is restricted to current students only.

Personalised Timetables 

Information on your timetable can be accessed via MyEd.  

• This includes a personalised timetable service called MyTimetable. 
• Your personalised timetable also appears on Office 365 calendars, which you can view on your smartphone or other device. 

 Access your timetable on MyEd

Timetable information for students

As a member of the School of Biological Sciences, you are warmly welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.