MPhil Biological Sciences (Biochemistry)

Overview

Our research of fundamental biochemistry puts the cell's chemistry into the context of the whole organism in normal and diseases states. By understanding the causes of a disease, we can control symptoms or eradicate it.

The key principle behind our research is the recognition that to elucidate cell, organ or organismal function in health and disease requires an integrated approach utilising the best available cutting-edge technologies.

Research programmes are generously funded through grants from the BBSRC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, North West Cancer Research, European Commission and other organisations. Our investigators are involved in translational research for applications in drug discovery and tissue engineering.

We offer intense PhD training programmes with exposure to a wide range of technologies. Much research is multidisciplinary with strong collaborative links within the Institute and also to physical, chemical and clinical sciences across the Liverpool campus. We use technologies such as electrophysiology, biosensors, proteomics, transcriptomics, NMR, X-Ray crystallography, enzyme assays, confocal microscopy, nanoparticles, protein structure modelling and molecular biology.

Recent research highlights from students and staff over the last two years include publications in Science, Molecular Cell, Developmental Cell, Nature Protocols, EMBO Journal, Oncogene, Journal of Cell Biology and Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Many of our students are recognised for the role they play in communicating their science to the wider community. On completing their PhDs our students have taken competitive post-doctoral positions in the UK and abroad, or elect career paths in the NHS, government or the commercial sector.