This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science.
The course deals with the study of human biology at the molecular level, where biology meets chemistry. Medical Biochemistry is the interface between cellular biology, medicine and chemistry and gives an understanding of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies. You will develop a strong foundation in processes that determine the functions of the cell and the human body. This includes the chemical, cellular, genetic, metabolic and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry. This course has been designed to offer the students an opportunity to learn and discuss, including through practical sessions, current topics in the areas of DNA technology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, cell-signalling, cancer biology, haematology, immunology, gene therapy, neuroscience, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, drug design, molecular pharmacology, cellular differentiation and embryology, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation skills.
The course in Medical Biochemistry BSc (Hons) deals with the study of human biology at the molecular level, where biology meets chemistry. Medical Biochemistry is the interface between cellular biology, medicine and chemistry and gives an understanding of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies.
This course focuses on the link between scientific knowledge, experimentation and application. As a prospective student, you will develop a strong foundation in processes that determine the functions of the cell and the human body. This includes the chemical, cellular, genetic, metabolic and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry. You will appreciate the chemical basis of life, the molecular basis of disease and the transition from research to product development with reference to clinical trials.
This course has been designed to offer you an opportunity to learn and discuss, including through practical sessions, current topics in the areas of DNA technology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, cell-signalling, cancer biology, haematology, immunology, gene therapy, neuroscience, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, drug design, molecular pharmacology, cellular differentiation and embryology, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation skills. You are also provided with the basic skills to set up and market a business venture in the field of bioscience and biotechnology.
The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.
Two passes at Advanced Matriculation Level at grade C or better in Biology and Chemistry and a pass at Intermediate Matriculation Level in one of the following subjects: Computing or Physics or Pure Mathematics.
You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.
The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .
Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.
After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
Requirement for successful completion of Year III: 60 creditsRequirement for successful completion of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry: 180 credits.
This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry - B.Sc. (Hons) Med. Biochem. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science.
By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of the core areas of chemistry and biochemistry, and will be capable of applying chemical principles to biological systems. In addition, you will acquire analytical skills that will allow you to apply biochemistry to the pharmaceutical/biotechnology context. You will gain an understanding of:
The chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biochemical reactions, including biological catalysts and techniques used to investigate them.
The bioanalytical techniques and their application to the extraction and characterisation of bioactive molecules.
Cell metabolism, its control and energy requirements.
The molecular processes of the nervous system.
Cellular signalling and its underlying molecular, cellular, physiological and chemical principles.
The molecular basis of cancer and the development of molecular strategies to prevent cellular proliferation.
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Subject knowledge and understanding:
You will have a good understanding of the core areas of chemistry and biochemistry, and will be capable of applying chemical principles to biological systems. In addition, you will acquire analytical skills that will allow you to apply biochemistry to the pharmaceutical/biotechnology context.
You will gain an understanding of:
the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biochemical reactions, including biological catalysts and techniques used to investigate them;
the bioanalytical techniques and their application to the extraction and characterisation of bioactive molecules;
the metabolism of nucleic acids and the technology that developed from this knowledge;
the molecular basis of genetics and its role in genetic disorders;
the various organelles and cellular structures and their function in physiology and pathophysiology;
the molecular basis of cancer and the development of molecular strategies to prevent cellular proliferation;
the molecular processes of the nervous system;
the biochemical processes involved in cell differentiation;
cell metabolism, its control and energy requirements;
protein structure and the application of this knowledge to the design of drugs;
how to extract information from large databases in the study of OMICS;
cellular signalling and its underlying molecular, cellular, physiological and chemical principles.
Intellectual development and
Key/transferable skills.
competency in both standard and specialised techniques that are used in life science research;
proper handling of laboratory equipment;
working safely in a scientific laboratory, with awareness of standard safety protocols;
the ability to apply relevant numerical skills, including statistics, to biochemical data;
the ability to employ and evaluate suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry and molecular biology;
develop and market a business venture;
be skilled in analytical analysis, calculations and problem solving;
the ability to search for information from different sources so as to retain and improve one's scientific knowledge;
the ability to communicate the information to others both in the written as well as in oral format;
the ability to assess and critically discuss conflicting concepts and principles;
the ability to utilise gained knowledge so as to be able to tackle both familiar but also unfamiliar situations;
the ability to plan, design, execute and present independent research;
the ability to interpret research data and literature through analytical, problem solving and decision-making techniques;
the ability to interpret, critically evaluate and troubleshoot results;
the ability to work both as a member of a team and independently in a laboratory;
have practical experience of modern instrumentation and classical techniques;
be competent in computer programmes to analyse and present data, to retrieve data from databases and to model three-dimensional structures;
the ability to engage in an open discussion of ethical issue arising from current developments in the biosciences.
Non EU Applicants:
Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800
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As a graduate, the skills you acquire in applied molecular sciences and independent thinking will prepare you for a number of employment opportunities in research and product development in the pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, medical science and academia. You may pursue further postgraduate qualification leading to a Masters of Science in a number of related fields including; biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology or a Masters in Biomedical Sciences in areas of Cell therapy and tissue banking, haematology, molecular biology and genetics and neuroscience. PhD programmes are also available in these areas of science.
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