Biochemistry

Biochemistry investigates and describes the molecular structures and chemical processes occurring in living organisms at all levels of organisation. This endeavour is predicated on the perspectives, insights and methods of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and of molecular biology.

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Among the central concerns of biochemistry are the structure, biosynthesis and function of proteins and nucleic acids; the metabolism and its regulation; the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis; the structure and functioning of molecular machines for cell transport and motion; the structure, features and function of membranes; and the mechanisms involved in cellular energy conversion and biological signalling processes.

Given its range of interests, biochemistry has a crucial impact on the foundational research performed in many areas of the biosciences (including their applied disciplines) and is increasingly operative in initiating basic research projects in chemistry.

This B.Sc. course is part of a research-oriented Bachelor/Master programme. At Bachelor level, students are provided with the scientific and methodological essentials qualifying them for initial entry into a biochemical profession and laying the foundations for independent further education and career choices.

An essential function of the Bachelor course is to prepare students for the consecutive M.Sc. course in biochemistry or the acquisition of further qualifications in neighbouring disciplines. To this end, students are first of all given a broad grounding in the relevant sectors of chemistry and acquire the knowledge of mathematics and physics that is indispensable for the study of biochemistry. Once these foundations have been laid, students then acquire wide-ranging theoretical knowledge, methodological orientation and practical skills in the various sectors of biochemistry. These items are supplemented by an introduction to topical issues in biochemical research. A major concern of the course is to acquaint students at an early stage with the practical aspects of biochemical laboratory work and to impart to them the knowledge and skills required to pull one’s weight in a research team.