What is Chemical Biology?
The emerging new field of Chemical Biology is driven by a desire to apply chemical principles and techniques to solve diverse problems in the biological sciences. This novel combined approach will hold the key to preventing diseases, fighting environmental pollution, boosting agricultural production and designing new material for the future.
Why study Chemical Biology at Sussex?
Our one-year MSc programme provides an excellent interdisciplinary education to postgraduate students with background in the chemical sciences to prepare them for meeting the future challenges of Chemical Biology both in industrial and academic environments. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Sussex have a strong expertise in the various complementary research areas covered by Chemical Biology and is equipped with world-class research facilities. The department also have close research links with the new Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the Genome Damage and Stability Centre on campus.
What is offered?
The programme offers advanced training in modern theoretical and experimental techniques used to study biological problems at the molecular level. Students will attend lectures, seminars and practical laboratory courses in the first two terms delivered by research-active faculty members. This will lay the foundation for all fundamental principles that govern biological systems. An essential element of the programme involves students conducting their own research into an exciting new chemical biology project under a joint supervision of two faculty members with complementary expertise. Students will have a hands-on experience in both chemical and biological research laboratories and can contribute with their own ideas to solve important problems in the biological sciences. The programme will specifically focus on enhancing research skills for overseas students.
Areas of faculty research interest:
Faculty members at Sussex pursue internationally leading scientific research in Chemical Biology:
• Biophysical studies of biological macromolecules: Dr Mark Osborne, Dr Ewan Main
• Structural biology: Dr Darren Thompson, Dr Iain Day
• Small molecule synthesis and drug design: Prof Philip Parsons, Dr Hans Streicher, Dr Clive Penkett, Dr Eddy Viseux, Dr Robin Fulton
• Biomolecular simulation and bioinformatics: Dr Sue Jones, Dr Peter Varnai
• DNA repair pathways: Prof Keith Caldecott, Dr Aidan Doherty
• Protein engineering and biological insecticides: Dr Neil Crickmore
• Amyloid structure and toxicity: Dr Louise Serpell
• Mechanistic studies of enzymes: Prof Andrew Smith, Dr Mark Paget
Full time programme composition:
| Year | Term | Status | Course Title | Code | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AUTUMN | Core course | Practical Techniques in Molecular Biology | 801C1 | M | 30 |
| Core course | Introduction to Genes and Biochemistry | 809C7 | M | 15 | ||
| Core course | Bio-organic Chemistry | F1007 | 3 | 15 | ||
| Core course | Chemical Biology I | 837F1 | M | 15 | ||
| SPRING | Core course | Chemical Biology II | 837F1 | M | 15 | |
| Core course | Protein Form and Function | 811C7 | M | 15 | ||
| PGDip course | Topics in Chemical Biology | 839F1 | M | 15 | ||
| SPR/SUM | Core course | Chemical Biology Research Project | 838F1 | M | 75 |
How to apply?
We suggest you apply as early as possible. If you would like to know more about the MSc in Chemical Biology at Sussex, please contact the School of Life Sciences, John Maynard-Smith Building, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK. Tel: +44 1273 678057 or email lifesci@sussex.ac.uk.