About Biochemistry with Structural Biology, BA (Hons) - at Trinity College Dublin
What is biochemistry with structural biology?Cells form the smallest organisational unit of life, while biochemistry is the study of the chemical basis of life. The goal of structural biology is to characterise in atomic detail the molecules (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA) that perform the various functions that are essential for a living cell. The function of a molecule is related to its form, and this was demonstrated by Watson and Crick when they proposed the structure of DNA. The mechanism for DNA replication was evident from their model, and they subsequently won the Nobel Prize for their work.
What will you study?The courses in the Junior Sophister (third) year provide a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of biochemistry and structural biology - from the behaviour of simple cells to the complex development and organization of the human being. Topics include:
- proteomics
- molecular immunology
- protein chemistry
- bioenergetics
- enzyme catalysis
- eukaryotic gene structure.
A research project in the area of either biochemistry or structural biology forms an essential part of the Senior Sophister (fourth) year. Examples of research areas from which topics may be chosen include the structural biology of the cell signalling, rational drug design, cytoskeleton, cancer, neurobiology, molecular and cellular parasitology, viral evasion mechanisms, cell signalling, metabolism, the immune system and control of cell death.
Career opportunitiesThis course equips you to work in all major aspects of biochemistry, and molecular biology. You may decide to continue your studies at the postgraduate level and subsequently take up a career in industrial, medical or academic research. Alternatively, you will be qualified to work in the pharmaceutical industry in the area of structure-based drug design. Recent graduates have also opted for careers in teaching, information systems, communications and management, and have even crossed over into areas such as accountancy, law and merchant banking, where there is a demand for the skills developed in the biological and chemical sciences.
