Biochemistry

Why Pembroke?

The Biochemists of Pembroke are a vibrant and welcoming group who share a deep-rooted interest in Biochemistry and Biomedical sciences.

Our subject tutors, Professor FurgerDr McHugh ​​​​​and Dr Duncan are all very experienced teachers and researchers who ensure you get tuition of the highest academic quality, and at the same time take the pastoral side of their role very seriously. 

Tutorial teaching in College is generally done in our Biochemistry teaching room in a relaxed but highly focused atmosphere. The tutorials are organised by the tutors and complement the lectures organised by and held at the Department of Biochemistry. We provide full tuition in all aspects of the course and, as far as possible, tailor this to suit your needs and interests.

On a typical week, you would have one tutorial on a specific subject. You would research the topic during the week and hand an essay in to the tutors beforehand. In the tutorial the subject is then discussed and debated, generally in groups of two to four students. The subjects that are outside the specialist area of the College tutors are taught by external tutors who are specialists in those fields.

To help with your studies, the College library has an up-to-date collection of the major Biochemistry textbooks and copies are made readily available to the students.

What extra activities are on offer?

The biochemistry cohort usually meet up socially once a term, and there is an annual subject dinner which is attended by the whole subject community.

Could you be a Pembroke Biochemist?

To be successful on this course, an interest in and enthusiasm for biochemistry is essential, as is an ability to discuss and analyse relevant topics.  Reasoning and problem-solving skills are also key.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Biochemistry Course Video

My Sixth Form College took part in several of Pembroke’s outreach projects. I had the opportunity to take part in an essay competition which enabled me to explore a degree level topic in detail (in my case, genetic engineering). Through this, I came across the Biochemistry course and decided the put in an application. The rest is history!

From playing Volleyball to organising the Pembroke’s 2019 May Ball, I have been able to get involved in lots of things outside of my course. In fact, pursuing other interests outside of the course was actively encouraged by my tutors. With the financial assistance of Pembroke’s Rokos Scholarships, I was able to spend a summer in Oxford carrying out a research internship in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine.

My favourite part of the course has been the fourth year, where I worked full-time on a project in one of Oxford’s research groups. I have been based in department of Biochemistry, using biophysical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) to study chaperone proteins. This has enabled me to develop my analytical and research skills in preparation for future study and employment.

In October, I will be starting a PhD at Imperial College London in Biophysics. Although I am slightly sad that my time here is soon over, I know that one never truly leaves Pembroke. I will become part of the global Pembroke alumni community, with friends and memories for life.

Matthew Peach (2017, Biochemistry)

Biochemistry

Why Pembroke?

The Biochemists of Pembroke are a vibrant and welcoming group who share a deep-rooted interest in Biochemistry and Biomedical sciences.

Our subject tutors, Professor FurgerDr McHugh ​​​​​and Dr Duncan are all very experienced teachers and researchers who ensure you get tuition of the highest academic quality, and at the same time take the pastoral side of their role very seriously. 

Tutorial teaching in College is generally done in our Biochemistry teaching room in a relaxed but highly focused atmosphere. The tutorials are organised by the tutors and complement the lectures organised by and held at the Department of Biochemistry. We provide full tuition in all aspects of the course and, as far as possible, tailor this to suit your needs and interests.

On a typical week, you would have one tutorial on a specific subject. You would research the topic during the week and hand an essay in to the tutors beforehand. In the tutorial the subject is then discussed and debated, generally in groups of two to four students. The subjects that are outside the specialist area of the College tutors are taught by external tutors who are specialists in those fields.

To help with your studies, the College library has an up-to-date collection of the major Biochemistry textbooks and copies are made readily available to the students.

What extra activities are on offer?

The biochemistry cohort usually meet up socially once a term, and there is an annual subject dinner which is attended by the whole subject community.

Could you be a Pembroke Biochemist?

To be successful on this course, an interest in and enthusiasm for biochemistry is essential, as is an ability to discuss and analyse relevant topics.  Reasoning and problem-solving skills are also key.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Biochemistry Course Video

My Sixth Form College took part in several of Pembroke’s outreach projects. I had the opportunity to take part in an essay competition which enabled me to explore a degree level topic in detail (in my case, genetic engineering). Through this, I came across the Biochemistry course and decided the put in an application. The rest is history!

From playing Volleyball to organising the Pembroke’s 2019 May Ball, I have been able to get involved in lots of things outside of my course. In fact, pursuing other interests outside of the course was actively encouraged by my tutors. With the financial assistance of Pembroke’s Rokos Scholarships, I was able to spend a summer in Oxford carrying out a research internship in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine.

My favourite part of the course has been the fourth year, where I worked full-time on a project in one of Oxford’s research groups. I have been based in department of Biochemistry, using biophysical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) to study chaperone proteins. This has enabled me to develop my analytical and research skills in preparation for future study and employment.

In October, I will be starting a PhD at Imperial College London in Biophysics. Although I am slightly sad that my time here is soon over, I know that one never truly leaves Pembroke. I will become part of the global Pembroke alumni community, with friends and memories for life.

Matthew Peach (2017, Biochemistry)