Biochemistry
visiting students
The Biochemistry course at Oxford is a highly integrated program covering broad areas of molecular life sciences.
Programme information
Visiting students are normally integrated into the first or second year of the Oxford undergraduate Biochemistry course. Key focus areas of the Biochemistry course at Oxford include physical and biological chemistry, structural biology and molecular dynamics, cell biology and development, metabolism, molecular biology and genetics, membrane biology, as well as applied mathematics and statistics. The course consists of lectures, grouped classwork and lab practicals. Note that these topics are taught only in specific terms of the year and may thus not be all available to students visiting for one or two terms.
In addition to the course, we offer dedicated small group tutorials which allow for in-depth learning and understanding. The visiting student tutorials in Biochemistry at St Edmund Hall will focus specifically on molecular and cellular biology and genetics. We offer tutorials that cover both basic and advanced aspects of DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, and protein translation. Topics in classical genetics, the cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, and basic development can also be covered. For more advanced students, we focus on understanding chromosome and chromatin structure and function and the mechanisms by which it influences gene expression. Additional tutorial topics include key technologies such as molecular cloning, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, and next-generation sequencing technologies.
Students joining tutorials for one or two terms will have a choice of the above “Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics” topics. Prior to the start of term, visiting students will have the opportunity to discuss with their tutor which specific topics can be covered, depending on the term and whether Biochemistry is taken as a major or minor option.
Single-term visits would take place in Michaelmas term. Students joining for two terms or an entire year will typically be integrated into the regular 2nd-year course and will have tutorials not only with the St Edmund Hall tutor but also with other tutors covering topics outside molecular and cellular biology.
You will be able to arrange your Biochemistry courses with our tutors prior to your arrival at St Edmund Hall. If you wish to select Biochemistry as either a Primary or Secondary course, therefore, please simply indicate ‘Biochemistry’ as your course preference on your application.
Our Tutors
Lars
Jansen
Governing Body Fellow
Professor Lars Jansen is a William R Miller Fellow and Tutor in Biochemistry. His lab focuses on understanding chromatin structure and function in human cell systems.
Visiting Students
More information about becoming a Visiting Student at St Edmund Hall – including finance, accommodation and how to apply