Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry
University of Malta
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science. The course deals with the study of human biology at the molecular level, where biology meets chemistry. Medical Biochemistry is the interface between cellular biology, medicine and chemistry and gives an understanding of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies. You will develop a strong foundation in processes that determine the functions of the cell and the human body. This includes the chemical, cellular, genetic, metabolic and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry. This course has been designed to offer the students an opportunity to learn and discuss, including through practical sessions, current topics in the areas of DNA technology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, cell-signalling, cancer biology, haematology, immunology, gene therapy, neuroscience, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, drug design, molecular pharmacology, cellular differentiation and embryology, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation skills. This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science. The course deals with the study of human biology at the molecular level, where biology meets chemistry. Medical Biochemistry is the interface between cellular biology, medicine and chemistry and gives an understanding of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies. You will develop a strong foundation in processes that determine the functions of the cell and the human body. This includes the chemical, cellular, genetic, metabolic and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry. This course has been designed to offer the student
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, the skills you acquire in applied molecular sciences and independent thinking will prepare you for a number of employment opportunities in research and product development in the pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, medical science and academia. You may pursue further postgraduate qualification leading to a Masters of Science in a number of related fields including; biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology or a Masters in Biomedical Sciences in areas of Cell therapy and tissue banking, haematology, molecular biology and genetics and neuroscience. PhD programmes are also available in these areas of science.
Program Curriculum
Year 1 Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2) Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) CHE1360 Principles of Organic Chemistry 6 ECTS (NC) PHB1500 Human Physiology 6 ECTS (NC) PHB1504 Model Organisms in Biological Research 4 ECTS Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) ANA1510 Cell Biology 6 ECTS (NC) CHE1340 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry 4 ECTS (NC) CHE1350 Principles of Analytical Chemistry 4 ECTS (NC) CHE1355 Principles and Industrial Applications of Chemical Metrology 4 ECTS LIN1063 Academic Reading and Writing in English 2 ECTS PHB1503 Molecules of Life 6 ECTS (NC) SOR0210 Data Treatment and Probability 2 ECTS Semester 2 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) CHE1330 Principles of Physical Chemistry 4 ECTS (NC) PHB1501 Applied Molecular Bioscience 1: DNA Technology 6 ECTS (NC) PHB1502 Protein Chemistry and Enzymology 6 ECTS (NC) Requirement for regular progression to Year II: 60 credits Year 2 Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2) Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) MLS2001 Clinical Biochemistry 6 ECTS (NC) PHB2501 Research Laboratory Skills with Placements 8 ECTS (NC) PHB2506 Human Metabolic Biochemistry 8 ECTS (NC) Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) CHE3240 Separation Techniques and Analytical Chemistry 4 ECTS (NC) HSC2001 Critical Thinking in Ethical Applications for Bioscientists 4 ECTS PHB2500 Applied Molecular Bioscience 2: Gene Expression and RNA Technology 4 ECTS (NC) PHB2502 Molecular Haematology and Immunology 4 ECTS PHB2503 Molecular Human Genetics 4 ECTS (NC) SOR0220 Elementary Statistical Theory 2 ECTS Semester 2 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) CHE2362 Organic Spectroscopy 4 ECTS (NC) PHB2504 Molecular Recognition and Computational Drug Design 6 ECTS PHB2505 Science C
Admission Requirements
General Entry Requirements Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications Special Course Requirements Two passes at Advanced Matriculation Level at grade C or better in Biology and Chemistry. You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications. You can submit your application online . The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta. You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage . Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements . The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website . Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt , and our team will be more than happy to help. After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Non EU Applicants: Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800 You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.
About University of Malta
University of Malta
Msida, Malta
TheUniversity of Malta(Maltese:L-Università ta' Malta;UM; formerlyUOM) is apublic research universityin the towns ofMsidaandValletta, Malta. It serves as theflagshipandnational universityof...
University Profile- Start Date October
- Language English
- Duration 3 years
- Credits 180
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