BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Why choose this course?

• Research-informed teaching, with practical work in modern labs
• Explore each Bioscience pathway before specialising 
• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology  

Ever wonder what is happening inside your cells at the molecular and cellular level? The chemistry behind biological processes? You’ll learn how biochemists use their understanding of biomolecules and cellular pathways to prevent and cure disease, analyse samples, and develop new molecular products. Another part is the application and understanding of techniques, such as sequencing DNA or observing single molecules in action. 

Use our strong industry links to get your foot in the door of pharmaceutical, agrochemical or food and drink industries. Build a solid understanding of chemistry from practising scientists. Practise microbiological techniques and blood analysis in a newly built laboratory space. You will also have exclusive access to computer labs with specific software and databases. 

While you’ll be exploring many new areas in this degree, we’ll guide you along the way. Lecturers are always happy to help and your personal tutor will guide you to gain general skills in scientific writing, data interpretation and communication. Workshops will take place to practice lecture material and discuss problems with your peers. 

What’s the course about?

Essentially, as a biochemist, you study the fundamental processes of life. You’ll merge scientific techniques from chemistry and biology to seek answers to questions about life, health, disease, the natural environment, materials, and compounds. You’ll study the science behind living cells, tissues, organs and organisms. You’ll learn the biochemical processes that underpin the very latest discoveries. Explore how biochemistry affects the quality of people’s lives. You’ll look at the creation of new drugs and understand processes ranging from the design of medical treatments to the manufacture of new biomaterials.  

In your first year, you will study with other bioscience students together to obtain an initial grounding in chemistry, molecular biology and genetics, cell and microbiology and human physiology with pharmacology. At the same time all bioscience students will study biochemistry with you together. You will use your theory to build on your practical skills in a well-equipped, modern laboratory.

In your second year, you will delve even deeper into these topic areas, in addition to further chemistry and biochemistry topics.  

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too.  

In your final year you’ll learn about topics such as molecular medicine, cellular development, and off course advanced biochemistry. If you find that you have grown to love a certain topic you can choose to do your major research project in this area. 

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.  
On average, you have 20 hours of contact time per week, with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week, while the remaining time is devoted to practical work. 
Throughout your degree, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. This will include exams, literature reviews, portfolios, lab reports, practicals and presentations. Coursework assessments are generally 50-100% per module.

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.

Part-time study

If you are studying part-time you will have up to 6 years to complete your course from registration. You will complete 60 credits per year and the modules you will study each year will depend on how they fit together on the timetable.  For some modules there are several sessions run for each workshop and practical. As a part-time student you will be able to choose the slots that suit you best.  

 

Entry requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, 4/C in Mathematics and 4/C in Double Science or two Single Science grades at 4/C.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

 

Deadlines

15 January