Program Overview

Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc (Hons)

Overview

Biochemistry is key to many advances in 21st Century science. It underpins our understanding of how cells work and has led to the adoption of new treatments for many diseases. Biochemists are at the heart of exploring the data from the Human Genome Project and helping to build a future where medicine becomes personalised and more effective.

The core of the course investigates human health, from the processes that cause cancer to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. You will be taught by experts in the field who research actively into the biochemistry of leukaemia, human nutrition and neuroscience. You will also study Genetics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology and Bioinformatics on your course, all of which are designed to help you access any of a large number of career opportunities open to the graduate Biochemist. At Worcester you will also benefit from small class sizes and easy access to the lecturing staff in the course team, helping you to study in a friendly and productive learning environment.

Key Features

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology who praised the comprehensive range of skills included in the students’ “skills passport” and positive learning environment
• Opportunities to explore some of the most fascinating fields in science, including neuroscience, cancer immunology and plant developmental genetics
• Excellent active research partnerships with many UK and international institutions
• New laboratories and extensive specialist equipment - an inspiring environment for you to develop your ideas
• Study in a friendly, supportive and inspirational environment
• Opportunity to undertake a research project of your own choice in Year 3. Recent projects have included the impact of gene knockouts on growth and development of cells, the effect of gene knockouts on cell proliferation, trialling the impact of hydroxyurea and other drugs on acute myeloid leukaemia cells, comparing the impact of chlorhexidine against other antimicrobial agents on oral plaque bacteria and the role of BCAT1 CXXC motifs in acute myeloid leukaemia

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology who praised the comprehensive range of skills included in the students’ “skills passport” and positive learning environment.

Entry Requirements

• 96-104 UCAS tariff points
• UCAS tariff points MUST include A2 Biology and A2 another science, maths or statistics
• T Levels may be used to meet the entry tariff requirements for this course
• Don't quite meet the entry requirements or returning to education? Consider studying Biological Science with Foundation Year
• Language Requirements: Applicants for this course must have a good command of reading, writing and spoken English
• International Students – Making an Application: If you are applying as an EU or Non-EU student you are strongly advised to apply online through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Course Content

• Year 1:
  • Biological Diversity
  • Health and Disease
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences
  • Comparative Physiology
• Year 2:
  • Systems Physiology I
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Project and Career Development
  • Protein Structure & Function
  • Optional modules:
    • Work Experience
    • Microbiology
    • Clinical Immunology
    • Optional modules offered by the Centre for Academic English and Skills / Institute of Education
• Year 3:
  • Research Project
  • Biochemistry of Cancer
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • Optional modules:
    • Systems Physiology II
    • Pharmacology
    • Parasitology
    • Extension Module in Biological Sciences

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching:
  • Combination of on-campus and online lectures and seminars (tutor and student-led)
  • Practical laboratory investigations and/or field trips
  • Tutorials
  • Directed reading
  • Self-directed study
  • Group work and team projects
  • Reflective practice
  • Class discussions
  • Case studies
  • Independent research
  • Interactive workshops
• Assessment:
  • Formal or ‘summative’ assessment which is graded and counts towards the overall module grade
  • Year 1 (Level 4):
    • 4 x lab reports
    • 1 x scientific article
    • 1 x video project
    • 2 x short in-class test assessments
    • 1 x exam, 2 x oral presentations
    • 1 x practical test
  • Year 2 (Level 5):
    • 3 x practical file/report
    • 2 x exams
    • 2 x poster presentations
    • 1 x practical test
    • 1 x research proposal
    • 1 x analysis skills test
    • 2 x portfolio
  • Year 3 (Level 6):
    • 2 x practical reports
    • 4 x exam
    • 1 x oral exam
    • 1 x in-class test
    • 1 x literature review
    • 2 x reports
    • 1 x interim review
    • 1 x research project report
    • 1 x poster presentation

Careers

• Employability:
  • Globally the employment of biochemists is set to grow by 19% over the next 10 years
  • This employment growth is greater than the average for all careers
  • Our graduates have excellent opportunities for employment, with many working as scientific researchers within academic, government, industrial or medical institutions both nationally and internationally
• Careers and Employability:
  • Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors

Fees and Funding

• Full-time tuition fees:
  • UK and EU students: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
  • International students: £16,700 per year (2025/26)
• Part-time tuition fees:
  • UK and EU students: £1,190.83 per 15-credit module, £1,587.77 per 20-credit module, £2,381.66 per 30-credit module, £3,175.55 per 40-credit module, £3,572.50 per 45-credit module and £4,763.32 per 60 credit module (2025/26)
• Additional costs:
  • Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing and photocopying
  • The amounts vary between courses
  • If your course offers a placement opportunity, you may need to pay for a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
  • You will also need a lab coat, which can be bought for around £13
• Accommodation:
  • Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience
  • Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study
  • We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls
  • With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Halls' at £131 per week to 'Ensuite Premium Halls' at £228 per week (2025/26 prices)