Program Overview

Biochemistry BSc Honours

Overview

Our Biochemistry BSc will give you the skills and knowledge to establish yourself in a range of careers related to biochemistry, including the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology industries.

Course Structure

The general principles of biochemistry, cell biology and human physiology are established at Credit Level 4. Your understanding of molecular biology and genetics, metabolism, protein chemistry and enzyme function and other aspects of cellular function are then developed at Credit Levels 5 and 6. A number of options are also offered, allowing you to pursue your own interests within biochemistry and its associated disciplines.

Learning and Teaching Opportunities

Learning and teaching opportunities are a mixture of face-to-face teaching (lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals), independent work, laboratory work and online support activities.

Assessment Methods

The range of assessment methods includes exams, laboratory practicals, essays, blogs, posters and presentations.

Subjects of Study

• Year 1:
  • Applications of Biological Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • Human Physiology
  • Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)
  • Science: History Philosophy and Practice
• Year 2:
  • Bioinformatics
  • Contemporary Global Challenges in Biology
  • Experimental and Therapeutic Pharmacology
  • Exploring the Microbial World
  • Genetics in Medicine
  • Human Parasitology
  • Medical Physiology
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Proteins and Enzymes
  • Research Methods
• Year 3:
  • Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Applied Biotechnology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Designing a Sustainable World
  • Drug Discovery: Bench to Bedside
  • Final Year Project in Life Sciences
  • Gene Editing and Genomics
  • Global Ethics
  • Life: Origins and Evolution
  • Pharmaceutical Drug Design and Development

Professional Experience or Study Abroad Year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biochemistry with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biochemistry with International Experience.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). RSB accreditation recognises degree programmes that fully prepare bioscience graduates to address the needs of employers and is an indication that the programme delivers up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environments.

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points), with two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths
  • T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points in Science
  • International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the IB including a minimum of 4 in two HL science subjects
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM in Applied Science
  • BTEC Diploma – DD in Applied Science
  • Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course in Science
• International:
  • International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications.

English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessments typically fall into three broad categories: Practical, Written exams, and Coursework.

Supporting You

• Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
• Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.