Program Overview

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Biochemistry & Pharmacology program at the University of Strathclyde is a comprehensive course that combines the study of biochemistry and pharmacology. This joint Honours degree course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and provides students with a deep understanding of the molecular basis of life and the development of new medicines.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: CB72
• Accreditation: Royal Society of Biology
• Ranking: 1st in the UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy and for subjects allied to Medicine (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
• Flexible degree: Students have the flexibility to change to other Biomolecular Science courses throughout their studies

Study with Us

The University of Strathclyde's Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) is a leading centre for research focused on new medicines, better medicines, and better use of medicines. The program allows students to study how drugs and other chemicals affect the functions of the body and underpin the development of new or improved medicines and the treatment of disease. Students will develop an understanding of the molecular basis of life and how alteration of these molecular pathways leads to disease processes.

Why this Course?

Biochemistry is the study of the composition, metabolism, and function of biological systems at a molecular level. Biochemistry and the related field of molecular biology provide important advances in understanding the molecular basis of life and its role in the disease process. Pharmacology is the study of how drugs and other chemicals affect the body in health and disease. This area explores the development of new and improved medicines and the treatment of disease.

What You'll Study

The course is structured over four years, with the first two years providing a foundation in biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology. In the third and fourth years, students will specialize in biochemistry and pharmacology, with the opportunity to carry out a research project in either subject.

Years 1 & 2

• Students on all biosciences degrees study the same classes in the first two years, allowing for flexibility in choosing a degree path.
• Modules include:
  • Being a Biomolecular Scientist
  • Cells & their Molecules
  • Organisms & Diseases
  • Bio-Organic Chemistry
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Introduction to Immunology
  • Introduction to Microbiology
  • Introduction to Pharmacology

Years 3 & 4

• Students will take specialist modules in biochemistry and pharmacology.
• Modules include:
  • Fundamental Pharmacology
  • Biomedical Biochemistry
  • Fundamental Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Pharmacology
  • Advanced Biochemistry
  • Advanced Pharmacology
• Optional modules:
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed by written examinations, essays, presentations, and computer-aided learning exercises. Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports, and computer-aided learning exercises. Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations. Project work is assessed from project reports and oral presentations.

Learning & Teaching

Students will gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and computer-aided learning. Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.

Our Facilities

The University of Strathclyde has state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, including research labs, teaching labs, and tissue culture labs.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B)
• Advanced Highers: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above)
• A Levels: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B, GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B)
• International Baccalaureate: 30 (Two science subjects at HL5, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5)

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £27,800
• University preparation programme fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Careers

Graduates from this course can be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease, or even slowing down the ageing process. They find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries, hospitals, and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service, and teaching at all levels. Many students also continue to postgraduate studies and research. The transferable skills gained from this course will not only prepare students for a career in science but also areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business, and media.