Program Overview

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Biochemistry & Immunology program at the University of Strathclyde is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that combines the study of biochemistry and immunology. 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 how alterations in these molecular pathways lead to disease processes.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: CC79
• Accreditation: Royal Society of Biology
• Ranked: Top 5 for Biological Sciences (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
• Flexible degree: Offers flexibility to change to other Biomolecular Science courses throughout the studies

Study with Us

The program aims to develop an understanding of the molecular basis of life and how the body defends itself against disease. Students will study how the body defends itself against disease, including defense against bacteria, parasites, viruses, and the elimination of cancer. The course also includes the study of lab-based research abroad and is underpinned by a strong research base, links with industry, the NHS, and international partners.

Why This Course?

Biochemistry is the study of how cells work at the molecular level, and immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against disease. The opportunity to choose specific degree combinations allows students to specialize in biomedical science areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular research, immunopharmacology, industrial immunology, drug research, biochemistry, microbiology, and bacteriology.

What You’ll Study

The course is structured over four years, with each year building on the previous one. The modules include:

• Years 1 & 2: Cells and their Molecules, Organisms and Diseases, Bio-organic Chemistry, and Being a Biomolecular Scientist.
• Years 3 & 4: Advanced modules in biochemistry, immunology, and optional modules such as Clinical Immunology and Clinical Biochemistry.

Our Facilities

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including teaching labs, tissue culture labs, and research labs, providing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through 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.

Learning & Teaching

The course includes around 240 hours of lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and computer-aided learning per year in Years 1 to 3. In the Honours year, students carry out a research project and write it up as a short thesis.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: Standard entry requirements: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B). Minimum entry requirements: ABBB/AABC (Biology B, Chemistry B, Maths and English National 5 B).
• Advanced Highers: Year 2 entry: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above).
• A Levels: Standard entry requirements: Year 1 entry: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B).
• International Baccalaureate: Standard entry requirements: Year 1 entry: 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 centers, 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 prepare students not only for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business, and media.