Program Overview

Biochemistry

Course Overview

The Biochemistry degree places special emphasis on the practical skills required by employers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. During your studies, you will explore the techniques that have revolutionised the study of cell biology, biological chemistry, metabolism and molecular genetics, through expert tuition in scientific protocol and hands-on lab work. You will also work on tasks designed to emulate the requirements of professional practice in biochemistry.

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for: September start 2025

Course Structure

Year 1

• Biological chemistry (BR17320, 20 credits)
• Cell Biology (BR17520, 20 credits)
• Comparative Animal Physiology (BR16720, 20 credits)
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120, 20 credits)
• Skills for Biologists (BR16820, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (BR20620, 20 credits)
• Cell and Cancer Biology (BR25920, 20 credits)
• Practical Skills for Biochemists (BR22920, 20 credits)
• Proteins and Enzymes (BR26620, 20 credits)
• Research Methods (BR27520, 20 credits)

Year 3

• Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (BR37120, 20 credits)
• Molecular Pharmacology (BR36120, 20 credits)
• Research Project (BR36440, 40 credits)
• Biotechnology (BR35520, 20 credits)

Year 4

• Field and Laboratory Techniques (BRM4820, 20 credits)
• Frontiers in the Biosciences (BRM0220, 20 credits)
• MBiol Research Project (BRM2860, 60 credits)

Careers

As a graduate of this degree, you will have developed the skill set needed to work safely and independently in both research and industrial laboratory environments. Many of our graduates also follow careers in education or pursue further studies at PhD level.

Teaching & Learning

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. You may be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles, field notebooks, and exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• A Levels: ABB-BBB with B in Chemistry and B in Biology or Human Biology
• GCSE requirements: English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 points overall with 6 points in Chemistry and 6 points in Biology at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall with 7 in a relevant science
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.