Program Overview

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Biochemistry (BSc)

Award: Bachelor of Science Typical Offer: AAB Duration: 3 years Course Type: Full-time Campus: Highfield UCAS Course code: C700

About this course

Biochemistry answers the ultimate questions about how living organisms work. It covers topics from DNA to proteins, single molecules to cells, all the way up to complex lifeforms. You'll study the molecular processes of life itself, and gain the skills to become a biochemist.

Our Biochemistry course will let you explore the biochemical sciences, and develop your laboratory skills.

Our teaching staff are at the forefront of research in areas like:

• the molecular basis of disease
• oncology
• structural biology
• host-pathogen interactions
• cell signalling

As part of your degree you can:

• choose specialised, optional modules in areas that interest you
• solve problems in areas like pathology, pharmacology, and genetics
• study abroad at one of our partner universities
• take a year out to work in industry
• develop practical skills during your project
• use your knowledge of biochemistry in education, communication or business

You'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to follow a wide range of careers. These include biochemistry graduate jobs in clinical biochemistry, biotechnology, forensic science and teaching.

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

• Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

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Entry requirements

For Academic year 2025/26

• A-levels: AAB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject.
• BTEC: D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Access to HE Diploma: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Scottish Qualification: Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed.
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3, D3, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: AAB from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AA from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

For Academic year 2026/27

• A-levels: ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject.
• BTEC: D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Access to HE Diploma: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Scottish Qualification: Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed.
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3, D3, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: ABB from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AB from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

• are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
• are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
• you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system

Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study.
Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

You'll study a number of compulsory and optional modules each year. These will help you develop your interests as you progress.

The year 3 independent research project is a key feature of the programme.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.

Year 1 overview

You'll learn the major concepts and principles behind biological sciences.

Modules will introduce you to:

• the human genome
• cell biology
• physiology
• biomolecular techniques

Year 2 overview

You'll take a number of compulsory modules in year 2. These explore:

• the flow of genetic information
• proteins structure and function
• bioinformatics and DNA technology

Optional modules will allow you to further develop your personal interests. Topics include:

• neuroscience
• pharmacology
• vertebrate development
• medical microbiology

Year 3 overview

You'll do an independent research project, and choose from a range of options. These include:

• laboratory research
• bioscience business
• computer-based
• science communication

Compulsory modules will look deeper at specific aspects of biochemistry, including:

• cell biology
• molecular and structural basis of disease
• molecular recognition

You'll also choose from optional modules, including:

• biofilms and microbes
• neurodegenerative diseases
• toxicity
• parasitology
• cancer biology

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Chemistry of Life
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
• How to Think Like a Scientist
• The Human Genome and Disease

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
• Flow of Genetic Information

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

• A Global World
• Adaptive Physiology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Biological Sciences Study Abroad
• Cell Biology
• Engineering Replacement Body Parts
• Environmental Microbiology
• Evolution
• Global Health
• Global Sustainability Challenges
• Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
• Medical Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Plant Development and Function
• Principles of Neuroscience
• Principles of Pharmacology
• Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
• The Earth System
• Vertebrate Development

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Molecular Cell Biology
• Molecular Recognition
• Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Biofilms and Microbial Communities
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Biomedical Parasitology
• Biomedical Technology
• Bioscience Business
• Bioscience Education
• Cancer Chromosome Biology
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Evolution
• Evolution and Development
• Evolution and Genetics
• Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy
• Immunology
• In-Silico Research Project
• Laboratory Research Project
• Microbiomes and Health
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• Plant Cell Biology
• Plant Development and Function
• Science Communication
• Selective Toxicity
• Systems Neuroscience

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

• Study time: 21% scheduled learning & teaching, 79% independent learning
• Assessment: 71% written exam, 23% coursework, 6% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time: 23% scheduled learning & teaching, 77% independent learning
• Assessment: 74% written exam, 26% coursework

Year 3

• Study time: 20% scheduled learning & teaching, 80% independent learning
• Assessment: 75% written exam, 19% coursework, 6% practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

David Tumbarello is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Environment Agency
• Forensic science services
• Government departments and executive agencies (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)
• NHS
• Research institutes
• Universities
• Medical communication companies
• Pharmaceutical company

Careers directly related to this course:

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Medicinal chemist
• Nanotechnologist
• Pharmacologist
• Physician associate

Wider career opportunities:

• Academic researcher
• Medical science liaison
• Neuroscientist
• Science writer
• Toxicologist
• Product development scientist
• Research scientist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher
• Public health analyst

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Biochemistry graduates*:

• Science teacher
• Data graduate
• Forensic scientist
• Statistical programmer
• Analyst
• Lab technician
• Medical laboratory assistant
• Technical assistant
• Consultant
• Recruitment consultant

Job prospects for BSc Biochemistry graduates

• Average professional salary: £30k
• 86% in a skilled profession or further study
• 95% graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students: £9,535
• EU and international students: £30,500

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:

• approved calculators
• costs linked to the semester abroad
• printing and photocopying
• computer disks or usb drives
• computer hardware
• textbooks
• stationery
• printing
• parking

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: C700
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Biochemistry (BSc) is a course in the Biological sciences subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• BSc Microbiology
• MSci Microbiology
• MSci Biochemistry
• MSci Biology
• BSc Biology
• BSc Biology and Marine Biology
• MSci Biology and Marine Biology
• BSc Biomedical Sciences
• MSci Biomedical Sciences
• BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
• MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
• MSci Neuroscience
• BSc Neuroscience
• BSc Pharmacology
• MSci Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
• MSci Zoology
• BSc Zoology