Program Overview

BSc (Honours) Biochemistry with Foundation Year

Course Summary

Gain a well-rounded education in biochemistry – working in award-winning laboratories and applying your learning to current societal issues such as health, drug discovery, and sustainability.

How You Learn

You'll be taught by active researchers and scientific experts with a history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. We encourage a hands-on approach, with your learning linked to departmental research themes to make sure you're learning at the forefront of science.

You'll also have opportunities to undertake research projects at the end of each year, culminating in a final year 6-week project. This could be a lab-based biochemical or chemistry project, or focus on bioinformatics, big data, computational modelling, systematic reviews, educational development, or scientific communication.

You learn through:

• In-person seminars and lectures
• Independent study
• Tutorials and academic adviser sessions
• Practical lab experiences with industry-standard equipment
• Placements and research opportunities
• Real-life research projects
• The latest scientific software and data analysis tools
• Problem-solving and group activities

Modules

Year 1

• Concepts In Biology And Chemistry
  • Credits: 40
  • Assessment: Exam 100%
  • This module explores more complex topics in biology and chemistry through lectures, tutorials, and lab classes, providing a foundation for further study in the Biosciences and Chemistry department at Sheffield Hallam.
• Developing Skills For Science
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module further develops effective study, IT, numeracy, and communication skills, continuing the theme of reflective practice alongside the completion of a portfolio.
• Foundation Skills For Science
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module develops the study, IT, numeracy, and communication skills you'll need to succeed at foundation year, and to prepare for level 4 and beyond.
• Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry
  • Credits: 40
  • Assessment: Exam 100%
  • This module develops your fundamental knowledge of atoms, molecules, cells, and tissues in lectures, tutorials, and lab classes.

Year 2

• Biochemistry And Genetics
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module uses physiological examples to explain biochemical and genetic concepts.
• Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module develops the fundamental professional and practical skills you'll need as a scientist.
• Fundamentals Of Life Sciences
  • Credits: 40
  • Assessment: Coursework 50% Exam 50%
  • This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the core bioscience concepts and fundamental processes of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and genetics.
• Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module introduces the fundamental professional and practical skills you'll need as a scientist.
• Principles Of Chemical Analysis
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of analytical science.

Year 3

• Applications Of Analytical Science
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module explores the principles and practice of commonly used analytical techniques and methods.
• Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module enables you to apply your lab, practical, and professional skills – demonstrating strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you'll need as a scientific graduate.
• Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module enables you to apply your practical and professional skills to demonstrate strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you'll need as a scientific graduate.
• Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry
  • Credits: 40
  • Assessment: Coursework 50% Exam 50%
  • This module covers fundamental principles of biochemistry and cellular processes.

Year 4

• Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional Diploma
  • Credits: -
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • The aim of this module is to enhance students' professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).

Final Year

• Advanced Analytical Science
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Practical 100%
  • This module provides theoretical principles of modern analytical science, bioinformatics, and chemometrics tools.
• Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module supports students to develop, evidence, reflect on, and improve their employment skills within the context of their career aspirations, the workplace, and their own scientific discipline.
• Applied Biochemistry
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules and pathways.
• Research Project
  • Credits: 40
  • Assessment: Coursework 80% Practical 20%
  • The module aims to expand students' ability to independently follow a research strategy, undertake critical assessment of data obtained, and to extend and apply professional and personal skills required for the planning and implementation of a research activity.

Elective Modules

• Immunology And Microbiology
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Practical 100%
  • This module provides knowledge of the immune system, its components, and functions.
• Organic And Biosynthetic Chemistry
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Practical 100%
  • This module explores the important materials in the world – natural and synthetic organic compounds.
• Advanced Chemical Synthesis
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module explores modern academic and industrial synthetic approaches to high-value fine chemicals.
• Advanced Genetics
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Exam 100%
  • This module expands your knowledge of genetic concepts.
• Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module develops your understanding of how novel biological therapies and cellular therapies are designed and used clinically.
• Applications Of Data Science
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module introduces big data and how data sets can be exploited to extract meaningful insights.
• Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Coursework 100%
  • This module develops your understanding of the development and discovery of drugs and the structure and role of the pharmaceutical industry.
• Neurobiology And Neurophysiology
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Practical 100%
  • This module provides in-depth understanding of neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neurobiology.
• Pharmacology
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: Exam 100%
  • This module reviews the basic pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic concepts of drug action.

Future Careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Medical research
• Clinical science
• Analytical science
• Scientific sales and marketing
• Pharmaceutical research and development
• The biotechnology industry
• Scientific communication or journalism
• Doctoral Research
• Academia

Equipment and Facilities

You'll have access to a wide variety of collaborative and independent learning spaces – including our cell culture facilities, which won an S-lab award for the best refurbished laboratory.

On this course, you work with:

• Our specialist laboratories using industry-standard scientific equipment and software.
• The latest molecular molecule tools such as RTqPCR, genome sequencing, cellular transfection, plus data analysis and bioinformatics software.
• Analytical tools such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, NMR, and gas chromatography equipment.
• Digital resources to help with drug design and synthesis, bioinformatics, and practical lab preparation, as well as full lab simulations.

Where Will I Study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 64
• GCSE: English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent, Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent.
• Access: An Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science-based subject considered.
• International/EU students: If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country-specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

Fees and Funding

• Home students: Tuition fees for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed. Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year).
• International students: Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,000 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year).