Program Overview

BSc Biochemistry with Professional Experience

The BSc Biochemistry with Professional Experience program at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular foundations of life. Biochemistry is a vital field that seeks to understand how molecular processes control life at various levels, from the smallest virus to the largest animal.

Overview

This program allows students to study the subject in a layered approach, focusing on molecular and cellular concepts in the first part, followed by discussions of organ and organism effects of biochemical processes in the second part. In the final part, students will study topics at the forefront of biochemistry, including cutting-edge research, human disease, and structural biology.

Why Study Biochemistry at the University of Reading?

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, allowing students to apply for Chartered Biologist status upon graduation.
• Interdisciplinary approach to biochemistry, taught by research-active experts and invited professionals.
• State-of-the-art facilities for practicals and research projects.
• Excellent feedback from students, with 96% saying teaching staff are good at explaining things.
• Networking opportunities with biochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, cell biology, and informatics companies.
• Placement opportunities, including dedicated support for year-long and summer placements.

Research, Placements, and Internships

All students will undertake a Research Project in their final year, either in a research laboratory or as a data-based project. There are also opportunities for year-long industrial placements and internships through the Reading Internship Scheme (RIS), which offers a wide variety of internships across multiple sectors.

Learning Environment

The program is based in the new ｣60m Health and Life Sciences building, which offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and study and social spaces. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, providing a fantastic resource for biological scientists.

Facilities and Equipment

Students will have hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Flow cytometry
• Genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Molecular cloning
• Protein and nucleotides gel electrophoresis
• Microscopy suites
• Cell culture suites
• Bioinformatics

What You Will Study

The program is structured into four years, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each with 12 weeks of teaching and 3 weeks of assessments. Students will have approximately 12 contact hours each week, with a significant amount in laboratory-based practicals.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB with B in Chemistry, or BBB with B in Chemistry and B in a second science subject.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points including 5 in Chemistry at higher level.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD, with specific units required.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5.

Structure

The program consists of four years, with the following compulsory modules:

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Microbiology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
• General Chemistry B

Year 2

• Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Research and Professional Skills
• Medical Genetics
• Applied Biochemistry: from Disease to Diagnostics
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Year 3

• Professional Experience Year

Year 4

• Research Project
• Integrated Biochemistry
• Advanced Research Techniques

Optional modules are available in each year, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: ｣9,790 for 2026 entry.
• New international students: ｣30,650 for 2026/27.
• Placement year fees: 15% of the usual tuition fee.

Careers

This program will prepare students for a range of science-related careers, including research, laboratory work, science sales and management, data analysis, science communication, and patenting. Past graduates have gone on to work for employers such as AstraZeneca, GSK, and Thames Valley Police. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, providing graduates with a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills recognized by bioscience employers.