Overview
Are you a budding scientist, ready to expand your knowledge and learn how to use biological chemistry to revolutionise research and explore the fascinating world of molecules, genes and cells?
On this BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree course, you'll explore life at its most fundamental level. You’ll examine the way cells and molecules work and discover how this knowledge can help fight disease, edit genomes, develop new sources of fuel and biofuels, and explain human and animal development.
Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this course can lead to career paths in academic and industrial research, teaching, forensic science, the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and the health service. On completion you can apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
What you'll experience
On this degree course, you'll:
- Learn to become a professional scientist with the latest theory backed up by lab training
- Study genes and cells, how they work at molecular level and clone DNA in practical classes
- Understand the role of biochemistry in developing fuel and biofuels, fighting disease, and researching animal and human development
- Learn from academic staff who are doing trailblazing research into epigenetics, developmental biology, molecular biology, microbiology and molecular biophysics
- Get involved with the European Xenopus Resource Centre, one of the largest frog resource facilities in the world
- Access our molecular biology research labs, globally regarded as some of the best available at a university
- Use the latest tech such as X-ray diffractometers, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers and instrumentation for protein purification
- Have the opportunity to apply to the Erasmus+ exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement at a European university
- Have the opportunity to learn a language and earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's Institution-Wide Language Programme
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework, essays and write-ups
- presentations
- online exams
- data analysis problems
- research project
- written exams
- multiple choice tests
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- workshops
- lectures
- computer classes
- seminars
- practical lab work
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
Careers and opportunities
What can you do with a Biochemistry degree?
There are many career paths a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree can lead you to. Previous students have gone on to do valuable work in fields such as:
- industrial research
- academic research leading to a PhD
- biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- science teaching
- the health service
- scientific writing and the media
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great role when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.
We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies.
