| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-23 | - |
| 2025-09-23 | - |
| 2025-09-22 | - |
| 2026-09-21 | - |
Program Overview
Through coursework, laboratory practice, and a final-year research project, students gain a deep knowledge of biochemistry, equipping them for diverse careers in research, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage industries, and biotechnology. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, ensuring graduates meet high standards for professional careers and further studies in biosciences.
Program Outline
Through rigorous coursework and research opportunities, students gain a deep understanding of the chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying life. Combining knowledge from both chemistry and biology, this program equips students to tackle diverse challenges, from preventing and curing diseases to analyzing samples and developing new products.
Program Objectives:
- Provide students with a thorough understanding of fundamental biochemical processes, including the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, cell signaling, and molecular biology.
- Develop students' practical laboratory skills through a combination of hands-on experience and modern equipment.
- Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and communication abilities.
- Foster awareness of the role biochemistry plays in diverse fields like pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, food and beverage industries, and bioscience research.
- Enable graduates to pursue advanced research, professional careers, and further academic studies in biochemistry.
Outline:
The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry program comprises three core components: coursework, laboratory practice, and a final-year research project. Students progress through six academic modules per year for three years (four years with the optional sandwich placement) to systematically gain knowledge and practical experience.
Coursework:
The curriculum combines foundational courses in chemistry and biology with increasingly specialized biochemistry subjects. Students gain an in-depth understanding of topics like molecular genetics, cellular processes, metabolism, protein structure, immunology, bioanalytical methods, genomics, and personalized medicine.
Laboratory Practice
Complementing theoretical learning, the program provides extensive opportunities for hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. These labs are designed to equip students with skills for manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting biological samples through diverse practical activities and experiments.
Final-year Research Project
In their final year, students undertake a self-directed project, allowing them to delve deeper into a chosen topic and apply their acquired knowledge and skills in an independent research setting. This project fosters research experience, independent learning, and critical thinking.
Program Structure
- Years 1 & 2: Students complete six compulsory modules per year with an emphasis on core biochemistry concepts and practical laboratory experience.
- Year 3: Students take five compulsory modules and choose one optional module, allowing for specialization and personal research interests. This year may include a work placement or study abroad option for interested students.
- Final-Year Project: Students dedicate themselves to an independent research project under faculty guidance and complete their dissertation.
Module Descriptions
The modules within the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry program cover a comprehensive range of topics:
Year 1
- Molecular Biology and Genetics: Introduction to gene structure, expression, and transmission of genetic material.
- Core Biochemistry: Introduces key molecules, metabolic pathways, and fundamental principles of biochemistry.
- Cell and Microbiology: Explores cellular structures, microbial functions, and their interactions
- Human Physiology with Pharmacology: Provides an understanding of organ systems and the action of drugs on the human body.
- Practical and Transferable Skills: Develops laboratory techniques, scientific writing, communication, data analysis, critical thinking, and research skills.
Year 2
- Principles of Immunology: Explores the immune system's functions, response mechanisms, diseases, and therapies.
- Chemistry and Analytical Science: Develops advanced analytical skills for characterizing organic compounds related to biological systems.
- Biochemistry: Covers advanced metabolic pathways, enzymatic processes, and regulatory mechanisms.
- Bioscience Research Methods: Introduces scientific research principles, methods, data analysis, and scientific communication through a mini project.
- Genes and Genomes: Examines genome organization, gene regulation, genetic variations, and related technologies.
- Cell and Molecular Biology: Investigates protein structures and functions, cellular signaling pathways, and cell cycle regulation.
- Bioscience Work Experience (optional): Provides hands-on experience in relevant work settings and enhances employability skills.
Year 3
- Project: An independent research project on a specialized topic in biochemistry.
- Advanced Biochemistry: Covers advanced topics in biomolecular structures, functions, and regulatory mechanisms.
- Advanced Therapies: Explores personalized medicine approaches, cell and gene therapies, and their clinical applications.
Optional
Students may choose one optional module from a diverse pool of subjects to suit their individual interests.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific module. This includes but is not limited to:
Examinations
Written tests assessing students' understanding of theoretical knowledge and application of key concepts.
Lab Reports
Evaluation of practical skills through written interpretations and data analyses of laboratory experiments.
Presentations
Demonstrating communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to synthesize information for presentations on research findings or specific topics.
Literature Review
Evaluation of students' ability to research, analyze, and critically evaluate scientific literature in a chosen area.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
- Lectures by experienced academic staff
- Interactive tutorials and workshops
- Practical sessions in well-equipped laboratories
- Group discussions and seminars
- Research project supervision
- Individual academic guidance
Careers:
Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry program enjoy diverse career opportunities:
Research careers:
- PhD in Biochemistry or related fields
- Research scientist in academia, government agencies, or private industries
Pharmaceutical industry:
- Drug development scientist
- Clinical trial researcher
- Drug safety coordinator
Food and beverage industry:
- Food scientist
- Quality control analyst
- Product development manager
Agrochemicals and biotechnology industries:
- Development and production of new pesticides or biotechnology products
- Field trial scientist
- Regulatory scientist
Other:
The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, recognizing its academic excellence in biosciences education. This accreditation signifies that graduates from this program meet high standards for professional careers and future studies in the biosciences field.
UK Students Full time £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year £30 deposit for chemistry locker covering years 1 and 2 of study - refundable. Where you will use an EVS handset, Lab coats and log books, these will be provided as part of your course fees.
- Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet Other financial support
