Biochemistry BSc Honours
School of Life Sciences
Institution Code H36
UCAS Codes
C1CR
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
C702
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with a year in North America
C701
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with a year in Europe
Course Code HHBIOMBG
Start date
September
More about the course
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental processes of life in a chemical context. Biochemists seek to answer questions about life events, health and disease, the natural environment, materials and compounds using scientific techniques developed in chemistry and biology. From an initial grounding in chemistry, genetics, cell biology, microbiology and human physiology, you will progress to an understanding of the complex biochemical processes that form the basis of the latest discoveries in the biosciences. You will need chemistry AS level for this degree.
Biology is a discipline with a broad range of applications affecting many areas of human activity. You will study life at all levels, from molecules and organelles to organisms and ecosystems. You will gain the technical, analytical and practical skills needed to investigate biological phenomena in microorganisms, plants, human beings and other animals.
One of the main advantages of all our Biosciences degree programmes is that you will be given a sound foundation in all the major aspects of biological theory, techniques and practice. To enable this you will have the use of excellent facilities for chemical and biomedical analyses.
Work placement
All Biosciences students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or study overseas in Europe or North America during their 3rd year.
Work placements are usually paid. Current employers and job titles are listed below:
- GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge,
- Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London,
- Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London,
- Medical Research Council - Mill Hill,
- Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton,
- Mount Vernon hospital: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust Institute of Reconstructive, Plastic and Burns Surgery Research - Middlesex ,
- MRC: Human Genome Project - Hinxton,
- National Biological Standards Board - Potter's Bar,
- Roche UK - Welwyn Garden City,
- St. Bartholomew's & The Royal London: School of Medicine - London and St.George Medical School - London,
- St.George's Hospital: Analytical Unit - London,
- Syngenta Seeds - Cambridge,
- University of Hertfordshire: Biodeterioration Centre - Hatfield.
Our overseas partners include:
Europe:
- Université Libre de Bruxelles - Brussels, Belgium,
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henarez - Madrid, Spain,
- Universidad Católica San Antonio De Murcia, Spain,
- Link&##333;ping Universitetet - Link&##333;ping, Sweden,
- Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen - Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
North America:
- Bemidji State University - USA,
- Bishops University, Canada,
- Central Connecticut State University - USA,
- Concordia University, Canada,
- Ecole Polytechnique - Canada,
- ETS - Canada,
- Kansas State University - USA,
- Laval University - Canada,
- McGill University - Canada,
- Oklahoma State University - USA,
- Sherbrooke University - Canada,
- University of Missouri at Rolla - USA,
- University of Montreal - Canada,
- University of Oklahoma - USA,
- University of Toledo - USA,
- University of Wisconsin at Au Claire - USA,
- University of Wisconsin at Whitewater - USA,
- UQTR - Canada,
- West Virginia University - USA.
Careers
Our Biosciences graduates are highly sought after by employers in the industry due to the reputation of our teaching, the vocational element to our degrees and the fact that many of our students already have a year's work experience when they graduate which they gained in the sandwich year. Graduates can find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries as well as in industrial, academic and charity funded research. Some graduates also go on to work in health care and environment agencies. First salaries range from £12,000 to £22,000 pa.
Typical job titles of recent graduates:
- Trainee Biomedical Scientist,,
- Clinical Trials Associate,
- Drug Safety Coordinator,
- Medical Representative,
- Lab Scientist,
- Microbiologist,
- Research Assistant,
- Tissue Culture Technologist,
- Donor Transplant Assistant.
Typical employers of recent graduates:
- Pfizer,
- Denfleet Pharma Ltd,
- Health Protection Agency,
- GlaxoSmithKline,
- AstraZeneca,
- NHS Trusts
- Lark Technology.
Teaching methods
Most second and third year modules are assessed by coursework and examination. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes essays, reports, practical write-ups, posters and seminar presentations.
On a weekly basis students will normally spend time in lectures, seminars and practical lab sessions. Practical work is an important element of all Biosciences degrees.
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.