BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Discover life at its most fundamental level.
On this BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), you’ll learn how biochemists fight disease, edit genomes, develop new fuels, and understand human and animal development.
By exploring the latest scientific theory through lab training, you'll gain the skills and expertise to become a professional biochemist and apply for Associate Membership of the RSB upon graduation.
Course highlights
- Experiment with the latest biochemistry techniques, such as protein purification and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), both vital in developing vaccines and medical testing.
- Study genes and clone DNA in our molecular biology research labs, globally regarded as some of the best available at a university.
- Learn from academics involved in trailblazing research at our Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences and the Centre for Enzyme Innovation.
- Get involved with the European Xenopus Resource Centre, one of the largest frog resource facilities in the world.
- Have the opportunity to study abroad on a summer research placement at a European university.
- Be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you graduate, which includes access to exclusive grants and awards.
Accredited by
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Biodiversity and Evolution – 20 credits
- Experimental Biology – 20 credits
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry – 20 credits
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology – 20 credits
- Perspectives in Biochemistry – 20 credits
- Graduate Employability Skills – 20 credits
Year 2
Core modules
- Cell Biology – 20 credits
- Enzymes and Metabolism – 20 credits
- Genetic Engineering – 20 credits
- Macromolecules – 20 credits
Optional modules
- Business for Biosciences – 20 credits
- Development: How Form and Function Changes – 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Microbiology – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (IWLP) – 20 credits
Optional Sandwich Year
Optional modules
- Biology Sandwich Year Work Placement – 120 credits
- Biology Sandwich Year Study Abroad – 120 credits
Year 3
Core modules
- Biomolecular Science – 20 credits
- Gene Organisation and Expression – 20 credits
- Genomics in Molecular Medicine – 20 credits
- Honours Project – 40 credits
Optional modules
- Biotechnology – 20 credits
- Genes and Development – 20 credits
Placement year (optional)
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements allow you to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Summer research placement
You'll also have the opportunity to apply to a study exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement at a European university.
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Career Opportunities
Biochemistry studies chemistry within living things – everything from humans and animals to plants and cells. It combines biology, chemistry and physiology to develop new approaches within many scientific fields, including healthcare and medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and the environment.
This means there is a huge range of sectors you can enter with a biochemistry degree, and there will always be a high demand for your skills.
Once you complete your BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, you’ll be ready for a career in scientific research, forensic science or pharmaceuticals. With specialist modules like Business for Biosciences and Genes and Development, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your niche.
In the UK, in 2021, you could expect to earn an average of £26,500 as a newly-graduated biochemist and an average of up to £60,000 with more experience.
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
Graduates have gone on to work in roles including:
- research scientist
- sequencing and validation scientist
- research and development leadership programme scientist
- pharmaceutical data analyst
- site intelligence specialist
- phlebotomist
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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