BSc
Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Develop a detailed understanding of the molecular basis for life. Combining elements of biology and chemistry, Biochemistry is an ideal route into a career in the health sciences, forensics, product development, food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals and more.
How to apply Apply via UCASCourse details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
C702
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
Overview
Biochemistry plays a vital role in scientific and medical developments. It is the force behind many life-improving advances, from vaccines that protect against disease to the analysis of forensic samples used to help solve crimes. Combining aspects of life sciences and chemical sciences, the BSc in Biochemistry explores processes that are key to our understanding of life at a molecular level. This wide-ranging degree will build your understanding of a diverse range of topics from genetics and biotechnology to physiology and metabolism. It develops the analytical and practical skills you will need to address the challenges of the modern world. Biochemistry is a great choice if you are interested in both biology and chemistry. It leads to many careers including product development, health sciences, forensics, pharmaceuticals, food and nutrition. The transferable skills gained also prepare you for a career in sectors such as business, finance and education.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
C702
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
What you'll study
The first year covers fundamental aspects of the molecular basis of life including an introduction to core biochemical and biological concepts. Second-year modules provide integrated skills training in oral and written presentation, science communication, data analysis and critical analysis skills through tutorials and workshops. Optional modules allow you to broaden your knowledge in areas such as cell biology, development, physiology, plant biology, and the biology of disease. The final year strengthens the link between learning and research, with taught content directly linked to the research being carried out in the Department. You also complete a research module, which can be either a five-week laboratory-based Research Project or Biological Enterprise, where you will develop the science and business case for a potential biotech-based product.
Core modules
-
Core Chemistry I
introduces the fundamentals of chemistry. Areas covered include structure and bonding, chemical periodicity, coordination chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical kinetics, units and dimensions, spectroscopy and proof of structure.
-
Genetics
looks at the development of genetics as a science, from the experiments of Mendel to genome sequencing. It introduces the processes which link genotype to phenotype in living organisms, and provides an overview of the modern technologies used for genetic analysis and manipulation.
-
Introduction to Physiology
studies mammals as a model for physiological processes in other organisms.It covers a range of tissues and physiological processes in mammals and looks at the ways in which physiological processes relate to their bases at the molecular and cellular levels.
-
Molecules and Cells
examines the fundamentals of life at the level of cells and their molecular components.This module introduces protein structure and function – from simple biochemistry to complex functional biological molecules; cells and membranes; basic concepts of metabolism and metabolic processes; and the functional properties of cells.
-
Practical Chemistry 1A
develops the basic manipulative, procedural and soft skills required for practical chemistry. The module provides a foundation in research-led practical chemistry.
Core modules
-
Biomolecules – Structure and Function
includes the analysis of biomolecular structures; enzyme catalysed reactions; enzyme inhibition and regulation; protein-nucleic acid interactions; and enzyme catalysis and replication, repair, transcription and translation.
-
Cell Signalling
looksat the different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli. You will also study the steps of signal transduction mechanisms and comparative aspects of signalling processes in organisms from different kingdoms.
-
Metabolism
provides a global view of the functioning of the metabolic network in the cell, through an exploration of catalysis and biochemical pathways in depth. This module also explores relationships between protein structure and function.
-
Molecular Biology
examinesthe central role of molecular biology in modern biosciences andmethods of gene analysis and gene manipulation.In this module you will coverrecombinant DNA techniques, transcription and translation in eukaryotes, principles of gene regulation and bioinformatics.
-
Research Skills for Biosciences
explores the whole biological research process from generating ideas to disseminating results. You will develop skills in data-gathering, literature analysis, presentation and scientific writing for different audiences.
Optional modules
-
In recent years optional modules have included: Plant and Algal PhysiologyDevelopmentCell BiologyIntegrated Physiological SystemsMicrobiologyImmune Systems
Core modules
-
Advanced Biochemistry
examines the biomolecular processes involved in cellular function and molecular communication in representative organisms. It also compares biomolecules and biochemical processes between cell types and under changing environmental conditions.
-
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
will look at recombinant protein production and manipulation in industrial, pharmaceutical and research uses.You will also learn aboutyeast cell biology and about aspects of biochemistry which are relevant to biotechnology, such as microbial transport and roles of metal ions in biological processes.
-
Literature Review
where you will carry out research in a topic associated with biological sciences and present the results as a critical review article.
-
Workshop
develops your knowledge of theadvanced practical techniques used to undertake research in biological sciences, including biological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques. You will use relevant online resources and learn how to analyse and interpret data collected in the laboratory.
Optional modules
-
In recent years optional modules have included: Research ProjectBiological EnterpriseAdvanced Topics in DevelopmentStress and Responses to the EnvironmentCrops for the FutureAgeingAdvanced Cell BiologyGenomicsBiology of Disease
Learning
Lectures, form the factual basis of this science subject. Hands-on learning is an essential part of training in an experimental subject so you will also spend a proportion of contact hours in practical classes. Year 1 classes teach basic knowledge required for studying biochemistry and molecular biology. Building on this knowledge and understanding, Years 2 and 3 focus on more specialised modules and experimental techniques. Year 3 sees more research-led lecturing so practical classes are replaced with workshops, research-based projects and literature reviews. This independent approach to learning provides an opportunity to further develop your interests and research skills as you start to prepare for postgraduate life and employment. At all stages of the course the Department offers small-group tutorials. This allows for greater academic support and is supplemented by one-to-one support from academic advisers.Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework including essays, practical reports, analytical exercises, case studies and oral presentations. Literature reviews, project reports and laboratory workshop reports also play an important part in Biochemistry.Entry requirements
To learn more about the qualifications we typically accept, please select your country from the drop-down menu below.
Minimum entry requirements | |
---|---|
Typical offer | AAA |
English language requirements | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Montes quam quis cras fermentum id quis sagittis. Dolor ut odio erat integer quisque dignissim. Suspendisse lectus morbi vitae integer aliquam. |
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£ per year
International / EU Students
£ per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
-
The discipline of Biosciences is wide ranging, with many different branches of study. Spanning topics from botany to food science, immunology to zoology, it has the potential to transform societies, economies and tackle global challenges. In a changing world, bioscience has never been more important. We are a community that shares a passion for education and development. Our work addresses many of the important challenges facing humankind, including climate change and biodiversity conservation, developing new technologies for healthcare, and feeding an increasing human population. Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow. You can choose to follow a three-year BSc route, add a work placement year or a year abroad, or take a four-year MBiol route with a research focus. Students have the option to undertake a residential field course as part of the degree, with recent locations ranging from South Africa to Scotland and the neo-tropics where students learn how to use tools that can measure the carbon flux induced by climate change. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
We are located at Upper Mountjoy on the main University campus, just a short walk from the historic centre of Durham, with other academic departments and university services nearby, including the Bill Bryson library and the Teaching and Learning Centre.
-
State-of-the-art technology
We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling.
-
Collaboration
Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences
-
-
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
82%
88%
£31,050
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
A degree in bioscience from Durham will give you an excellent start to your working life. Not only will you receive an outstanding education in bioscience, you will also gain valuable transferrable skills to prepare you for future challenges.