Biochemistry
BSc (Hons)
The course
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental processes of life. 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 first year of chemistry, genetics, cell biology,
microbiology, pharmacology and human physiology, you progress to an understanding
of the complex biochemical processes that form the basis of life.
Second and final year study include modules on metabolic biochemistry, analytical
techniques, gene regulation, applied and integrated biochemistry and an individual
research project. On these modules you discover how biochemistry affects the quality
of our lives, from the discovery of new drugs and the design of new medical treatments,
to the industrialisation of laboratory processes. Our links with industry provide you with
fantastic opportunities to gain valuable experience during the placement year
Work placement/Year abroad
You can choose to spend your third year on a supervised work placement, which can
give you an extra qualification - the Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute. They
usually last for a year with recent placements based in government and charity funded
research institutions, the biotechnology industry, healthcare companies, agrochemical,
pharmaceutical and biosciences companies, environmental agencies and the NHS.
Placements are mainly based in the UK, but there are sometimes opportunities
overseas.
UCAS Code:
C1CR BSc/Bioc Biochemistry
C700 BSc/Bio Biochemistry (with a
Year Abroad)
Entry Requirements:
280 UCAS points to include 2
science GCE A Levels one of
which must be a grade C in
chemistry (Acceptable science A
levels are Biology, Human Biology,
Psychology, Geography, Maths and
Physics). BTEC Extended Diploma
in Applied Science with a minimum
DMM profile to include a minimum
of 6 chemistry-titled units at merit
or above. Plus GCSE English
language, mathematics and double
science (or 2 single sciences) at
grade C or above.
Course Length:
Full time 3 years
Alternatively, you can choose to spend the year studying at one of our partner
universities in Europe or North America. This can help develop your language skills as
well as giving you the chance to learn new approaches and techniques, which may
differ from the UK.
Work placement/ year abroad
4 years
Career opportunities
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, education and
environment agencies.
Course Fees:
Please visit our website
go.herts.ac.uk/fees
Part-time normally 5 years.
Professional Accreditation:
On graduation, you will be eligible
for Associate Membership of the
Royal Society of Chemistry and
membership with the Society of
Biology.
Web Address:
go.herts.ac.uk/C1CR
The degree as a whole has allowed
me to demonstrate my true potential as a
young scientist and has provided a strong
platform for my future career in scientific
research.
Brett O’Brien, BSc Biochemistry
Find out more about the School of Life and
Medical Sciences on go.herts.ac.uk/lms
FD3131p/PD/JAN13
How to Apply:
Applications are through UCAS –
go.herts.ac.uk/apply