Biochemistry BSc Hons

Students begin their course with an introduction to the range of subjects fundamental to the application of biochemistry, covering biological, medicinal and analytical chemistry, together with cell biology and genetics. First year students will actively participate in laboratory practical sessions, to assist their understanding of the theoretical material delivered in lectures.   

 

In the second year, students will further their knowledge and skills base across a range of topics integral to the study of biochemistry including human metabolism, molecular biology, cellular and molecular analysis, genetics, bioinformatics, organic chemistry and analytical methods.

 

Prior to the third year, students can choose to complete a placement year either in the UK, or internationally. The prospect of gaining industrial experience is a fantastic opportunity and it can make a real difference at the job application and interview stage, when students enter the post-graduation marketplace.

 

During the final year of the programme there is a chance for students to specialise their studies, when they undertake a year-long, laboratory based, research project in a particular biochemical discipline. The project is individual to each student and is designed to accelerate learning, technical ability and confidence. The projects are conducted each Friday across both semesters of the final year, in modern, well equipped laboratories housed in the Department of Applied Sciences at the City Campus of Northumbria University. Furthermore, students have the option to pick modules designed to suit their specific interests and begin to develop their own specialisms, the option choices include Genomics and Industrial Biochemistry and Bio-catalysis. 

 

Independent learning is a key component of the programme and a number of modules are based around this premise, leading to students being able to problem solve and work independently – skills much sought after by the employers of today.

 

The advantage of a nurtured curiosity, generated from a range of problem-solving modules, is that it creates analytical and critical thinking graduates with clearly evidenced opinions. Graduates of the Biochemistry course will have developed an ability to recognise, apply and adapt biochemical concepts in the wider scientific community, including those that are specifically related to the real world.

 

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Year one

 

• AP0402 -Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0403 -Principles of Chemical Structure (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0404 -Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0406 -Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0415 -Introduction to Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0417 -Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists (Core,20 Credits)
• JE5001 -Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year two

 

• AP0507 -Principles of Cellular and Biomolecular Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0511 -Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0514 -Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0517 -Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0526 -Organic Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0529 -Analytical Methods (Core,20 Credits)

Year three

 

• AP0536 -Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
• AP0552 -Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5007 -Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year four

 

• AP0606 -Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
• AP0609 -Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0610 -Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)
• AP0625 -Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0631 -Industrial Biochemistry and Biocatalysis (Optional,20 Credits)
• AP0632 -Current Topics in Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)
   

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

 

Subject Requirements:

 

Grade B in A-level Biology or Chemistry (with both Biology and Chemistry having been studied), or recognised equivalents.

 

GCSE Requirements:

 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

 

Additional Requirements:

 

There are no additional requirements for this course.

 

International Qualifications:

 

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

 

English Language Requirements:

 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

 

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

As a Biochemistry graduate you will not only have gained expert, subject-specific knowledge, but you will have also secured a whole host of wider skills to support your future career choices. The interactive nature of this course, with its research informed teaching, alongside the final year project means graduates from the programme will have the edge they need to stand out within a competitive employment marketplace.  

 

Students who undertake a placement year are more likely to secure employment after graduating and the majority of students who embrace this opportunity find the insight into working life extremely worthwhile.

 

The fact that 94.7% of Northumbria University students are in work or further study six months after graduation, speaks for itself (*DLHE Survey 2013/14).

 

There are a wide-range of possible employment and study options post-graduation from the Biochemistry course. The programme acts as a feeder route for graduating students to enter Northumbria’s Post-Graduate opportunities in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Forensic Science or Nutritional Science and other developing post graduate opportunities at Northumbria. Equally for those who are eager to go straight into employment, graduates can chose a whole range of career paths in the chemical, pharmaceutical, nutritional, health sciences or research arenas.

 

Business is booming in the Science sector and the Department of Applied Sciences students thrive post-graduation!