Biochemistry BSc

at University of Sheffield

First year

In your first year, you'll spend six hours in the lab each week learning the practical skills and knowledge that every bioscientist needs, including how to establish bacterial cultures, assess bioenergetics and perform gene cloning. Analysis classes will equip you with the skills you'll use outside the lab, from interacting with your data to interpreting your findings. Your lectures will give you a broad understanding of the molecular biosciences, allowing you to explore what you're most interested in.

Core modules:
 

• Biochemistry 1

• Molecular & Cell Biology

• Microbiology 1

• Genetics 1

• Skills in Molecular Bioscience

Optional modules:
 

• Principles of Zoology

• Climate Change and Sustainability

• Animal Behaviour

• Introductory Developmental, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

• Maths for Molecular Bioscience

• Principles in Plant Science

• Principles of Evolution

• Principles of Ecology and Conservation

• Introduction to Neuroscience

• Introduction to Physiology with Pharmacology

Second year 

In your second year, you'll begin learning more advanced scientific techniques, both in the lab and in lectures, with topics including experimental design, genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and protein purification. You'll continue to take analysis classes to develop your data handling skills further and you can choose to study modules that allow you to work in teams to come up with pioneering science enterprise ideas to launch a virtual business.

Core modules:
 

• Genes, genomes and chromosomes

• Biostructures, Energetics and Synthesis

• Biochemistry 2

• Skills in Molecular Biology II

Optional modules

Students can study 30 approved credits from the School of Biosciences. Students can also select 10 credits from Languages for All modules.

Third year

In your third year, you'll complete an extended research project alongside your chosen specialist modules. This will reflect an area of molecular bioscience that interests you. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can choose a project from: experimental science, clinical diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, molecular systems and computing, science communication or education and outreach.

Core modules:
 

• Literature Review

• Research Project

• Biochemistry Data Handling

Optional modules:
 

• Cellular Systems: Engineering for Biotechnology

• Membrane Protein Structure and Function

• Molecular Immunology

• The world of RNA

• Biochemical Signalling

• Genomic Science

• Protein Folding and Misfolding in Disease

• Biochemical Basis of Human Disease

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:

ABB

including Chemistry and a second science

A Levels + additional qualifications ABB, including Chemistry and a second science + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Chemistry and a second science + A in Core Maths

International Baccalaureate 33, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and a second science

BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Applied Science or Forensic Science (including modules in Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis, and no more than one of the following: Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis, Forensic Fire Investigation or Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation)

BTEC Diploma DD in Applied Science or Forensic Science + B in an A Level science subject

Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AABBB + AB in Chemistry and a second science

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AB in Chemistry and a second science

Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction (to include Chemistry and Biology units) and 15 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements
 

• Second science subjects include Biology (or Human Biology), Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology

• GCSE Maths grade 4/C

English language requirements | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Home students
£9,250

Overseas students
£25,670

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

A research career is a popular path, with our graduates choosing to work within higher education, for public bodies, or in research and development at institutions around the world. Others are interested in industrial research, joining pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer goods companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Reckitt.

​​​​​​​Many of our graduates pursue careers in healthcare, joining the NHS, private healthcare providers, or charities; working in analytical labs or specialised healthcare sectors. A number of students progress into postgraduate medicine, or begin training to become Physician Associates.