Biochemistry

This BSc Biochemistry gives you the opportunity to develop the technical, intellectual and social skills you need for a successful career in research, the bioscience, biotechnology and chemical industries, or teaching. You will also develop an understanding of the wider application of scientific knowledge in the modern workplace.

Why choose this course?

• It is taught by internationally recognised researchers, so you will gain an academic grounding in the science that underpins all life.

• It offers you extensive training in a wide range of practical laboratory skills in our well-equipped laboratories.

• A variety of option modules allow you to tailor this course to your interests or career aspirations.

What you will learn

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular mechanisms occurring in all living organisms, and biochemists go on to tackle some of the greatest challenges we have, from complex diseases such as cancer, to increasing agricultural yields and threats to biodiversity. As a student on this course, you will take modules covering a wide range of subjects, with a strong focus on practical applications.

You will develop your data analysis, computational, investigative and laboratory skills. You will also gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular processes governing life in all kingdoms, drawing on knowledge from chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, structural biology, protein science and enzymology.

In your final year you will dedicate your studies to the pursuit of a laboratory-based project which provides you with an opportunity for novel research.

How you will learn

This course is available to study full- or part-time with a choice of afternoon or evening attendance for many modules. You will be taught via lectures and classroom activities combined with practical sessions, tutorials and problem-solving exercises.

In your final year you will take part in an intensive week of daytime activities in September as part of your specialist laboratory research project.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.

• In the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.

• You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.

• Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, we are recognised for the excellence and international impact of our research.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this course you will have developed an array of transferable skills, including:

• laboratory skills

• the ability to analyse and critically evaluate data and complex ideas

• the ability to work independently and develop and test hypotheses

• team-building and creativity to drive scientific innovation

• oral and written communication skills.

You may also use this BSc Biochemistry as a springboard to pursue postgraduate-level study, for example on our MSc Analytical Bioscience, MSc Analytical Chemistry, MSc Astrobiology, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Microbiology, MRes Chemical Research, MRes Global Infectious Diseases, or MRes Structural Biology.

Studying this course will prepare you for a career in:

• academia

• laboratory-based research/roles

• industry roles.

Course modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.