BSc (Honours)/MSci Biochemistry
UCAS code
C700Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time, plus one year to MSci (optional)At a glance
Gain the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a career as a biochemist. Learn the fundamentals of the subject before specialising in an area that reflects your career aims and interests. Take the opportunity to develop your professional skills on a placement with a major industry player such as AstraZeneca or with a research laboratory in a hospital or university.
Key points
• A modern course that reflects developments in DNA technologies, medical research and drug discovery.
• Learn from active researchers using industry standard cell culture and specialist analytical equipment.
• Gain a broad understanding of biochemistry and then tailor your study to reflect your career ambitions.
• Apply for a placement year with major industry players such as AstraZeneca.
• Develop attributes valued by employers such as the ability to communicate and problem solve.
What is biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the study of the way living organisms function at cellular and molecular level. It is the central science in understanding molecular genetics and the effect of disease at the molecular level. It is essential in the modern world for the development of new medicines and application of biotechnology in society.
About this course
On this course, you gain a foundation in the fundamentals of biochemistry before specialising in areas that reflect your career interests. For example, you may choose to put a greater emphasis on high-tech analytical biochemistry or tailor your course for a career as a cellular molecular biochemist.
You spend a considerable amount of your time in the lab, learning the latest skills and techniques in our well-equipped laboratories. You learn the latest techniques in cellular, molecular and analytical science using equipment which replicates that found in industry.
As well as the latest equipment, you benefit from the expertise of the many course lecturers active in our internationally recognised Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC). This enables us to constantly update the course and lab programme, so you stay up to date with the latest scientific developments.
You can then apply your knowledge and skills in the workplace, by applying for a paid work placement in year three. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and professional skills that can give you the all-important edge at the start of your career. If you are unable to commit to a year, it is also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement, such as during summer. This shorter placement can still contribute to your degree.
By getting a placement with one of our major industry partners, you ensure that you enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention. Students can apply for placements in companies such as • GlaxoSmithKline • AstraZeneca • the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Placements typically pay up to £18,000 per year.
You can then combine all the skills and knowledge that you have gained by completing a cutting-edge research project, with our research staff. This is usually completed in our laboratories at the University. However it may be possible to undertake your project back at your placement organisation. Previous project titles include 'MALDI-MS analysis of combretastatin treated mouse fibrosarcoma tumours' and 'synthesis of the tail-anchored protein Toc 33 to study post-translational protein targetting'.
The optional transfer to the MSci qualification is suitable for students who achieve good results during years one and two.
Key areas of study
You cover a broad spectrum of topics and skills essential to your career as a biochemist. As well as studying the traditional areas of biochemistry you study • human physiology and anatomy • cell biology and microbiology • molecular biology • plant biotechnology • cell biology • hot topics in biochemistry • pharmacology • bioremediation • human genetics • advanced analytical chemistry.
Associated careers
The strong research base of the course can lead to careers in areas such as • pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries • specialist medical research institutes • analytical science.
As a science graduate your broad range of skills are also transferable to professions such as • manufacturing • marketing • sales and finance. Many graduates progress to specialist masters courses or carry out a PhD.
Course content
Year one modules
• cells, molecules and microbiology • human physiology and anatomy • fundamentals of organic chemistry • principles of chemistry and analytical science • practical and professional skills for the biochemist
Year two modules
• biochemistry and molecular biology • topics in biochemistry • cell biology • organic and biological chemistry • analytical and bioanalytical science • practical and professional skills
Year three
• optional work placement
Final year core modules
• applied biochemistry • advanced analytical science • professional practice • research project
Final year options
• pharmacology • bioethics • bioinformatics • human genetics • drug development • organic and biological chemistry
MSci year (optional)
• research methods and statistics • research projects
Assessment
• examinations • coursework • written assignments • tests • group work • practical work
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent such as Level 2 Adult literacy/numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following
• 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels to include biology and chemistry with at least 80 points from one of these subjects or BTEC National qualifications including suitable chemistry and biology modules. We do not accept general studies A level.
• successful completion of our Extended Degree in Biosciences or equivalent
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
You also need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
These are normally achieved through completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
2013 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following
• 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels to include biology and chemistry with at least 80 points from one of these subjects or BTEC National qualifications including suitable chemistry and biology modules. We do not accept general studies A level.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk