Course summary

• Gain knowledge and practical experience of molecular, biochemical and analytical science.
• Combine the chemical and biological sciences to understand cellular mechanisms underpinning disease and advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies.
• Apply the material taught at university to real-world experience as a biochemist with year-long or summer placement opportunities available.
• Transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers.

This is an academically challenging course which will develop your practical and digital skills. You will gain a deep understanding of the subject through placements and extensive lab work in our award-winning laboratories graduating as an experienced and employable biochemist.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Through the study of modules including molecular biology, analytical science, cell biology and organic and biological chemistry you will gain an in-depth understanding of a breadth of biochemistry with the flexibility to choose optional subjects in your second and final years focussing your specialisms.

With a strong focus on employability throughout your course you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or postgraduate education providers.

You learn through

• lectures
• interactive workshops
• small group academic tutorials
• scenario-based laboratory classes 
• project work

Course leaders and tutors

Dr Nikki Jordan-Mahy

BSc/MSci Biochemistry Course Leader and Principal Lecturer

Dr Nikki Jordan-Mahy is the BSc/MSci Biochemistry Course Leader and Principal Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. She is a graduate of Royal Holloway and Bedfor … Read more

Applied learning

Work placements

Between your second and final year of study you have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and professional skills that will give you a significant advantage at the start of your career. Or if you’re unable to commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter period of time during a summer placement (which can still contribute towards your degree).

Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.

By securing a placement with one of our industry partners, you will enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention. You can apply for placements in companies such as Reckitt Benckiser, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute or in research laboratories, universities and hospitals.

If you are undertaking a work placement in another European country, there may be the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.

Research projects

During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.

Networking opportunities

On top of your work placement, the course has excellent links to potential employers and previous graduates, allowing you plenty of opportunities for networking.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:

• medical research 
• clinical science
• analytical science
• scientific sales and marketing
• pharmaceutical research and development
• biotechnology industry
• scientific communication/journalism

Graduates have also progressed to further study on specialist masters courses and PhDs or have gone into teaching.

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for world-leading companies such as:

• senior study scientists in the Biological Immunoassay Department at Huntingdon Life Science, Cambridge
• food biochemists at Marks & Spencer
• analytical scientists at Covance and Reckitt Benckiser
• graduate scientists at stem cell production company Future Health

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Fees and funding

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.