BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: C1CR
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120-128	BBC-BBB including two Science A levels including C grade or above in Chemistry (acceptable Science A levels are Human Biology/Biology, Psychology, Geography, Maths, Physics, ICT and Sports Studies).	DDM - BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a minimum DMM profile on the general pathway (Applied Science) or either of these three endorsed pathways: Biomedical Science; Analytical and Forensic Science; Medical Science*	Access to Science Diploma with a merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3, 12 of which must be in Chemistry titled modules with a minimum of merit grade	120-128 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include chemistry and one other Science (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

BTEC* We have additional restrictions on some of the BTEC units accepted, four of six optional units taken must be chemistry titled at merit or above. Please email askbio@herts.ac.uk for specific enquiries.

DD: BTEC Diploma with a minimum DM profile on the pathways described above. Both optional units taken must be chemistry focussed is accepted if you also have an A level in Chemistry at grade C or above.
D: BTEC Extended Certificate with a minimum D profile on the pathways described above. You must have two additional Level 3 qualifications, one of which must be science-based.

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, 4/C in Mathematics and 4/C in Double Science or two Single Science grades at 4/C. We require GCSE English and Maths at 4/C for Bio Science courses due to the professional body requirement.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112-120	BBC-BBB including two Science A levels including C grade or above in Chemistry (acceptable Science A levels are Human Biology, Biology, Psychology, Geography, Maths, Physics, ICT and Sports Studies)	DMM-DDM - BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a minimum DMM profile to include a minimum of 4 chemistry-titled units at merit or above	Access to Science Diploma with a merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3, 12 of which must be in Chemistry titled modules with a minimum of merit grade	120-128 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include chemistry and one other Science (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

DD: BTEC Diploma with a minimum DM profile on the pathways described above. Both optional units taken must be chemistry focussed is accepted if you also have an A level in Chemistry at grade C or above.
D: BTEC Extended Certificate with a minimum D profile on the pathways described above. You must have two additional Level 3 qualifications, one of which must be science-based.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

Eligible for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry on graduation. All Biosciences graduates in Biochemistry are eligible for the Royal Society of Biology.

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

Why choose this course?

Research-informed teaching, with practical work in modern labs
Explore each Bioscience pathway before specialising 
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

Ever wonder what is happening inside your cells at the molecular and cellular level? The chemistry behind biological processes? You’ll learn how biochemists use their understanding of biomolecules and cellular pathways to prevent and cure disease, analyse samples, and develop new molecular products. Another part is the application and understanding of techniques, such as sequencing DNA or observing single molecules in action.

Use our strong industry links to get your foot in the door of pharmaceutical, agrochemical or food and drink industries. Build a solid understanding of chemistry from practising scientist. Practise microbiological techniques and blood analysis in a newly built laboratory space. You will also have exclusive access to computer labs with specific software and databases.

While you’ll be exploring many new areas in this degree, we’ll guide you along the way. Lecturers are always happy to help and your personal tutor will guide you to gain general skills in scientific writing, data interpretation and communication. Workshops will take place to practice lecture material and discuss problems with your peers.

Find out more about our teaching staff across the biosciences

Get in touch

What's the course about?

Essentially, as a biochemist, you study the fundamental processes of life. You’ll merge scientific techniques from chemistry and biology to seek answers to questions about life, health, disease, the natural environment, materials, and compounds. You’ll study the science behind living cells, tissues, organs and organisms. You’ll learn the biochemical processes that underpin the very latest discoveries. Explore how biochemistry affects the quality of people’s lives. You’ll look at the creation of new drugs and understand processes ranging from the design of medical treatments to the manufacture of new biomaterials.

In your first year, you will study with other bioscience students together to obtain an initial grounding in chemistry, molecular biology and genetics, cell and microbiology and human physiology with pharmacology. At the same time all bioscience students will study biochemistry with you together. You will use your theory to build on your practical skills in a well-equipped, modern laboratory.

In your second year, you will delve even deeper into these topic areas, in addition to further chemistry and biochemistry topics.

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. 

In your final year, you’ll learn about topics such as molecular medicine, cellular development, and off course advanced biochemistry. If you find that you have grown to love a certain topic you can choose to do your major research project in this area.

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. 
On average, you have 20 hours of contact time per week, with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week, while the remaining time is devoted to practical work.

Throughout your degree, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. This will include exams, literature reviews, portfolios, lab reports, practicals and presentations. Coursework assessments are generally 50-100% per module.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.     

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Molecular Biology and Genetics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The genetics component covers: Mendelian inheritance including meiosis and the production of primordial germ cells and gametes (oogenesis, spermatogenesis); linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. The relationship of mutation to genetic variation and disease is included as well as an introduction to gene regulation. Molecular methods used to study DNA and inheritance are covered and the application of these methods to research, diagnosis and treatment of disease is discussed.
Core Biochemistry	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces biochemistry incorporating aspects of chemistry specific to the study of biological systems. Subjects include: the structure of key macromolecules and relationship to their function in cells and organisms; the major metabolic pathways of glycolysis, the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation and how they integrate together; other selected pathways around carbohydrate and fat metabolism Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics including calculation of key enzyme parameters; radioactivity including applications in biochemical studies, thermodynamics and application to bioenergetics.
Cell and Microbiology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The key topics covered include: How genetic information in cells is converted into functioning components; the structure and nature of cells (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) with an emphasis on cell components and functions; the structure and components of bacteria and viruses with relation to their identification and disease causing ability; the basic principles of microbial growth and infection; transmission and control to include basic principles of public health and epidemiology; an introduction into fungi and their benefits and harm.
Human Physiology with Pharmacology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics include: Homeostasis and control mechanisms; Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature; Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic and central nervous system); Blood; Cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, and immune systems; Reproduction; Integrative physiology; Basic pharmacology (receptor theory and pharmacokinetics; how medicines may be effectively used to treat disease); Drug discovery, design and development; The importance of clinical trials.
Practical and Transferable Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
The content of this module is designed to introduce and develop practical laboratory skills, safe laboratory practice, accurate pipetting, making up solutions, sample preparation, staining and microscopy, DNA isolation and analysis, cell counting methodologies, chemistry methodologies and analytical techniques, use of standard curves in biological measurement, microbiology skills, enzyme activity assays and measurement of physiological parameters. Mathematics required for biological calculations, statistical analysis, scientific recording, data presentation, scientific writing, use of literature and literature searching, referencing, avoiding plagiarism and bioinformatics.
Molecular Structure and Reactivity	15 Credits	Compulsory
Organic, structural and physical chemistry appropriate for the biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences are covered, including: atomic theory and bonding, a study of the key organic functional groups, introductory kinetics and thermodynamics in the biomolecular and pharmaceutical sciences, introduction to chemistry associated with basic pharmaceutics. This module covers introductory chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, the structural basis of organic chemistry and the relationship of physical properties to chemical structure and organisation, the properties of solutions, buffers, electrolytes and associated properties (pH, pKa, LogP) and spectroscopy in biology.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Immunology	15 Credits	Compulsory
Anatomy and physiology of the immune system, natural immunity and hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity and the role of the major histocompatibility complex. Immunity to microbial pathogens. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chemistry and Analytical Science	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module builds on first year chemistry foundations to prepare students for final year study of advanced biochemical and molecular biology topics. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the analysis of organic compounds including chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques together with an ability to interpret the data thus generated. Understanding of the chemical structure and reactivity of some organic molecules of biological relevance will be communicated. Students will gain practical experience of the synthesis and characterisation of organic molecules and techniques for their analysis.
Biochemistry	30 Credits	Compulsory
Metabolic pathways including those involved in carbohydrate and lipid assimilation, their integration with catabolic pathways and importance in selected metabolic states, and nitrogen metabolism including the process of protein degradation will be considered. Selected metabolic pathways involved in disease, the role of selected vitamins and cofactors in metabolism, enzyme regulation and inhibition including the methods involved in their study, determination of Ki values, and their importance in treatment of disease will be addressed.
Bioscience Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
Understand how problems in science are researched in the scientific literature; investigated in the laboratory through the construction of hypotheses, the design of experiments and the analysis of data; and the importance of subsequent communication of the results in scientific papers. Practice of these skills will be through the completion of a Mini Project. Cultivate personal transferable skills relating to employability and future professional development (including interview practice, group work and skills development session).
Genes and Genomes	15 Credits	Compulsory
Chromosome structure, gene organisation and regulation of expression including basic intercellular signalling, epigenetics, transcription factors, differential mRNA processing and microRNAs. Gene and gene family evolution. Repetitive DNA sequences. The elucidation of the organisation of eukaryotic genomes from DNA reassociation kinetics to the human genome sequence. Whole genome analyses and comparative genomics. Recombinant DNA technology and the manipulation of DNA. Introduction to databases and bioinformatics. Cytogenetics. Principles of population genetics, DNA polymorphism and human diseases. An introduction to personalised medicine and molecular diagnostics.
Cell and Molecular Biology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide an understanding of: relationship between protein structure and function; alteration in protein structure and disease; techniques for protein purification and characterisation, including electrophoresis, liquid column chromatography, mass spectrometry; proteomics techniques; signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells, including pathways involving ligand-activated and cell death pathways; notions of mitochondrial physiology, including mitochondrial dynamics and signalling functions; functional units of the cellular cytoskeleton and their dynamic organisation; cell polarity; regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, motility and viability; regulation of cell division and cell cycle.
Bioscience Work Experience	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides opportunities to develop employability skills and to reflect on work completed outside study time. Suitable work experience includes any paid or voluntary work over a minimum of 50 hours conducted under supervision. Students will compile a portfolio, which will include evidence and a reflection of the work undertaken, and other items related to career development, such as attendance of a mock Assessment Centre Experience or a mock interview as well as a CV.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Project provides the opportunity for extended, in-depth study on a selected aspect from those disciplines within the Bioscience Programme and may address one or more of the School's research objectives. Projects may be laboratory or non-laboratory based and the experimental work will be of 22 days duration but all students are encouraged to work on their project preparation from the beginning of their final year. Supervisors will discuss aims, objectives current theories, research design, data collection and analysis, and the report structure.
Advanced Biochemistry	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers advanced aspects of biomolecular structure/function, aspects of cellular regulatory mechanisms and techniques used to study those aspects. Biomolecular examples may include areas of lipid membranes and proteins, protein-ligand interactions and engineering of proteins and/or pathways, while mechanisms may cover the formation as well as the degradation of proteins. Laboratory and computer-based techniques required to investigate biomolecular systems and mechanisms will be covered in lectures and/or practical sessions.
Advanced Therapies	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Advanced Therapeutics module aims to illuminate the role of personalised medicine and the range of clinical therapies available to treat human disease with a focus on cell and gene therapies. The following will be taught: personalised medicine, molecular and cellular techniques linked to cell and gene therapies including gene editing and use of viral vectors for clinical applications, manufacture and regulation of cell and gene therapies.
Cellular Technologies and Applications to Disease	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to elucidate the genomic and developmental aspects of stem cell biology. It has strong focus on gene regulation, cell interactions and signalling pathways with attention to experimental and bioinformatic approaches to develop understanding of how stem cell technologies and their application to research of human disease. The content includes the use of animal models to understand human disease, developmental biology of stem cells, genomic aspects of disease as well as stem cell technologies and their applications.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. All biosciences students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or study overseas in Europe or North America during their third year. Current employers and job titles are listed below:
- GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge
- Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London
- Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London
- Medical Research Council - Mill Hill
- Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton
- Mount Vernon Hospital: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust Institute of Reconstructive, Plastic and Burns Surgery Research - Middlesex
- MRC: Human Genome Project - Hinxton
- National Biological Standards Board - Potter's Bar
- Roche UK - Welwyn Garden City
- St. Bartholomew's & The Royal London: School of Medicine - London and St.George Medical School - London
- St.George's Hospital: Analytical Unit - London
- Syngenta Seeds - Cambridge
- University of Hertfordshire: Biodeterioration Centre - Hatfield
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation.
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions, and online tutorials. Both our LRCs (Learning Resources Centres) run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

Check out our student blogs

What's next for my career?
Our biosciences graduates are highly sought after by employers in the industry due to the reputation of our teaching, the vocational element to our degrees and the fact that many of our students already have a year's work experience when they graduate which they gained in the sandwich year. Graduates can find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries as well as in industrial, academic and charity funded research. Some graduates also go on to work in health care and environment agencies.

Typical job titles of recent graduates:
- Trainee Biomedical Scientist
- Clinical Trials Associate
- Drug Safety Coordinator
- Medical Representative
- Lab Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Research Assistant
- Tissue Culture Technologist
- Donor Transplant Assistant
Typical employers of recent graduates:
- Pfizer
- Denfleet Pharma Ltd
- Health Protection Agency
- GlaxoSmithKline
- AstraZeneca
- NHS Trusts
- Lark Technology
Our graduates are highly sought after. They find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries, as well as in industrial, academic and charity-funded research. Jobs include drug safety coordinator, lab scientist, microbiologist, research assistant and donor transplant assistant.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biochemistry) (Revised 2024)	Download
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biochemistry) (Revised 2024)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biochemistry) (Revised 2024)	Download
BSc (Hons) Bioscience (Biochemistry) (Revised 2024)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Link
21/09/2026	31/05/2027	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
- £30 deposit for chemistry locker covering years 1 and 2 of study - refundable.
- There are no other compulsory additional expenses for this course. Where you will use an EVS handset, Lab coats and log books, these will be provided as part of your course fees.
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: C1CR

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Get in touch

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  