BSc in Biochemistry
Kingston University
Key Information
Campus location
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* UK students: £9,250 per year | international: £15,800 for the first year
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Do you want to contribute to work that could help solve many of life's biggest challenges? This course will help you understand the molecular processes that control life, from molecules (such as DNA and proteins) and cells, to the complex structures of whole organisms.
In your final year, you'll select from options such as Advanced Analytical Science, Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases. Choosing a specialist topic that inspires you, you'll have the opportunity to work on an independent research project.
You'll acquire the knowledge and technical skills to work in a wide variety of roles, including those in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. You'll also be able to go on to do further research and contribute to our understanding of how biochemistry underpins all human life.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). You'll receive one year's free associate membership once you graduate.
- You can choose to take a four-year sandwich degree, with a year's overseas study, or an industrial placement to give your career a head start.
- You'll gain extensive practical experience in laboratories that have recently had a £6.8 million investment.
Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Kingston University graduates from this programme will receive one year's free membership in the Royal Society of Biology.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
Year 1
Year 1 provides you with a firm foundation in the biological and chemical principles on which life is based. You will gain a comprehensive overview of biochemistry, from the atomic level to that of the whole body. Subject areas include the fundamentals of chemistry, cells and tissues, genetics and molecular biology. A scientific and practical skills module will also introduce you to important laboratory techniques and the necessary mathematics, statistics and IT required by biochemists.
Core modules
- Genes, Cells and Tissues
- The Biochemical Foundations of Life
- Foundation Chemistry
- Scientific and Laboratory Skills
- Accreditation Skills Portfolio 1
Year 2
Year 2 introduces some of the more specialised aspects of biochemistry. You will gain a detailed knowledge of protein function, structure and analysis; the major metabolic pathways; organisation and physiology of cells including cell signalling; genes and their expression; pharmacological principles; and the application of research methods. You will also explore a range of bioanalytical techniques employed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Core modules
- Proteins and Metabolism
- Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods
- Analytical Science
- Accreditation Skills Portfolio 2
Year 3
Year 3 has specialist modules in Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science and Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics, with a choice between Advanced Analytical Science and Clinical Chemistry & Haematology. You will undertake an independent research project providing an opportunity to research a topic of your choice within your specialism as either a laboratory, data project or systematic review.
Core modules
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
- Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science
- Project (Bioscience)
- Accreditation Skills Portfolio 3
Optional modules
- Advanced Analytical Science
- Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases
- Clinical Chemistry and Haematology (Blood Sciences)
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
You'll be ready for graduate entry to careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensics, medicine, teaching and business management. This degree also provides a base for postgraduate study.
Employability preparation at Kingston University
In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.
As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:
- placements;
- working or studying abroad;
- volunteering;
- peer mentoring roles; and
- internship opportunities within and outside the University.
In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at the master's level.