Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Solve some of the most interesting and important health problems in the world today. Contribute to healthcare at both ends of the spectrum, from diagnosis and disease profiling to drug discovery and development. Enhance your employability and gain real-world experience with an optional placement.

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Overview

While biomedical scientists work on diagnosis and disease profiling and biopharmaceutical scientists work on drug discovery and development, biochemistry sits directly in between these disciplines and contributes to healthcare in both areas.

You will examine the origin of life, the study of disease and the complex chemistry and developmental biology of whole organisms. Study areas including biological chemistry, cell biology, clinical chemistry and molecular biology.

Why us?

Available as four-year sandwich course, where you will undertake a one-year industrial placement
This unique course makes extensive use of the new advanced technology in our Sciences Complex
The University has over 100 years of expertise in teaching biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences

93.4% of our graduates are in employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers)
Teaching staff are research-active and have close links to industry and research institutes working in molecular sciences

Course structure

Our teaching methods address different learning styles and provide a diverse learning experience. The course integrates traditional lecture and laboratory-based learning with active, experiential and enquiry-based learning.

You will be taught via laboratory practical work, tutorials, lectures, seminars, group work and e-learning. We also encourage you to develop independent study skills.

This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Biopharmaceutical Science and BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry, which allows you to easily change course at the end of the first year should one of these routes appeal to you.

Year 1 (national level 4):

Introduction to Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology (20 credits)
Research and Practical Skills in Biopharmaceutical Science (40 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Further Research and Practical Skills in Biopharmaceutical Science (40 credits)
Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
Biochemistry, Genetics and Biotechnology (20 credits)
Further Analytical Sciences (20 credits)
Cellular and Clinical Biochemistry (20 credits)

Year 3

Optional one-year placement in the Pharmaceutical Sciences industry

Final year (national level 6)

Advanced Chemistry (20 credits)
Advanced Biotechnology and Biochemistry (20 credits)
Molecular Medicine (20 credits)
Advance Cellular Biochemistry (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)

Facilities

This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts excellent laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is 112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (for example 1 x AVCE double award) which must include chemistry. Please note we do not accept General Studies AS or A Level.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator.

We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, we also offer this course with an Integrated Foundation Year.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK/EU
£12,000 if you are an international student

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

Use our scholarships calculator to see what you may be entitled to.

Scholarships calculator

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Biochemists are employed in an increasingly wide range of roles in biological, environmental and clinical fields, with employment opportunities stretching from healthcare through forensic science to the food and pharmaceutical industries. The typical salary for a graduate Biochemist is £21,000. This salary increases based upon postgraduate and industrial experience.

Companies that have employed our graduates include pharmaceutical multinationals such as GSK, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

Placements

The employability of Sunderland graduates reflects our mix of academic rigour and practical skills. To enhance this mix, we encourage you to apply to undertake a one-year placement between your second and final year.

Placements provide an invaluable opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. As part of the course you will also make several industry visits.

Research-active staff

You’ll be taught by passionate academic staff with a broad range of relevant research interests including:

Analysis and modelling of biostatistical and protein interaction data sets
Generation of recombinant proteins and biological therapeutics
Formulation of therapeutic proteins and gene products
Development of computational tools for automating the routine decision process within standard drug discovery pipelines

Transferable skills

This course gives you the opportunity to develop skills which you can use in a range of employment situations including:

Academic study skills: avoiding plagiarism, time management, reading, note taking, referencing, revision analysis, and scientific writing.

Practical skills: laboratory competency, experimental skills and techniques.

Transferable skills: numeracy, analytical, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, self-management and organisation, application of IT, consideration of ethical and safety requirements, critical thinking, personal development planning and reflection.

Meet the students

The very high standard of the laboratories and equipment was a real factor in choosing Sunderland.

Katy Hirst

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 04 June 2020

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