Course summary
Biochemistry sits at the interface between the life sciences and chemistry, providing a broad education that allows you to explore the molecular mechanisms underpinning life. Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry course is built upon a strong foundation of core scientific disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as analytical sciences.
As you progress through the course, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how diseases develop at the molecular level and how drugs interact with biological systems, insights that are particularly valuable in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. You'll explore applied areas such as bioinformatics, in silico protein-protein interaction studies, and bioprocessing, all of which are increasingly essential in modern biochemical research and development. A key focus of the course is the development of laboratory skills, with practical sessions embedded across nearly all modules. You’ll be trained to conduct experiments, analyse biochemical data, and interpret scientific results with precision.
Throughout your studies, you'll work on real world case studies with clear industrial relevance, and you'll engage in simulated professional scenarios through our mock pharmaceutical company, Sunderland Therapeutics. Assessments mirror real world tasks and aim to prepare you for a wide range of careers, whether in laboratory based research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or other sectors such as finance, business, and education. The course is also available as a four-year course with a full year spent on placement.
Graduates of this course leave with not only a deep scientific understanding but also highly transferable skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and communication, making them well equipped for diverse roles across the life sciences.
This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science, which allows you to easily change course at the end of the first year should one of these routes appeal to you.
Why Sunderland for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic SciencesMSci route
Pursuing the MSci route offers a cost-effective way to gain a master’s level qualification, with undergraduate tuition fees applying across all four years, making it more affordable than pursuing a separate MSc after a BSc. In the fourth year, you’ll explore your field in greater depth through cutting-edge, research-led modules, designed to reflect the latest developments in the discipline. The MSci also places a strong emphasis on developing you as an independent scientist, with an extended research project that enhances your practical and analytical skills. This integrated degree can open doors to roles that require a master’s qualification and gives you a competitive edge in the job market by setting you apart from BSc-only graduates.