BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- 8C70
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 months
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Immerse yourself in the wonder of biological organisms and processes at the molecular level. Explore aspects of life from molecules to cells, from tissues to organisms. Learn from leading research scientists who are specialists in their fields of study.
In your Biochemistry Foundation Year at UEA, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to progress on to a degree in biochemistry. You’ll be assigned an adviser from the School of Biological Sciences who’ll guide you through your course to make sure that you’re ready to progress onto the specific degree course of your choice.
It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for a solid foundation in the core subjects relating to the study of life and the processes and interactions driving life on Earth. You’ll learn alongside students from across the other Science Schools, and at the end of the Foundation Year, you’ll be equipped with the fundamental skills you need to unleash your learning potential and succeed in your future studies of biochemistry.
Wherever your interests lie within the world of biochemistry, the Foundation Year will pique your curiosity and help you to answer important scientific questions. You’ll cover current scientific topics that have significance and importance for society, such as ageing and cellular senescence, the emergence of infectious diseases, and the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. And you’ll be encouraged to develop your critical thinking skills by evaluating sources of scientific evidence and including such sources in your own written work. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend talks by guest lecturers and speakers.
At UEA, you’ll have contact with academics and researchers from across the Faculty of Science, many of whom are world-leaders in their chosen research areas.
We’re also uniquely partnered with the Norwich Research Park, providing you with access to a learning experience that is dynamic and fascinating – and fuelled by research that is happening right here, right now.
Depending on the course you choose to progress onto after your Foundation Year, the School of Biological Sciences has a number of Year Abroad and Placement Year study options.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Study and Modules
Structure
In the Biochemistry with a Foundation Year, you’ll study the core subjects fundamental to the science of life. Jointly taught across the Schools of Chemistry and Biology, one third of your foundation year programme will be spent studying chemistry, taking you from the structure of the atom to the foundations of organic chemistry and the basics for the chemistry of life. You’ll learn how to characterise and analyse chemical compounds and their mixtures, essential skills for your degree in biochemistry.
The remaining two-thirds of your Foundation Year will be comprised of biology, skills for scientists, mathematics or physics. The exact makeup of subjects will be based on your previous studies and your intended future course.
Once you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Year, you’ll progress on to one of the main degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences.
For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the full BSc Biochemistry course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)OPTIONAL B MODULES
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Taught by leading academics from across our Faculty of Science, this course will develop your academic skills through a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory-based practicals.
The lectures will provide you with the fundamentals of scientific knowledge, which you’ll develop further through other taught and practical sessions, as well as our complementary online learning resources.
Small group sessions will enable you to further develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, giving you opportunities to put the topics in context and bring science to life.
Independent study
The Foundation Year programme provides a balance between independent thinking and taught study skills. It'll help you become a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker.
Along with formal taught sessions, you’ll undertake research, written assignments, practical work and group tasks. You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art library, and you’ll be given guidance and constructive feedback, to help you improve and develop your skills.
Assessment
Each module will be assessed through a combination of coursework and formal tests throughout the academic year. Feedback will be offered after each assessment, allowing you to improve your work by targeting specific areas.
Employability
After the Course
Once you successfully finish your Foundation Year, you’ll go straight onto one of the main degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biosciences and biotechnology
- Science media and publishing
- Healthcare
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Contextual offer: CDD.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Contextual offer: MMP.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: MM plus C at A level.
Contextual offer: MM plus D at A level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level.
Contextual offer: M plus CD at A level.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs. There are compulsory textbooks for some of the modules on this course, and there will be costs associated with these.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: