BSc Biochemistry with a Foundation Year

Our Biochemistry with a Foundation Year course is designed to help you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to progress on to a degree in biochemistry.

During your foundation year, 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 succeed in your future studies in your chosen area of biochemistry – and to unleash your learning potential. 

In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.

About

Wherever your interests lie within the world of biochemistry, the Foundation Year will pique your curiosity and quench your thirst for answers to important scientific questions. 

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. And beyond the timetabled lecture series, you’ll have the opportunity to attend talks by guest lecturers and speakers. 

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. 

At UEA, we are 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.

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We’re 17th for research quality!

UEA is ranked 17th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research quality in Biological Science

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Course Modules will be provided soon. For further information on Foundation Year modules, please see our BSc Biochemistry with a Foundation Year for 2022 entry.

For further years' module information please check out our BSc Biochemistry.

Important Notice

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Course Structure

You’ll cover a combination of modules from the core subjects fundamental to studying 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 modules, which will take 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 modules in biology, skills for scientists, mathematics or physics, the exact combination of which 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. The progression criteria for these courses varies, but a typical example might be 60% overall, and 60% in the chemistry and spring semester modules, for progression to our MSci Biochemistry courses. Passing all of your Foundation Year modules (the pass mark is 40%) and doing well in Chemistry will make you eligible for our main BSc Biochemistry programmes. 

For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the full BSc Biochemistry course. 

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, seminars and laboratory-based practicals.

The lecture series 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 the science to life. 

Independent study 

The Foundation Year programme provides a balance between independent thinking and taught study skills. It will 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 or examinations. Feedback will be offered after each assessment. 

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

CCC

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

BTEC

MMM

Scottish highers

BBCCC

Scottish highers advanced

DDD

Irish leaving certificate

6 subjects at H4

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3

European Baccalaureate

60%

International Baccalaureate

28 points

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

We also welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

Students for whom english is a 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) for year 0 entry

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.

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

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.