BSc BIOCHEMISTRY
BSC BIOCHEMISTRY
You will learn the fundamentals of biology and chemistry that underpin the study of biochemistry. Then you will choose from a broad range of modules across topics such as cell and molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, genetics, protein engineering and microbial biotechnology.
In your final year, you will have the chance to further develop your laboratory and technical skills with an independent research project in a unique area of science. You could even see your research published.
Our biochemistry degrees are taught jointly by the Schools of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. This dual approach means that in all elements of the course you benefit from subject-specific experts who inform our undergraduate teaching.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 100% of our biological sciences research environment and impact was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent, and the quality of our chemistry research output was ranked fourth in the UK (Times Higher Education REF 2014 subject rankings).
Our research makes use of a wide array of facilities such as multi-photon and laser scanning confocal microscopes for the study of cells and tissues at the molecular level, high-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers for the study of molecular structure, mass spectrometers, liquid and gas chromatography systems, and fluorescence and electron microscopes.
You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the new £75-million Quadram Institute.
About
Immerse yourself in the wonder of biological organisms and processes at the molecular level. Explore all aspects of life from molecules to cells, tissues and organisms, right up to populations and ecosystems. Learn from leading research scientists who are specialists in their fields of study.
This course is for you if you have a strong background in chemistry and are enthusiastic about applying this to the study of biological systems.
Biochemists have won six of the Nobel Prizes for Chemistry in the last 10 years. As a biochemist you’ll have the potential to make an impact on many areas of contemporary science, including health, nutrition, clean energy and tackling pollution.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT
- SHARE
- Facebook
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
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.After the Course
Your biochemistry degree could lead to a broad range of employment and postgraduate opportunities. You may go on to work in biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, clinical biochemistry, forensic science, the brewing and food industries, science patenting or teaching.
Alternatively, you might choose to progress to a higher degree. A number of our graduates have gone on to doctoral study and then have taken up posts in university, medical or industrial research laboratories.
We work with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
-
Medical or industrial research
-
Biotechnology
-
Brewing and food industries
-
Medicinal chemistry
-
Clinical biochemistry
-
Science patenting

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT
Assessment for Year 1
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 2
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 3
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 1
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Important Information
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.Modules in the 'Core Modules' range have to be taken and passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 2
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Important Information
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.Students must take BIO-6001A, CHE-6601Y and BIO-6019Y or BIO-6023Y. Students may be moved from BIO-6019Y to BIO-6023Y, based on Stage 2 results. Note that you may select no more than 20 credits of Level 5 modules to enrol on during your Stage 3 studies. Modules in the 'Core Modules' range have to be taken and passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 3
We use a number of assessment methods: formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
The balance of coursework and examinations varies between modules. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40% coursework, 60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Important Information
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.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC including grade B in Chemistry excluding General Studies with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBB including grade A in ChemistryScottish highers advanced
CCC including ChemistryIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including ChemistryAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at MeritEuropean Baccalaureate
70% including 70% in ChemistryInternational Baccalaureate
31 points overall including Higher Level 5 in ChemistryGCSE 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
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in Business Management and Economics (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
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: Year 1 entry: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
-
IELTS: Year 2 entry: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
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.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT
How to apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS number for the University of East Anglia is E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

UEA Award

ASK A STUDENT
Related Courses
Not quite right? Search for other courses below: