Biochemistry and Biotechnology (with Foundation Year)

If you don't meet the entry requirements for a BSc degree, you have the option of taking an extended four-year version of this course. You'll take a bioscience foundation year which will prepare you for the BSc degree.

If you want to enjoy a practical study of one of the fastest-growing and most fascinating areas of human knowledge, then our biochemistry course is for you.

You'll be taught by - and also get the chance to assist - scientists who are involved in biotech research and new discoveries.

Increasingly, biochemists and biotechnologists are playing a crucial role in genetic engineering and molecular bioengineering, as well as other areas of physiology and medicine.

For instance, antibiotics remain one of the UK's main exports and their production by fermenting micro-organisms in the pharmaceutical industry has revolutionised healthcare.

We want to give you a comprehensive understanding of the theory and application of biotechnology and biochemistry in areas of medicine and industry.

So you can be part of this invigorating exploration, studying subjects that are playing a key role in improving the manufacturing processes, in fighting disease and improving our lives.

This course comes with the opportunity of a year-long industry placement between years two and three, subject to availability of positions with our industry partners. If you choose this option, you'll spend your third year working in an appropriate professional environment, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.

Foundation Year: Essential Skills for Higher Education (Mental Wealth) (Core), Essential Maths & ICT (Core), Career & Professional Skills (Mental Wealth) (Core), Human Biology (Core), Introduction to the Study of Cells (Core), Chemistry of Life (Core)

Year 1: Professional Practice in Science (Mental Wealth) (Core), Cell Biology (Core), Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core), Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Core), Fundamentals in Microbiology (Core), Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Core), Level 4 Short Work Placement (Optional)

Year 2: Infection & Immunity (Core), Molecular Biology & Genetics (Core), Principles of Biotechnology (Core), Research & Career Development - Mental Wealth (Core), Cellular Biochemistry (Core), Organic Mechanisms of Synthesis (Core), Year Long Placement (Sandwich Year) (Optional)

Year 3: Applications of Biotechnology and Biochemistry (Core), DNA Analysis and Bioinformatics (Core), Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics (Core), Biopharmaceuticals (Core), Clinical Biochemistry (Core), Research Project and Career Enhancement Portfolio (Mental Wealth) (Core), Level 6 Short Work Placement (Optional)

For more information about individual modules, please visit our course pages via the link below.

We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes essays, research reports, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project. Most of the assessment in your first year is by coursework and we'll give you as much feedback as possible.

In your third year, you'll either take five core modules or undertake a work placement. We'll assess you accordingly.

Year 1 - 50% Portfolio/Coursework, 50% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 2 - 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 33% Portfolio/Coursework, 17% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 8% Case Study/PBL
Year 3 - 42% Portfolio/Coursework, 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 16% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
You'll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face to face assessments.