BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry
Discover the important function of biochemistry in our medical industries
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Have you ever marvelled at life on a small scale? Are you interested in the fascinating world of molecules, genes and cells?
A degree in biochemistry will introduce you to these and other topics, deepening your knowledge and understanding of the topical and ever evolving subject of modern molecular biology.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Study cell functionality and look at the crucial roles of DNA and enzymes in health, disease and possible cures
- Discover the advances in genomic and proteomic research that are revolutionising life sciences research
- Work alongside research-active lecturers and experience their contribution to the field of gene expression, protein structure, neural development, blood formation, bioactive molecules and more
What opportunities might it lead to?
We strongly believe that research and teaching go hand-in-hand, and with many different areas of ongoing research, there is a wealth of research opportunities open to you upon graduating.
We are also a fully recognised member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- academic and industrial research
- biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries
- science teaching
- work in the health service
- scientific writing and the media
There is a lot of practical work, which is very helpful as you can put in to practice what you’ve learnt in your lectures and see it first hand, which helps me learn better.
Georgina Dawes, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- C700
- Duration
- 3 years
- Entry
300 points to include 2 A levels or equivalent, with A level biology at grade C.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Biological Sciences
Course:
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
Find out more about what it's like to study biochemistry here at Portsmouth.
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
The first year has a core of units which provide you with a complete overview of biology, from the large to the small.
Core units in this year include:
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Biodiversity and Evolution
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology
- Perspectives in Biochemistry
- Experimental Biology
- Graduate Skills
Year two
In this year you will continue to develop your practical lab skills and begin to hone your research techniques, ready for your project in the final year. You will also have the option to study a foreign language. One of the highlights will be a week long intensive laboratory course in genetic engineering.
Core units in this year include:
- Cell Biology
- Genetic Engineering
- Macromolecules
- Biochemistry
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Development: Form and Function
- Microbiology
- Foreign Language
Year three
Alongside the more specialist topics below, you’ll undertake a novel research project or dissertation in an area of biochemistry or genome science that interests and excites you.
Core units in this year include:
- Gene Organisation and Expression
- Genes and Development
- Biomolecular Science
- Genomes in Molecular Medicine
- Individual Research Project or Dissertation
Teaching and Assessment
You will experience excellent teaching and learning support. There is a very hands-on practical element to this course and teaching takes a variety of formats. You will participate in workshops, computer classes, seminars and practicals in the teaching labs Also, our personal tutorial system ensures that you have someone to provide help with any academic or pastoral problems.
How are you assessed?
When it comes to assessment, you will have written exams at the end of every year. We will also assess you through coursework. Here’s how:
- coursework in the form of essays and practical write-ups
- presentations
- online multiple choice questions
- data analysis problems
- research project in the final year
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
Our research facilities are extensive and state-of-the-art
Laboratories
We are well equipped for practical teaching and research
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
Due to high external investment our research facilities are extensive and state-of-the-art. Here are a few examples of equipment you will be using:
- instrumentation for protein purification.
- X-ray diffractometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for determining molecular structures.
- confocal-laser and electron microscopes
- the latest equipment for genetic modification
Laboratories
We are well equipped for teaching and research in the diverse areas of modern biology. We have:
- microbiology and embryology laboratories (with high-tech imaging and gene analysis equipment)
- ancient DNA preparation and analysis laboratories
- water quality laboratory
- the European Xenopus Resource Centre
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
For my project I had all the equipment I needed - so we have a lot of PCR themocyclers, xray-crystalography, defractometors, NMR machines and SPR and ITC... using these machines gives you skills that you can use in a career later on.
Jack Phillips, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student 2013
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Graduates from this course can be found in many walks of life, from companies specialising in medical products, scientific equipment, lab supplies and disease diagnostics, to public health, crop improvement, cosmetics and forensic science. You may choose to train as school or college science teachers, or you may decide to enrol in medical school. You will have the skills to work for a diverse range of organisations including water authorities, wildlife trusts, small start-up companies, NGOs and even banks, finance and insurance companies.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- academic or industrial research scientist
- clinical scientist
- scientific writer
- postgraduate study leading to PhD
Work experience
Jump at the chance to study in Europe under the EU funded Erasmus scheme. We have strong links with many European universities and institutes, particularly in France Spain and Italy. The scheme runs during the second year summer break and gives an opportunity to complete your research project at the host institution.
Living abroad is the best way to learn a new language or improve existing skills. You will gain confidence, language skills, the ability to adapt to new environments and communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. Make yourself more attractive to employers in a global market and prove you’re not afraid to take on a new challenge.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
A lot of employers are looking for people with analytical degree-based pathways whether you are staying in research or not – personally I want to stay in research and the biochemistry degree here has set me up very well to do that.
Richard Martin, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry graduate
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more