Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Become a professional scientist on this accredited degree. Explore the latest biochemistry techniques in our molecular biology labs and be eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you graduate.
Key information
UCAS code:
C700
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, including Biology or Chemistry, with 40 UCAS points in specific subjects
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Discover life at its most fundamental level.
On this BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), you’ll learn how biochemists fight disease, edit genomes, understand human and animal development and apply synthetic biology to current problems in biotechnology.
By exploring the latest scientific theory through lab training, you'll gain the skills and expertise to become a professional biochemist and apply for Associate Membership of the RSB on graduation.
Course highlights
- Experiment with the latest biochemistry techniques in lab practicals, such as protein purification and genome editing, both vital processes in the development of plastic-digesting enzymes and medical testing.
- Study genes and clone DNA in our molecular biology research labs, globally regarded as some of the best available at a university
- Learn from academics involved in trailblazing research at our Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare and Centre for Enzyme Innovation
- Get involved with the European Xenopus Resource Centre, one of the largest frog genetics resource facilities in the world
- Have the opportunity to study abroad on a summer research placement at a European university
- Undertake a work placement or study abroad year or experience a summer research placement
90%
Overall student satisfaction
(NSS, 2022)
Accredited by:
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Explore BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at Portsmouth
Discover how our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree course will equip you with the skills and experience you need to fight disease, edit genomes, develop new fuels, and understand human and animal development.
Colin Sharpe: What we do in biochemistry is we look at how cells and organisms are put together and how they work.
The thing that makes students want to study the course is an interest, not just in chemistry and not just in biology, but how these two relate to each other.
What is the process of life?
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Some of the topics that are covered in the course include looking at macromolecules, things like proteins, DNA and RNA and how they all interact.
Then, we move into cell biology, how cells work, and then we move on to systems like chemistry topics like immunology, microbiology and how embryos develop which also comes into biochemistry too.
I think one of the things that students enjoy most about this course is the laboratory practical work.
It's an opportunity to actually do the experiments, use equipment and make findings.
We have the possibility of doing a one year placement. Our students in the past have gone to some of the large pharmaceutical companies.
There are lots of career opportunities for biochemists.
We've had students who go to work for some of the big pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline. We've had students go to work for the big sequencing company Illumina.
Also for other smaller companies that are involved in protein engineering, as well as obviously working for the NHS in analytical laboratories.
Portsmouth is a great place to be. Lots of things going on.
A vibrant student community and also there are lots of things happening in the department too so it's a good place to come in and work as an undergraduate.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, including Biology or Chemistry, with 40 points from either A level Biology or Chemistry. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T level in Science
Applications with Merit can be considered, but applicants will require adequate qualifications in chemistry
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Your facilities
Biophysical laboratories
Use professional-standard equipment to explore how the structures and functions of molecules change under different conditions.
Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
We're exploring disciplinary boundaries to discover, understand and develop knowledge for the benefit of the environment and humankind.
European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC)
Discover the world’s largest Xenopus research facility and access different Xenopus specific resources, including antibodies, wild-type strains, DNA resources and egg extracts.
Studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at Portsmouth
Find out more about the facilities, lab equipment, research opportunities and career paths you could experience when you study BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at Portsmouth.
A video showing highlights of studying Biochemistry at the University of Portsmouth - a top 3 bioscience course (Guardian University Guide 2020), with pioneering facilities, world leading research, and graduate outcomes in many industries. (No dialogue.)
Careers and opportunities
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry within living things – everything from humans and animals, to plants and cells. It combines biology, chemistry and molecular analysis to develop new approaches within many scientific fields, including healthcare and medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and the environment.
This means there is a huge range of sectors you can go into with a biochemistry degree, and there will always be a high demand for your skills.
Once you complete your BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, you’ll be ready for a career in scientific research, forensic science or pharmaceuticals. With specialist modules like Business for Biosciences and Mechanisms of Development, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your niche.
In the UK, you could earn an average of £24 000 as a newly-graduated biochemist and an average of up to £50 000 with more experience.
What I loved the most about this course was being able to work among senior scientists and assist in investigations addressing global issues and human diseases.
What can you do with a biochemistry degree?
There are many career paths a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree can lead you to.
Previous students have gone on to do valuable work in fields such as:
- industrial research
- academic research leading to a PhD
- biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- science teaching
- the health service
- scientific writing and the media
Graduates have gone on to work in roles including:
- research scientist
- sequencing and validation scientist
- research and development leadership programme scientist
- pharmaceutical data analyst
- site intelligence specialist
- phlebotomist
Graduate destinations
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work in include:
- Pall Europe
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies
- MedPharm
- Celgene
Placement year (optional)
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Summer research placement
You'll also have the opportunity to apply to a study exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement at a European university.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
There is a lot of practical work which helps me to learn, as you can put into practice what you have learnt in your lectures and see it first hand.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits, usually 20 or 40.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
On this course you'll:
- Outline the mechanisms underlying the process of evolution.
- Recall how biodiversity has evolved over Earth¿s history.
- Outline the Tree of Life and how phylogenetic relationships can be reconstructed.
- Summarise the characteristics and evolution of archaea, bacteria, fungi, algae and protists.
- Define the evolutionary relationships between and within major metazoan phyla and list their features.
- Summarise the evolution of land plants and list the features of major groups.
On this course you'll:
- Acquire core laboratory practical skills, recognise that safety procedures must be complied with in the lab, identify and implement good laboratory practice (GLP)
- Demonstrate skills in statistical methods, including: mean, mode, median, STdev, data management, statistics programs, regression correlation, Chi-squared, T-test and ANOVA methods.
- Be able to rigorously communicate experimental findings in written form, and appropriately place them within the wider context of relevant scientific literature.
On this course you'll:
- Develop competency in scientific communication using written and verbal means.
- Demonstrate competency in basic numeral, algebraic, and calculus skills and their application to problem solving in theoretical and practical biology.
- Recognise basic chemical notation and demonstrate ability to understand and describe key biologically significant chemical reactions and mechanisms.
- Identify techniques / resources to help with the transition to studying at university and consider on-going personal development needs.
On this course you'll:
- Describe and explain the origins of eukaryotic cells.
- Describe the biochemistry and cellular function of lipids , nucleic acids and proteins.
- Describe and explain the endomembrane system and its role in the synthesis of secreted protein.
- Describe and understand the basic laboratory techniques to analyse specialised cells in multicellular eukaryots.
On this course you'll:
- Become competent in basic microbiology laboratory skills, such as aseptic technique, preparation and maintenance of pure cultures, Gram-staining and microscopy.
- Define the main types of microbiology culture media and identify the main methods of sterilisation and decontamination.
- Describe and understand the main concepts of microbiology, including diversity of microbial life, pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms, microbial growth requirements, control of microbial growth, diversity and replication of viruses
- Recall and understand the structure and organisation of genetic material and explain the mechanisms of inheritance.
- Describe and understand the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
- Recall and understand the control of cellular processes at the molecular level and the nature of genetic damage and its repair.
On this course you'll:
- Describe key experimental approaches that have been used to understand the roles of various biological molecules.
- Demonstrate appreciation of the scientific method as displayed by Nobel prize winning research.
- Demonstrate familiarity with a range of important biochemical terms and ideas.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic chemical concepts and application of data analysis.
Core modules
On this course you'll:
- Reinforce theory of tissue staining, observation and description and Western blotting using antibodies.
- Explain the mechanisms involved in cell communication.
- Illustrate the cellular and genetic mechanisms of cell-cycle regulation.
- Illustrate the cellular and genetic mechanisms of differentiation.
- Illustrate the cellular and genetic mechanisms of cancer.
- Review the cellular mechanisms of immunity.
On this course you'll:
- Develop a critical understanding of the structure and function of enzymes.
- Analyse enzyme kinetics from practicals and workshops.
- Develop a wide and deep understanding of key metabolic processes.
- Build practice and experience of finding, intepreting and communicating information on enzymes.
On this module you'll:
- Demonstrate appraisal of the main theories behind and evaluate data generated from, a typical gene cloning and protein expression experiment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theory behind methods for generating transgenic organisms and their applications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical skills and theory behind gene cloning and protein expression techniques by presenting the data obtained in a group presentation format with individual questioning of each student.
- Discuss the principles of protein structure and discuss the relationship between structure and function
- Discuss the principles and practice of macromolecular purification
- Discuss the principles and practice of protein characterisation.
On this course you'll:
- Plan the experimental approach for a scientific investigation, including ethics and risk assessment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in research skills.
- Analyse and interpret scientific data.
- Demonstrate comprehension in molecular biology methods.
Optional modules
You’ll rapidly build knowledge across disciplines like marketing, finance and project management. You'll become equipped to evaluate and pursue new commercial opportunities.
Working in teams, you’ll practice skills from communication to negotiation by developing plans for a prospective venture, receiving expert insights from practitioners along the way. With assessments focused on conceiving and presenting an impactful business case, you’ll strengthen abilities to persuade with data-backed reasoning.
Developmental Biology investigates the development of multicellular organisms throughout their lifespan, from the start of life and the emergence of the first organs to the changes in external appearance and organ function as well as organ repair and regeneration in the adult. Over the last nine decades, research in the field of developmental biology has led to major discoveries (and Nobel Prizes) and has spurred substantial medical progress (IVF, gene- and stem cell-based therapy, understanding of cancer). However, this progress has also sparked controversy (e.g. on therapeutic cloning, eugenics, xenotransplantation) and has shaken views on human identity and evolution.
You'll explore how, after fertilisation, functional organs and the adult body form emerges in the embryo, and you'll discuss how deviations from these developmental processes may result in major birth defects. You'll also investigate how cells and stem cells repair organs in the adult.
The content of the module will be delivered in lectures and workshops. In addition, you'll learn the basic practical skills of how to handle small samples under a microscope. The workshops support critical and independent thinking about the taught topics and re-emphasise the abstract concepts in developmental biology. In addition, the workshops and the second practical/demo in lecturers' research labs will discuss how scientific discoveries in developmental biology have been made and are being made today, and how we ensure that research aligns with the requirements of research ethics.
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
On this course you'll:
- Show competence in safe and effective handling of microorganisms in the laboratory and be able to independently obtain, analyse and evaluate data.
- Understand the differences between bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses, appreciate their diversity and different roles in environmental processes, global health and disease.
- Synthesise knowledge of microbial metabolic activities and the environmental effects in functional microbial ecology.
- Recall and understand microbial physiology and growth, and how this effects the environment and industrially relevant applications.
- Critically evaluate and reflect upon the evolution and phylogeny of microbial life.
- Develop an awareness of critical environmental issues in microbiology - such as nutrient cycle alterations associated with climate change and antimicrobial resistance in food chains.
Core modules
On this course you'll:
- Explain the mechanisms by which eukaryotic gene expression can be regulated at different level.
- Diagram processes and concepts in gene regulation.
- Outline methods to investigate gene regulatory mechanisms.
- Evaluate the contribution of the various processes to the regulation of gene expression.
- Compare different approaches for analysing genome organisation and gene expression.
- Interpret experimental data in eukaryotic genome organisation and gene expression.
On this course you'll:
- Critically evaluate strategies to sequence human genomes.
- Evaluate the application of genomics to the analysis of normal and diseased gene function.
- Explain the concept of the transcriptome and the epigenome and how it is used to explain genetic disease.
- Analyse the wider application of genome analysis to complex, polygenic diseases and inherited traits.
On this course you'll:
- Display a working understanding of protein modelling and engineering
- A critical appreciation of the means to investigate biomolecular interactions.
- Critically appraise the methods for determining biomolecular structure at atomic-resolution.
- Describe the significance of, and investigations into, biomolecular kinetics.
Supported by your Academic Tutor, you'll select and manage information and competently undertake research tasks. You'll assess health and safety, the ethical considerations in pursuing independent research, and critically evaluate your findings against knowledge in available academic literature.
You'll learn to discuss and communicate your key findings found from your research and write a dissertation in accordance with academic conventions.
Optional modules
On this course you'll:
- Compare and contrast the major developmental mechanisms in embryos from a range of model organisms.
- Assess the relationship between developmental biology and evolution.
- Propose appropriate experimental systems to investigate specific problems in developmental biology.
- Analyse and interpret data relating to developmental biology
- Critically assess the main lines of reasoning in landmark papers in development biology.
- Identify and access relevant literature and information sources including online databases.
On this course you'll:
- Understand the nature and interactions of whole microbial communities in environmental and host systems
- Gain an overview of modern approaches & techniques to study microbes in their natural habitats
- Appreciate the critical functions of microbes in key Earth and host systems
- Acquire basic skills in bioinformatic/computational analyses of microbiome data
- Prepare a written report of a laboratory investigation, incorporating a critical discussion of the findings and supported by background research
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
- coursework, essays and write-ups
- presentations
- online exams
- data analysis problems
- research project
- written exams
- multiple choice tests
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- workshops
- lectures
- computer classes
- seminars
- practical lab work
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Biochemistry degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and guided independent study sessions for about 13.5 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – C700
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.