Northumbria University Newcastle - Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Northumbria University Newcastle

Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Biochemistry provides a foundation to our understanding of all cellular life. By combining aspects of biology and chemistry, this course studies modern biochemistry at the molecular level, to enable students to understand the biological processes that influence all living organisms.

  • The Biochemistry degree offered here at Northumbria University provides a foundation to our understanding of all cellular life.  
  • As a Biochemistry graduate, you will leave Northumbria University with the skills to prepare you for a future of life-long learning and a choice of careers, across a variety of scientific discipline areas including:
  • The chemical and pharmaceutical industries
  • Food and nutrition industries
  • Healthcare industry
  • Research and academia
  • The placement option on the course, which takes place between the second and final years, has allowed our students to work alongside industry leaders  such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Proctor & Gamble.

Entry Requirements

120 UCAS Tariff points:

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

Grade B in A-level Biology or Chemistry (with both Biology and Chemistry having been studied), or recognised equivalents.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career Prospects

As a Biochemistry graduate you will not only have gained expert, subject-specific knowledge, but you will have also secured a whole host of wider skills to support your future career choices. The interactive nature of this course, with its research informed teaching, alongside the final year project means graduates from the programme will have the edge they need to stand out within a competitive employment marketplace.  

Students who undertake a placement year are more likely to secure employment after graduating and the majority of students who embrace this opportunity find the insight into working life extremely worthwhile.The fact that 94.7% of Northumbria University students are in work or further study six months after graduation, speaks for itself (*DLHE Survey 2013/14). There are a wide-range of possible employment and study options post-graduation from the Biochemistry course.

Course Details

Students begin their course with an introduction to the range of subjects fundamental to the application of biochemistry, covering biological, medicinal and analytical chemistry, together with cell biology and genetics. First year students will actively participate in laboratory practical sessions, to assist their understanding of the theoretical material delivered in lectures.   

In the second year, students will further their knowledge and skills base across a range of topics integral to the study of biochemistry including human metabolism, molecular biology, cellular and molecular analysis, genetics, bioinformatics, organic chemistry and analytical methods. Prior to the third year, students can choose to complete a placement year either in the UK, or internationally. 

During the final year of the programme there is a chance for students to specialise their studies, when they undertake a year-long, laboratory based, research project in a particular biochemical discipline. The project is individual to each student and is designed to accelerate learning, technical ability and confidence.  Furthermore, students have the option to pick modules designed to suit their specific interests and begin to develop their own specialisms, the option choices include Genomics and Industrial Biochemistry and Bio-catalysis. 

Year One

Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Principles of Chemical Structure (Core,20 Credits)
Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)
Introduction to Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year Two

Principles of Cellular and Biomolecular Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)
Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Core,20 Credits)
Organic Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Analytical Methods (Core,20 Credits)

Year Three

Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year Four

Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)
Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)
Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Industrial Biochemistry and Biocatalysis (Optional,20 Credits)
Current Topics in Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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