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Biochemistry BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons) – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2022
Why choose this course
- Study a research-led curriculum that explores the fundamental processes of life at a cellular level, from simple existence to the coordination of billions of living cells, finding the answers to everyday questions like ‘Why do we feel ill after getting a flu jab?’
- Be taught by research-active biochemists who have expertise in genetic engineering, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology and more.
- Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements and work for pharmaceutical organisations, food suppliers, hospitals and biotechnology companies.
- Complete an integrated masters and a laboratory-based dissertation, exploring topics like antibody class switching in B cells and neurodegenerative diseases, in preparation for a technical research career in industry or academia.
- Get the academic and laboratory experience needed to be eligible to apply for associate membership with the Royal Society of Biology, once you’ve successfully completed the course.
A week in the life of a biochemistry student
Read moreWhat you will study
Biochemistry is at the heart of life and the explanation of all life processes. Both health and disease, and ageing and development are complex biochemical processes. By understanding more about these, we can generate more effective ways to help humanity. During the course, you’ll find answers to some everyday questions like:
- How can we protect ourselves from ultraviolet light?
- Is there a scientific basis to aphrodisiacs?
- Why do we feel ill after getting a flu jab?
- Why do we love chocolate?
As a biochemist, you’ll play a crucial role in the development of new treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, studying the chemical and physical principles of living things and biological processes.
During your first two years, you’ll develop a broad understanding of biochemistry, with opportunities to familiarise yourself with contemporary biochemical methodology and sample some of its most intriguing applications. You’ll choose a range of optional modules in bacteriology, biodiversity, neuroscience and virology.
In your third year, you’ll build on your biochemistry knowledge and select five optional modules, exploring topics such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, systems biology and toxicology. You’ll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical, and presentation skills you’ve developed.
Final-year research project
In the last year of your bachelors course, you’ll complete a research project. You’ll be provided with a list of research projects that supervisors are currently working on and you’ll get the opportunity to apply for six of your favourites, matching your interests to those of your lecturers.
Once you’ve been assigned a project, you’ll meet with your supervisor to discuss how to divide your workload into background research, laboratory work, data analysis and report writing. Your project will run over two semesters and you’ll be expected to spend a minimum of one full day, each week, working on it.
Previous students have had their work published in top-tier journals, including Biochemical Pharmacology, the European Journal of Neuroscience, the Journal of Virology, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), and Sleep.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £10 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, fitted with the latest industry equipment.
You’ll use the facilities to conduct a range of experiments and investigations, including the synthesis and analysis of aspirin. Your findings will help you understand molecular processes and their applications in more detail.
In your final year, depending on your research project, you may also get to use our dissertation laboratory.
Teaching staff
We have a research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by staff who are active researchers. These may include Dr Ian Bailey (an expert in toxicology), Dr Natalie Riddell (an expert in immunology and ageing) and Dr Sarah Trinder (an expert in pharmacology).
Taster lectures
Get a flavour for life as biochemistry student at Surrey, by watching some of our taster lectures:
- Drug development
- Emerging viral infectious diseases
- Genetic engineering
- Immunotherapies
- Tissue engineering of blood vessels
- Toxicology.
Integrated masters
With this course, you have the option to complete an integrated masters, which incorporates an additional research-focused year of study. This will prepare you for a technical research career in industry or academia, with many using this as a gateway to postgraduate research.
During the year, you’ll cover advanced techniques in biochemistry, learn how to effectively communicate scientific findings, and complete a laboratory-based dissertation, which will account for 50% of your studies. Current students are working alongside our researchers to investigate topics, including:
- Antibody class switching in B cells.
- Structural cells (fibroblasts) in heart tissue and their role in the contraction of the heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes).
- Neurodegenerative diseases (diseases characterised by the progressive death of areas of the brain).
Find out more about our masters projects and speak directly to our students, by reading our biochemistry project blog.
Foundation year
On this course, you can choose to study a foundation year, designed to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university.
As a foundation student, you’ll study full-time for one year at foundation level. During this time, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of molecular biology, chemistry and physiology, far beyond your previous studies, you’ll develop your laboratory techniques through a series of experiments, analysing the data you collect, and you’ll investigate a topic of your choosing. You’ll acquire an awareness of biochemistry and current areas of debate in the field, applying underlying theory and ethical considerations to your arguments.
We’ll support you with your learning, giving you opportunities to discuss your work through drop-in sessions and learning cafes, so you can access additional help as and when you need it.
After successful completion of this year, you’ll move onto your chosen version of this course.
Watch a short video with Programme Leader, Dr Robert Hatch, to discover more about the about our biochemistry foundation year, and find out more about our entry requirements, fees and how to apply.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
On successful completion of this course, you’ll have the academic and laboratory experience needed to apply for associate membership with the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). This membership entitles you to use the following post-nominal letters: AMRSB.
97% of our biosciences and medicine graduates go on to employment or further study.* Typical roles include:
- Research laboratory assistants
- Clinical data managers
- Clinical research associates
- Clinical trial associates
- Customer service analysts
- Pharmacy assistants
- Quality engineers.
Our alumni can be found in academic and industrial research laboratories around the world, with recent graduates working for the Institute of Cancer Research, inVentiv Health, Sanofi, Novartis and The Body Shop International plc.
The critical thinking, communication and molecular analysis skills you'll develop throughout the course are highly sought after by graduate schemes, especially in the financial sector. These skills are also ideal if you are looking to apply to graduate dentistry and medicine courses, or postgraduate research programmes.
With the array of transferrable techniques and expertise you’ll learn, you can consider alternative careers in other fields, like publishing and marketing.
*Graduate Outcomes survey 2020, HESA.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biosciences and Medicine.
Accreditations
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/21 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach. View detailed information on the changes.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATION YEAR FOR BIOSCIENCES | Compulsory | Year-long |
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Role plays
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by postgraduate research students. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including coursework, essays, examinations (essay questions and multiple choice), practical write-ups and presentations.
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
In your first year, you’ll have approximately 20-25 contact hours each week. You’ll spend a significant part of your first-year teaching in laboratory-based practicals. In your second year, this will be 15-20 contact hours and in your third year, this will be 15 hours, in addition to your research project.
If you’re on the integrated masters course, you’ll have 36 contact hours each week in Semester 1 and you’ll spend Semester 2 completing your research project.
If you’re completing a foundation year, you’ll spend a minimum of 32 hours a week studying, with 18 contact hours with your lecturers and the remaining time spent doing coursework, directed activities and independent study.
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you may be invited to an Applicant Day. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2022
BSc (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
UK To be confirmed
MSci (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
MSci (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Professional training To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2020/21 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £20 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory book, pen and padlock). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.
Grand total: £20
These additional costs are accurate as of September 2020 and apply to the 2021 year of entry. Costs for 2022 entry will be published in September 2021.
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Biochemistry placements
You can choose to work for a range of employers, including pharmaceutical organisations, food suppliers, hospitals and biotechnology companies, to practise and enhance your skills.
We also have an extensive number of partner institutions that offer placements exclusively to Surrey students, giving you access to research laboratories across the world. Our partner institutions include:
- Gothenburg University, Sweden
- Medical University of Lublin, Poland
- Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
- University of Turku, Finland
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
- University of California, San Francisco, USA.
You can also explore your transferrable skills by working in other fields, including scientific communications, marketing and data analysis.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Biochemistry students, Harry, Hayley and Josephine, talk about their placement at North Carolina State University.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH