BSc Biochemistry
Queen's University Belfast
Key Information
Campus location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 23,100 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* subject to the availability of places
** international fee
Introduction
Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences industry. Biochemistry explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases, and enables ‘genetic engineering‘. Consequently the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology and biomedical research.
Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information.
The BSc in Biochemistry enables students to gain an understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry and the application of a range of practical laboratory skills. Students will explore the relevant analytical principles and techniques, and apply these in a research setting. You will understand collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve. Additional skills such as; personal and team skills, data management, presentation skills, career management planning and applying your degree in the workplace will also be covered.
Biochemistry Degree Highlights
Professional Accreditations
- Royal Society Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Ultimately this award highlights the academic quality of the course and its contribution in ensuring that its graduates meet employer needs by acquiring the necessary skill set of both technical and transferable skills.
Industry Links
- Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Almac, Warner Chilcott, Randox, Norbrook Laboratories, Altnagelvin Hospital and Belfast City Hospital.
Student Experience
- Final year research projects allow students to gain considerable research experience in one of the research laboratories at Queen’s University Belfast. Working alongside world-leading researchers enriches the students experience and assists them in pursuing a career in biochemical research.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Gallery
Accreditations
Student Testimonials
Career Opportunities
Studying Biochemistry at Queen‘s develops the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organizations, and academic institutions – particularly analytical and numerical skills.
Biochemists can gain employment in growth areas such as the biotechnology, food, and pharmaceutical industries, biomedical research, the NHS, and research and development in academia and industry. Approximately one-third of our graduates go on to further study before entering specialist employment.
Although the majority of our graduates pursue careers in the molecular life sciences, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors such as science communication, education, legal services, journalism, finance, and management.
The subject is also widely accepted for graduate entry to medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools – an increasingly common route into these professions, with many universities in the UK and Ireland offering four-year graduate programs.
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Scholarships and Funding
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fees and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Scholarships
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
International Scholarships
Curriculum
Course Structure
Introduction
The Biochemistry degree at Queen’s University Belfast, investigates the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information. Research-led teaching and the opportunity to complete an integrated Master programme, help prepare our students for a career in biochemical research.
Throughout Stages 1 and 2 of the BSc Biochemistry degree, practical classes in Biochemistry reinforce and complement the theory, providing students with the solid foundation on which to build upon for Stage 3.
BSc Biochemistry students can transfer to the BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies programme if they wish to take a year-long work placement and may be eligible to transfer to the same named MSci degree pathways provided they meet certain requirements. For 2016-17 this is a weighted mean mark of at least 60% at the end of Stage 2.
Stage 1
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bio-organic Chemistry
- The Molecular Basis of Life
- The World of Microorganisms
Stage 2
- Experimental Biochemistry
- Microorganisms in Action
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology 2
*Throughout stages 1 and 2 practical classes in Biochemistry reinforce and compliment the theory, providing students with a solid foundation on which to build upon for stage 3.
*At the end of Stage 2, BSc Students may be eligible to transfer to the same named MSci degree pathway provided they meet certain requirements. MSci students may also transfer to the BSc degree at any point in stages 1 and 2.
Work Placement
- Biochemistry students can complete an optional 16 week degree-related work placement
- Biochemistry with Professional Studies students will complete a one year, degree related work placement
Stage 3
- Industrial Microbiology (optional)
- Immunology and Immunotherapy (optional)
- Microbiome-Biotechnological applications and 'Omic manipulations
- Biomolecules in Health and Disease
- Research Project
Learning and Teaching
We provide a range of learning experiences on the BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies programme, to enable students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip you for life and work.
- Innovative Technologies and a World Class Library
Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are: E-Learning technologies, lectures, personal tutor, practical classes, research projects, self-directed study and work placement.
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
- The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. The majority are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. This is also available online on our School website.
Feedback
As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including:
- As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including: formal written comments, face to face comments, placement employer comments or references, online or emailed feedback, pre-submission advice, feedback and outcomes from practical classes, and others.
English Language Requirements
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