Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This Biochemistry BSc gives you a firm understanding of the underlying principles for biochemicals reactions that occur within living organisms. There are key biological themes that create the core of this degree that includes biochemistry, genetics and microbiology.

  Year 1

  At Level 4 of our biochemistry uni course, you explore a variety of biochemical aspects, such as, bond formation and dissociation, energy storage and transfer, and the structure and function of micro- and macro- molecules. You also develop your practical skills as a biochemist engaging in laboratory-based learning and work with qualitative and quantitative biochemical data.

  Year 2

  At level 5, our processes of life module provides a conceptual approach to biochemistry while the applied chemistry module offers a more mathematical understanding, allowing multiple perspectives of biochemistry. You undertake the bioinformatics module before you then begin to develop your research proposals for your final year dissertation project along with optional modules in genetics and microbiology.

  Year 3

  In the final year of this BSc biochemistry course, you will do an independent dissertation project supervised by an academic tutor. In addition, you can explore contemporary issues in biochemistry and how diagnostic tests are applied in clinical contexts. If you are particularly interested in genetics, you might follow a bespoke pathway. That could start with ‘genetics and molecular biology’ in the first year before advancing to ‘genes and genomics’ in the second year and then completing your final year with medical genetics. Our Microbiology theme includes ‘Introduction to microbiology’ in your first year, Techniques in molecular biology in your second year and then pathogen biology in your final year.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

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• Accreditation

  Application for accreditation to the Royal Society of Biology is in process.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Biochemistry degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your biochemistry course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for our Bio Chem degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Placements

  A full, one academic ‘sandwich’ year is available to students between the second and third year modules. Staff can help you ascertain placements either; locally, nationally or even globally through their connections.

  There is also an optional 20 credit placement module in the final year. This module spans both first and second semesters and is ideal for a local placement, gaining experience without adding an extra year to your studies.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught?

  You will be taught in a variety of ways on this biochemistry degree; traditional face to face small seminars, online sessions through our virtual classroom, asynchronously and through additional support sessions.

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  You will typically have between 12-14 hours of taught content and an additional hour available with your designated tutor.

  How will I be assessed?

  Each of the 6 modules you study each year will have 2 items of assessment (essentially 12 assessment items each year). These range from; essays, posters, presentations, blogs, graded practical sessions, time constrained essays and exams.

  What jobs can I go into from studying this BSc Biochemistry course?

  Many graduates of the hard sciences tend to stay in the field, many go on to consider MSc or PhD, work for the NHS, laboratories, pharmaceutical industries and the education sector.

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