Biochemistry

Be part of the next generation of biochemists to make an impact on our world. Practical lab-based sessions and tutorials, culminating in your final year research project, will help you develop the necessary skills to launch your career.

Our course also features optional modules and opportunities which allow you to train with experts in a range of biological sciences, including genetics, neuroscience, biology and pharmacology.

Our courses

Why study with us?

84.3% of undergraduates from the School of Life Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21-2021/22)
Increase your employability by studying abroad at our campus in Malaysia or taking an optional placement year
Tailor your course to your unique interests with a range of optional modules
Excellent track record in student feedback on quality of teaching
A personal tutor is assigned to you to provide academic and pastoral advice throughout the degree
Excellent track record of students securing employment or postgraduate education
Laboratory experience begins in term one

Assistant Professor Stephen Gray and biochemistry student Scarlett talk about biochemistry at the University of Nottingham.

About our course

You will study in the Life Sciences Building on University Park Campus and the Medical School, which is embedded in the Queens Medical Centre. There is a footbridge linking the Medical School to University Park Campus, allowing easy access to facilities on both sites.

Your teaching will take place in a variety of different formats. Lectures are an important part of the biochemistry course. In addition, there are small-group workshops and seminars, plus computer-aided learning, and dedicated internet-based resources.

You will have access to extensive laboratory facilities enabling a wide range of molecular, biochemical, cellular, neurophysiological and behavioural studies to be undertaken.

Assessment

Assessment is through exams, coursework and research projects. The first year is a qualifying year, which you have to pass but which doesn't count towards your degree. Grades obtained in the following years make up your degree.

BSc or MSci?

The BSc courses will give you a sound understanding of biochemistry and provide you with a variety of employment opportunities, including postgraduate studies. The MSci allows you to further develop and extend your research skills, which will enable you to compete for the best postgraduate positions.

The broadly based scientific training provided by our degrees offers a diverse choice of career opportunities in areas including biological research, medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and agrochemical science, general chemistry, biochemistry and graduate entry medicine.

93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

On some courses there may be an opportunity to take a year out between years two and three to undertake laboratory work in a research institute, hospital or industry either in the UK or abroad – contact the school for details.

Study abroad opportunities

No matter your course, the majority of University of Nottingham students have the opportunity to have an international experience during their university career.

Nottingham has 200 university partners in 40 different countries spanning six different continents across three different exchange programmes. These include Inter-campus exchange, International exchange and International summer schools.

Discover more about our university-wide study abroad options.

Please note: In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Offers are usually made without interview. Please note that students with non-standard entry qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.

We follow the university's flexible admissions policy and take educational and personal circumstances into consideration.

Further details are available on our applying pages.

Watch the video below:

Join us and be guided by our Admissions Manager, Maryam. With her expert guidance, you'll discover some common myths we hear from potential students. From your reference worries to your predicted grades, and everything in between, Maryam clears up some key points you need to know to start your university experience.