Gain a well-rounded education in biochemistry – working in award-winning laboratories and applying your learning to current societal issues such as health, drug discovery and sustainability.
Study life at cellular, molecular and chemical levels.
Combine biological and chemical modules, ranging from Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry to Medical Chemistry and Drug Synthesis.
Tailor your degree structure to your interests and career ambitions.
Learn how the latest scientific innovations are being used to have a positive impact on the world.
Work with our expert staff to complete your own cutting-edge research projects in our award-winning labs using industry standard equipment.
Take an optional placement year, enabling you to gather priceless hands-on experience in an industrial setting.

Our BSc Biochemistry course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry. As well as the option to take a year-long placement, you can adapt the degree to your career ambitions – choosing a biological or chemical focus. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.

Work placements

Between your second and final year of study you have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and professional skills that will give you a significant advantage at the start of your career. Or if you’re unable to commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter period of time during a summer placement (which can still contribute towards your degree).

Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.

By securing a placement with one of our industry partners, you will enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention. You can apply for placements in companies such as Reckitt Benckiser, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute or in research laboratories, universities and hospitals.

If you are undertaking a work placement in another European country, there may be the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.

Research projects

During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.

Networking opportunities

On top of your work placement, the course has excellent links to potential employers and previous graduates, allowing you plenty of opportunities for networking.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Through the study of modules including molecular biology, analytical science, cell biology and organic and biological chemistry you will gain an in-depth understanding of a breadth of biochemistry with the flexibility to choose optional subjects in your second and final years focussing your specialisms.

With a strong focus on employability throughout your course you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or postgraduate education providers.

You learn through

• lectures
• interactive workshops
• small group academic tutorials
• scenario-based laboratory classes 
• project work

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:

• medical research 
• clinical science
• analytical science
• scientific sales and marketing
• pharmaceutical research and development
• biotechnology industry
• scientific communication/journalism

Graduates have also progressed to further study on specialist masters courses and PhDs or have gone into teaching.

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for world-leading companies such as:

• senior study scientists in the Biological Immunoassay Department at Huntingdon Life Science, Cambridge
• food biochemists at Marks & Spencer
• analytical scientists at Covance and Reckitt Benckiser
• graduate scientists at stem cell production company Future Health

 

UCAS points

• 120

From A levels (including Biology and Chemistry with at least 40 points from one of these subjects) or equivalent BTEC National qualifications in applied science to include suitable biology and chemistry modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:

• BBB at A Level including Biology and Chemistry.
• DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered with relevant checmistry modules (please include units on application).
• BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant chemistry modules alongside other level 3 study.
• A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.

GCSE

• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent

• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Practical
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences	40	Coursework Exam
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Biochemistry And Genetics	20	Coursework
Principles Of Chemical Analysis	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Applications Of Analytical Science	20	Coursework
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry	40	Coursework Exam

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Immunology And Microbiology	20	Practical
Organic And Biosynthetic Chemistry	20	Practical

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry		Coursework

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Advanced Analytical Science	20	Practical
Applied Biochemistry	20	Coursework
Research Project	40	Coursework Practical

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Genetics	20	Practical
Advanced Chemical Synthesis	20	Coursework
Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine	20	Coursework
Applications Of Data Science	20	Coursework
Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery	20	Coursework
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology	20	Practical
Pharmacology	20	Exam