Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

The course Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental processes of life. Biochemists seek to answer questions about life events, health and disease, the natural environment, materials and compounds, using scientific techniques developed in chemistry and biology. From an initial grounding in first year of chemistry, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, pharmacology and human physiology, you progress to an understanding of the complex biochemical processes that form the basis of life.

Second and final year study include modules on metabolic biochemistry, analytical techniques, gene regulation, applied and integrated biochemistry and an individual research project. On these modules you discover how biochemistry affects the quality of our lives, from the discovery of new drugs and the design of new medical treatments, to the industrialisation of laboratory processes. Our links with industry provide you with fantastic opportunities to gain valuable experience during the placement year

Work placement/Year abroad You can choose to spend your third year on a supervised work placement, which can give you an extra qualification - the Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute. They usually last for a year with recent placements based in government and charity funded research institutions, the biotechnology industry, healthcare companies, agrochemical, pharmaceutical and biosciences companies, environmental agencies and the NHS. Placements are mainly based in the UK, but there are sometimes opportunities overseas.

Alternatively, you can choose to spend the year studying at one of our partner universities in Europe or North America. This can help develop your language skills as well as giving you the chance to learn new approaches and techniques, which may differ from the UK.

Career opportunities Graduates can find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries as well as in industrial, academic and charity funded research. Some graduates also go on to work in health care, education and environment agencies.

Find out more about the School of Life and Medical Sciences on go.herts.ac.uk/lms

UCAS Code: C1CR BSc/Bioc Biochemistry C700 BSc/Bio Biochemistry (with a Year Abroad)

Entry Requirements: 280 UCAS points to include 2 science GCE A Levels one of which must be a grade C in chemistry (Acceptable science A levels are Biology, Human Biology, Psychology, Geography, Maths and Physics). BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a minimum DMM profile to include a minimum of 6 chemistry-titled units at merit or above. Plus GCSE English language, mathematics and double science (or 2 single sciences) at grade C or above.

Course Length: Full time 3 years

Work placement/ year abroad 4 years

Part-time normally 5 years.

Course Fees: Please visit our website go.herts.ac.uk/fees

Professional Accreditation: On graduation, you will be eligible for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry and membership with the Society of Biology.

Web Address: go.herts.ac.uk/C1CR

How to Apply: Applications are through UCAS – go.herts.ac.uk/apply

The degree as a whole has allowed me to demonstrate my true potential as a young scientist and has provided a strong platform for my future career in scientific research.

Brett O’Brien, BSc Biochemistry

FD3131p/PD/JAN13