Home

Biochemistry BSc

London, Bloomsbury
Biochemistry BSc (2022)

As one of the world's largest academic centres for research in biochemistry, UCL understands the most important skills needed for the next generation of experts in this critical area. In addition to equipping our students with the essential knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, we provide you with a uniquely real world research experience to ensure you gain experience of best practice practical application in an intellectually stimulating environment.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2022/23)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2022/23)
£29,400
Programme starts
September 2023
Application deadline
25 Jan 2023
UCAS course code
C700
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics required.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics required with grade A in Chemistry.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects to include Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematic, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics with a score of 6 in Chemistry and no score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAA. Chemistry required plus one from Biology or Mathematics.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher). Chemistry required at Advanced Higher and either Biology and Mathematics at Advanced Higher or Biology and Mathematics with one at Advanced Higher and the other at Higher.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics required.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Good

Show details

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

In the first year of the programme you will take compulsory modules that are similar to those taken in the first year of other biosciences programmes.

In year two all Biochemistry students take courses in Molecular Biology and Biomolecular Structure and Function. Those on the pure Biochemistry stream also take Metabolism and Physical Chemistry. Students electing to take the Molecular Biology pathway choose a mixture of Cell Biology and Immunity and Infection modules instead. All pathways give students an optional course too.

After year two, you may apply to transfer to the more research intensive MSci in Biochemistry, or the BSc with a Year in Industry, gaining invaluable experience in an academic or industrial research laboratory.

The compulsory modules in final year of the BSc Biochemistry programme will focus principally on deepening your knowledge and understanding of Molecular Biosciences, including carrying out an investigative research project.  The level of choice increases in year three allowing you to further specialise-you will have the opportunity to choose optional modules in different areas of Biochemistry and, depending on your choice of optional modules, an elective module in a subject area of your interest.

 

What this course will give you

At UCL we offer our students the opportunity to undertake two research projects in their third year - an advanced literature investigation and a lab based group project where students generate their own data. This process reflects how real world labs operate and better prepares our students for success in this arena.

Students benefit from a strong focus on computational analysis and have the opportunity to compare some of their research findings to similar studies from around the world. This reflects our focus on preparing our students for successful research careers.

Our strong links with members of the bioscience community in the Francis Crick Institute, Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK enhance the range of research opportunities for students.

The Darwin Research Facility provides state of the art centrifugation, cell culture, imaging and biomolecular structural analysis facilities and a drug discovery facility.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Full-time

Each year you will take a total of 120 credits, achieved through a combination of 15 or 30 credit modules.

In the first year all modules are compulsory, but in subsequent years options can be chosen so as to allow you to select areas that you are interested in and facilitate greater specialisation as you progress. Second and third year have a combination of compulsory and optional modules, with increased optional choices in third year. Third year incorporates two compulsory research modules. One is the dissertation which is a review of published literature, and as part of this module you will present your literature project investigations at the undergraduate research symposium. The other compulsory research module is a specialist group research project in either protein biochemistry or metagenomics.

 



Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules









Compulsory modules







Optional modules







Compulsory modules







Optional modules











Your learning

Biochemistry is a practical science. You can expect to spend a significant portion of your time either in wet laboratories, where you will handle chemicals and biological materials, or in dry laboratories, where computer simulations and exercises are carried out.

You will also take part in seminars, presentations, lectures and group tutorials. You will use an online virtual learning environment (Moodle) to support your studies.

You may transfer to BSc Biochemistry with year in industry on securing and completing a placement year in an industrial setting. These are optional competitive placements that are dependent on successful application to a placement provider. The placement is taken in third year and you return to campus in fourth year to complete your academic studies. Further information on this option is provided during your degree.

Assessment

Your assessment will include a combination of examinations, coursework, practical work, tutorial work and presentations. Many modules have in-course tests (web-based or written) and most modules have an unseen final examination.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

—

London and across the UK - Open day

UCAS Fairs and Events

UCL will be attending the UCAS fairs and events for 2022 in London and across the UK and we look forward to meeting you at one of these events.

—

Online - Open day

Undergraduate Virtual Open Days

Our virtual Open Days are an opportunity for students to learn about all our programmes of study and book onto live interactive sessions. The sessions will give you a unique opportunity to speak with admissions and academic staff and interact with current students. Our virtual site will go live on Monday 16 May where you can book onto sessions.

The foundation of your career

Our graduates have found roles in diverse fields such as toxicology, clinical biochemistry, drug and food research, industrial biotechnology, virus research and agricultural research. Some students have used their degrees to become school science teachers; others have entered fields such as science journalism, business management, accountancy, finance and business computing.

Employability

Throughout your degree you will acquire a range of specific and transferable key skills, including time management and planning, technical laboratory competencies such as manual dexterity and analysis of data, and skills in teamwork, critical reasoning, and decision-making.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2022/23) £9,250
Tuition fees (2022/23) £29,400

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/23 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2022/23 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.

Additional costs

Students will need to purchase a lab coat, approximate cost £10-20.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

A genuine and personal interest and curiosity in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology should be evidenced in your application.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

You will have the chance to talk to current students and staff about any questions you might have about studying biochemistry. As this degree programme is very challenging, it is vital to have a deep interest in the programme to succeed, and to convey this on your application. If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to attend an offer-holder event. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Request a printed prospectus Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Biosciences
Division of Biosciences

biosciences-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

This page was last updated 28 Sep 2021