Assistant Professor in Food Material Science and Professor of Applied Biochemistry in NCHM using the Analytical ultra centrifuge instrument, reviewing data on antibiotic formula.

Biochemistry BSc

Medical School Building and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you fascinated by the molecular fundamentals of life and the chemical processes occurring in living organisms? If you are, then biochemistry is the degree for you.

Biochemistry is a science which seeks to understand how cellular activity determines organism level outcome. You will learn how the regulation of gene expression and protein function controls every aspect of cell behaviour, from cell division and cancer to cellular metabolism, obesity, protein degradation and neurodegenerative disease.

With practical experience from term one, you will be trained by scientists who are leaders in the fields of biochemistry and the molecular basis of disease. This teaching will ensure you graduate Biochemistry BSc with the core skills needed to be successful in your future profession with potential careers from laboratory scientist to data analyst, patent law and teaching.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Skills in Biochemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Genes, Molecules and Cells

Mandatory

Year 1

Fundamental Inorganic and Organic Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Life on Earth

Optional

Year 1

Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Optional

Year 1

Human Physiology

Optional

Year 1

Molecules of Life

Mandatory

Year 2

Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins

Mandatory

Year 2

Signalling and Metabolic Regulation

Mandatory

Year 2

Structure Function and Analysis of Genes

Mandatory

Year 2

Higher Skills in Biochemistry

Optional

Year 2

Intermediate Organic Spectroscopy and Stereochemistry

Optional

Year 2

From Genotype to Phenotype and Back

Optional

Year 2

Intermediate Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Macromolecules and Macromolecular Assemblies: Structure, Analysis and Advanced Microscopy

Optional

Year 2

Infection and Immunity

Optional

Year 2

Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Mandatory

Year 3

Biochemistry Research Project

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Optional

Year 3

Chemical Biology and Enzymes

Optional

Year 3

Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Microbiology and CRISPR Systems

Optional

Year 3

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Optional

Year 3

The Dynamic Cell

Optional

Year 3

Life History of Proteins

Optional

Year 3

Biochemistry of Cancer

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity

Optional

Year 3

RNA Biology and CRISPR Technology in Cell Function and Disease

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 2 July 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

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.

Teaching methods

  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Small group learning
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • eLearning

Assessment varies on the module being studied but typically is a combination of the types below. Exams happen twice a year at the end of each semester. Find out more about our teaching on our school website. 

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Formative assessments
  • Lab reports
  • Literature review
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical write-ups
  • Presentation

On average there are 20 hours contact time with staff per week. Each hour of contact time should be followed with approximately 1-3 hours* of self-directed study.

*increases with progression

Core hours of directed learning are 9 am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with Wednesday afternoon reserved for sports and other societies. Occasionally lectures are held from 5-6 pm. Classes start on the hour and should finish by 45 minutes past the hour, to enable students and staff to get to their next engagement. All lectures are recorded for inclusion and for revision purposes.

On completion of the course, you will have developed a thorough understanding of the fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Your research skills will be at a level that allows you to compete for the best postgraduate positions. Throughout the course you will have built up a range of transferable skills in presentation, interpretation and criticism of scientific data. These are all skills valued by employers.

Job roles

  • Audit trainee
  • Business analyst
  • Doctor (with a further Graduate Entry Medicine degree)
  • Food analyst
  • Laboratory analyst
  • Medical laboratory analyst
  • Pharmacovigilance services
  • Police constable
  • Other management roles
  • Scientist within the biotechnology sector
  • Scientific communication
  • Technical assistant
  • Trainee cellular pathologist
  • Teacher

Find out more about the career options available to biochemistry graduates, including recent Nottingham graduate destinations by visiting our careers page.

Average starting salary and career progression

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.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Course data

Open Day June 2022