Biochemistry

From finding new ways to save lives to tackling climate change, studying the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University will help you succeed in a subject which has never been more exciting, diverse, or important.

Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Biochemistry and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally.

Studying at Aston gives you hands-on experience, world-class facilities, and specialist teaching. In addition, your integrated placement year will give you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You can undertake placements overseas, in healthcare environments, industrial / research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.

As a Biochemist, you’ll help to comprehend and resolve biological problems using the molecular expertise and processes you will learn whilst at Aston. You will help to lead the way in developing new thinking, techniques, and technology in the fields of Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Nutrition.

What you will learn As a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student, you will learn the skills to work as a competent biochemist in various research, pharmaceutical, and healthcare settings, while gaining a deep understanding of molecular processes critical to advancing science and medicine.

Year 1 Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts.

Year 2 Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes, how proteins can be designed to perform specific function, as well as to use micro-organisms to generate proteins.

Placement year Gain valuable career-boosting experience during your integrated placement year by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.

Final year You will get to choose options which you find interesting, undertaking a substantial original research project, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post-graduation.

International students and post-study work visa Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. For more information visit the government website (https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa).

During your time on the course you could get to:

Design your own practical experiments including producing and testing antibiotics.

Research how cells communicate as part of our cell membrane research group.

This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.

Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at the admissions review stage.