Biochemistry with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course Summary

- 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.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn

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.

You’ll be taught by active researchers and scientific experts with a history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. We encourage a hands-on approach, with your learning linked to departmental research themes to make sure you’re learning at the forefront of science.

You’ll also have opportunities to undertake research projects at the end of each year, culminating in a final year 6-week project. This could be a lab-based biochemical or chemistry project, or focus on bioinformatics, big data, computational modelling, systematic reviews, educational development or scientific communication.

You learn through:

- In-person seminars and lectures

- Independent study

- Tutorials and academic adviser sessions

- Practical lab experiences with industry-standard equipment

- Placements and research opportunities

- Real life research projects

- The latest scientific software and data analysis tools

- Problem solving and group activities

Key themes

In your first year, you’ll learn fundamental life sciences before moving onto applied modules such as biochemistry and genetics, using the latest technologies including PCR, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics software. You’ll be trained in organic and physical chemistry and analytical techniques.

In your second year, you’ll study molecular and cellular biochemistry – training in the latest analytical and bioanalytical technologies and undertaking a laboratory project. You’ll get to choose a more chemical or biological focus too.

In your third year, you’ll study applied biochemistry and advanced analytical techniques, with elective choices such as advanced therapeutics and personalised medicine, medical chemistry and drug discovery, neuroscience and neurophysiology, and genetics. You’ll also work with staff to complete an independent research project.

Course support

Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:

- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.

- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.