(Full time) 2019 start
Biochemistry MBiol, BSc
Overview
Biochemistry sits at the heart of modern bioscience and has profoundly influenced many societal issues including the field of medicine. From understanding the molecular mechanism of disease, and ageing, revealing the intricacies of macromolecular structures to revolutionising forensics and the development of biofuels and biopharmaceuticals biochemistry has made a real impact. Biochemistry is an experimental, laboratory-based subject that applies the molecular approaches of chemistry to the wide range of biological systems that comprise life on earth, providing an understanding of the structure, function and processes that allow life at a molecular level.
You’ll learn from biochemistry experts at the forefront of their field, and develop the theoretical knowledge, practical, problem-based and analytical skills critical to your development as a scientist; all of which are highly respected and valued by employers.
This course will give you strong career options in a range of dynamic and expanding industries, including the (bio)pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Our integrated Masters offers you an additional year of specialist training. You’ll develop tailored biochemistry skills, undertake an extended project embedded in the research laboratory of one of our internationally renowned academics and study advanced biochemistry topics.
Course highlights:
Practical work extensive hands-on experience in with practical labs.
You’ll graduate with a valuable understanding of both the basic principles and latest developments in biochemistry.
Studying Biochemistry at the University of Leeds:
Switch degrees: You can swapon to a related degree course if your interests develop after completing the first year due to our common core modules
Wide Range of Modules: We can offer an exceptional range of modules in biochemistry and molecular technologies, and you'll gain a broader knowledge of cell biology, immunology and bacteriology.
Research opportunities: You’ll also get the chance to carry out your own independent research project in the second and third year; summer research internships with bursaries and opportunities through the Laidlaw scholarship programme.
Expertise: You’ll become part of a community of bioscientists, learning from experts whose research directly influences their teaching.
Travel and Work: You can take a study abroad or industrial work placement after your second year of study to enhance your CV and employability.
Accreditation: Our MBiol and BSc with Industrial Placement Year courses have been awarded advanced accreditation by the Royal Society for Biology.
Accreditation
Our BSc with Industrial Placement Year and MBiol courses have been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced degree accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders of the future. The advanced accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
Course content
In Year 1 you’re provided with an integrated foundation to the subject, including the key elements of biochemistry, which introduces molecular and chemical aspects of life sciences, including molecular genetics, the intricacies of cell structure and communication networks, macromolecular architecture and techniques which reveal life at the molecular level. Weekly small-group tutorials with your personal tutor are central to this course and provide you with an opportunity to discuss the subject and develop your scientific understanding. Through the practical classes, you’ll gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques and develop your data collation, analytical and report-writing skills.
In Year 2 the focus is on in-depth study of the major areas that underpin modern biochemistry, which covers biological membranes and cell signaling, genomics, theory and application of modern biochemical techniques and analytical methods used for research in Leeds (electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance), and molecular pathologies of human diseases, protein folding and genetic engineering. You will further develop your laboratory skills and take greater responsibility for your experimental design as you undertake a number of mini-projects. These include studying the effect of mutations on the chromophore of green fluorescent protein and drug discovery project where you will identify and test the potency of potential inhibitors of a therapeutic target protein.
At the end of your second year, you’ll have the option of taking a Study Year Abroad or Industrial Placement Year – a great way to enhance your experience and your CV.
In Year 3, you will develop specialist knowledge that will enable you to better understand current research in biochemistry and molecular biology. This is accompanied by lectures based on advanced topics which enable students to study subjects most relevant to their interests. These topics range from natural product biosynthesis, molecular oncology and computational biology to synthetic biology and enzymes for biofuels.
You will undertake an independent or group research project which further develops your analytical and communication skills. It will be a laboratory, literature or computer-based project, under the supervision of one of our expert research academics. The specialisation and depth of your final year studies, together with your involvement in choosing the direction of your studies leaves you well placed to pursue your specialist interests and future career.
Integrated Masters (MBiol)
The first two years of the MBiol course are identical to the BSc degree.
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to study advanced biochemistry topics and a skills module. You will undertake advanced research practical training, which develops tailored biochemistry skills and provides the opportunity to become familiar with the cutting-edge research facilities available at Leeds. In Year 3, you'll begin preparing for your extended research project which you take in Year 4 by undertaking a literature review of the subject.
In Year 4, you’ll undertake an extended research project in one of the research laboratories under the supervision of one of our academics, alongside studying specialist research topics and a skills module which aims to prepare you for life as a professional scientist.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - AAB
BSc:
A Level: AAA - AAB
Including Chemistry and another science subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
MBiol:
A Level: AAA
Including Chemistry and another science subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. S
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
-
Access to HE Diploma
D45 M0 P0 – D39 M6 P0.
Overall pass with 60 credits and a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, with distinctions in at least 39 graded level 3 credits including Biology and Chemistry units (15 units in each), and a merit in all the remaining graded credits.
We accept Access courses in Applied Science. We will also consider (depending on subject content):•Biochemical Sciences
•Biological and Envionmental Science
•Biological and Health Science
•Biological Sciences
•Biosciences
•Combined Sciences
•Environmental Science
•Life and Biological Science
•Life Science
•Medical and Health Science Professions
•Natural Sciences
•Physical & Natural Sciences.MBiol:
We do not accept Access to HE.
-
BTEC
BSc:
Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma qualifications are required to have A2 level Chemisty. Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A2 levels and at least one of these should be chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science. Offers would be grade A in the A2 level science subject and Distinctions in the BTEC qualification. An offer will be made dependent on the BTEC subject and module choices.MBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualifications. -
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 Chemistry plus another science subject.MBiol:
D3/D3/D3 including D3 in Chemistry plus another science subject. -
International Baccalaureate
BSc:
35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Chemistry and another science at higher level.
MBiol:
35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Chemistry and another science at higher level.
-
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 Chemistry and another science at higher level.MBiol:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H2 in Chemistry and another science at higher level.
-
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB-ABBBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Chemistry and another science. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
MBiol:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Chemistry and another science. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time students.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £22,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships
Career opportunities
As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.
Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.
A Leeds biochemistry degree is respected by employers from many different walks of life, particularly given the analytical, technical and numeric properties of the course. Our graduates have, for many years, experienced high employment rates and a high proportion quickly gain employment upon graduation. Our courses enable graduates to obtain employment in scientific and non-scientific careers alike. We emphasise the development of transferable graduate skills throughout our courses.
The majority of Leeds biochemistry graduates continue with postgraduate qualifications (higher than the national average), at Leeds or elsewhere; the large size of the department provides for 30 PhD positions each year. Others enter the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, paramedical, environmental and agrochemical sectors. Our graduates also progress into research institutes, academia, forensic science and hospital and public health laboratories.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- Account Executive, Criteo
- Formulation Scientist, Acheson + Acheson
- Line Supervisor, Capita
- Account Manager, GlaxoSmithKline.
Careers support
Dedicated employability team
We have a dedicated employability team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual Faculty Graduate Panel, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield Health, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Industrial placements are typically taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.
Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.