BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Biotechnology

If you want to enjoy a practical study of one of the fastest-growing and most fascinating areas of human knowledge, then our Biochemistry course is for you. You’ll be taught by – and also get the chance to assist – brilliant scientists who are involved in groundbreaking research and new discoveries. Increasingly, biochemists and biotechnologists are playing a crucial role in genetic engineering and molecular bioengineering, as well as other areas of physiology and medicine.

Foundation Year (If Required)

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree, you can study this course as an ‘extended’ four-year program. You’ll begin with a foundation year, which will prepare you for a successful transition to the degree course a year later.

• Essential Skills for Higher Education (Mental Wealth) (Core)
• Essential Maths & ICT (Core)
• Career & Professional Skills (Mental Wealth) (Core)
• Human Biology (Core)
• Introduction to the Study of Cells (Core)
• Chemistry of Life (Core)

Year 1

• Professional Practice in Science (Mental Wealth) (Core)
• Cell Biology (Core)
• Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core)
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Core)
• Fundamentals in Microbiology (Core)
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Core)

Year 2

• Infection & Immunity (Core)
• Molecular Biology & Genetics (Core)
• Principles of Biotechnology (Core)
• Research & Career Development – Mental Wealth (Core)
• Cellular Biochemistry (Core)
• Organic Mechanisms of Synthesis (Core)

This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organization, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge. This placement year means it will take an extra year to complete your degree. There are also opportunities to complete shorter placements alongside your studies.

Year 3

• Applications of Biotechnology and Biochemistry
• DNA Analysis and Bioinformatics
• Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics
• Biopharmaceuticals

Optional Modules

Extended Research Project
Or
Single Research Project

Plus one of these:

• Natural Products and Discovery
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Clinical Biochemistry

Employability

You’ll be gaining a broad and varied grounding in biotechnology and biochemistry during your time with us, which means you’ll find a range of career possibilities opening up to you after graduating. You could go into laboratory-based work in a hospital or research institute, or work at an industrial or pharmaceutical lab. You might find you’re well suited for a role as a research and development consultant or use your knowledge to teach the next generation. If you follow this route, the University of East London is renowned for the quality of its postgraduate teacher-training courses. Alternatively, you may wish to continue studying biotechnology or biochemistry at the postgraduate level or study a related discipline such as nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry, medicine, or pharmacy.