BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Chemistry

On this combined honors course, you’ll be studying life at the molecular level, investigating some of the most exciting areas of contemporary life science and medical research. You might explore the secrets of the human genome or the individually tailored molecular therapies of the future. Particular emphasis is placed on human and mammalian biochemistry, especially relating to health and disease.  Keele’s excellent teaching and research explore a wide diversity of chemistry, helping you to develop subject knowledge and transferable skills in a supportive learning environment. You’ll develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You can tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research. You’ll have hands-on experience with scientific instruments and techniques, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You’ll learn to use chemistry in problem-solving and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively.

Year 1

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Biochemistry
• Core Practical Skills
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills
• Chemical Structure and Reactivity

Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Gene and Protein Engineering
• Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology
• Practical Skills in Bioscience
• Metabolism in Health and Disease
• Cell Signalling
• Molecular Chemistry and Reactions
• Spectroscopy and Analysis (Combined Honours)
• Physical and Structural Chemistry (Combined Honours)

Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Bioinformatics and Science Communication
• Topics in Chemistry

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Structural Biology & Macromolecular Function
• Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Advances in Medicine
• Human Parasitology
• Double Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
• Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) – ISP
• Cancer Biology
• Medical Glycobiology (Level 6)
• Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry, and Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
• Advanced Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation

Employability

When you graduate, the broad and detailed understanding of biochemistry you’ll have developed at Keele will open up a range of appealing career options. You could choose to work in a directly related field, perhaps as a clinical biochemist, medical bioscientist, forensic scientist, research scientist, toxicologist, or science teacher. Or you might branch out a little further, and become a health and safety inspector, training standards officer, science writer, or technical author. The many opportunities offered by this course will equip you to confidently and skillfully pursue your chosen career. You might work in industry, research or education; you could choose to become a chemical engineer, research scientist, toxicologist, patent lawyer, analytical chemist, or technical writer.

Recent Employers 

• 2030 Labs Ltd
• Ashfield Healthcare Communications
• Astro-Zeneca
• Guy Hilton Laboratory
• LGC
• NHS
• Vision Express
• Pharmaron UK Ltd
• Johnson Matthey
• GSQ
• Endeavour Speciality Chemicals Ltd
• Education First
• Halifax
• IBM