Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Course overview

Biochemistry brings together biology and chemistry to look at processes at molecular level, and is relevant to a range of disciplines including genetics, microbiology, forensics, plant science and medicine.

You can complete an optional work placement year as part of this degree course at no extra cost.

This course includes an integrated foundation year – ideal if you need additional preparation in the fundamental sciences and/or if you don’t have sufficient tariff points to join Year 1 of the degree directly. Apart from the foundation year, the remainder of this degree is identical to the programme BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and leads to the same level award.

You develop your knowledge and skills in subjects such as biotechnology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences and analytical techniques currently used by the industry, particularly the pharmaceutical and drug discovery sectors. It takes you on a journey of studying chemical compounds and reactions occurring in the cells of living organisms including the molecular and biochemical analysis of life processes. It makes you appreciate how different macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids) interact to create life.

You learn how gene expression is controlled and how it brings diversity in life, what goes wrong to cause metabolic diseases, how modern genetic tools and stem cells are at the cusp of bringing a revolution in gene therapy and healthcare. You also learn about microbiology, microbial diversity and how we counter infectious diseases. You are introduced to concepts such as drug resistance and its development.

Career opportunities

The UK is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and food companies. Biochemists work in areas such as research, product development, quality assurance and analytical science, marketing and sales within these sectors and in specialist roles in the hospital.

Teesside University takes advantage of its unique positioning and close proximity to institutions such as the James Cook University Hospital, Centre for Process Innovation and biopharmaceutical manufacturers such as Fujifilm Diosynth.