Our Biochemistry course is focused on preparing you for a future career that makes a big difference. Studying at Aston gives you unrivalled hands-on experience, world-class facilities and specialist teaching.

In addition, your integrated placement year will give you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You can undertake placements in hospital, industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.

As a biochemist, you’ll help to comprehend and resolve biological problems through the use of molecular expertise and processes. You will help to lead the way in developing new thinking, techniques and technology in the fields of:

• medicine
• pharmaceutics
• biotechnology
• agriculture
• nutrition

International students and post-study work visa

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. For more information visit the government website.

For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.

Course overview

Biochemistry at Aston has been designed in conjunction with representatives from major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; as well as from our specialist biosciences researchers.

During your time on the course you could get to:

• Design your own practical experiments including producing and testing antibiotics.
• Research how cells communicate as part of our cell membrane research group.
• Take part in a Dragons Den style pitch for new innovations in biotechnology, aimed at solving current industrial problems.

Through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, you will gain key laboratory, analytical, computational and communication skills needed by the modern biochemist. We maximise the time you spend doing hands-on practical work in the lab using specially-designed online activities both before and after the lab sessions.

Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, field trips and work placements.

Assessment

You will be assessed throughout the course with wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as:

• examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple-choice questions)
• essays
• presentations
• laboratory reports
• project work
• computer based assessment.

The demand for qualified biochemists within the UK and across the world is rising. As a biochemistry graduate your future career could include developing new drugs, bio-fuels, methods of food production, and clinical practices. Many graduates also undertake further postgraduate study.

With a Biochemistry degree from Aston, you’ll have the theoretical grounding, industry know-how, and skills to have a successful career in a wide range of industries such as:

• Research and development
• Scientific communication
• Forensic science
• Biotechnology
• Patent law
• Sales and management
• Medicinal chemistry

Additionally, this course will prepare you for further learning including teaching qualifications, MSc, PhD or graduate entry medicine.