Queen's University of Belfast - Medical Faculty
BSc in Biochemistry with Professional StudiesBelfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,300 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and international student
Key Summary
Introduction
Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences industry. Biochemistry explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases, and enables ‘genetic engineering‘. Consequently, the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology and biomedical research.
Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information.
The BSc in Biochemistry with Professional Studies enables students to gain an understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry and the application of a range of practical laboratory skills. Students will explore the relevant analytical principles and techniques, and apply these in a research setting. You will understand collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve. Additional skills such as; personal and team skills, data management, presentation skills, career management planning and applying your degree in the workplace will also be covered.
Biochemistry with Professional Studies Highlights
- Industry Links
- Professional Accreditations
- Student Experience
- Further Study Opportunities
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
We offer prestigious, competitive scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees to new international students. You must have an offer to study a full-time course with us in 2024 to apply for a scholarship.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
- Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
- Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
- World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry (20 credits)
Year 2
- Cell Biology (20 credits)
- Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis (20 credits)
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 (20 credits)
- Advanced Cell Biology (20 credits)
- Experimental Biochemistry (20 credits)
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II (20 credits)
Year 3
- Professional Studies (120 credits)
Year 4
- Immunology and Immunotherapy (20 credits)
- Biomolecules in Health and Disease (40 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
- Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations (20 credits)
Year Out
Biochemistry with Professional Studies students undertake a one-year, degree-related work placement (year out) between Stages 2 and 3.
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
How you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. The majority are assessed through a combination of coursework and end-of-semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. This is also available online on our School website.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Studying Biochemistry at Queen's develops the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organizations, and academic institutions, particularly analytical and numerical skills.
Biochemists can gain employment in growth areas such as the biotechnology, food, and pharmaceutical industries, biomedical research, the NHS, and research and development in academia and industry. Approximately one-third of our graduates go on to further study before entering specialist employment.
Although the majority of our graduates pursue careers in the molecular life sciences, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors such as science communication, education, legal services, journalism, finance, and management. The subject is also widely accepted for graduate entry to medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools an increasingly common route into these professions, with many universities in the UK and Ireland offering four-year graduate programs.
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, but you'll also have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
Contact Teaching Hours
Personal Study
- 28 (hours maximum)
- For private study and writing assignments each week
Large Group Teaching
- 12 (hours maximum)
- Typically around 9 hours teaching [3 hours for each subject/module studied – see later information on course content] and 3 hours practical each week.
Learning and Teaching
We provide a range of learning experiences on the BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies programme, to enable students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work.