Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award
Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Why choose this course?
Do you want to contribute to work that could help solve many of life's biggest challenges? This course will help you understand the molecular processes that control life, from molecules (such as DNA and proteins) and cells, to the complex structures of whole organisms.
In your final year, you'll select from options such as Advanced Analytical Science, Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases. Choosing a specialist topic that inspires you, you'll have the opportunity to work on an independent research project.
You'll acquire the knowledge and technical skills to work in a wide variety of roles, including those in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. You'll also be able to go on to do further research and contribute to our understanding of how biochemistry underpins all human life.
This course is currently being revalidated for 25/26 entry. We are reviewing our modules to enhance the student-centred learning experience. This includes updating course content to meet industry needs and ensuring you develop the skills needed to become a future-proof graduate.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | C700 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time with professional placement | C701 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | C708 | 2025 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2025 |
Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). You'll receive one year's free associate membership once you graduate.
- You'll gain extensive practical experience in laboratories that have recently had a £6.8 million investment.
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This course received overall satisfaction of 90.9% in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022.
What you will study
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 1 provides you with a firm foundation in the biological and chemical principles on which life is based. You will gain a comprehensive overview of biochemistry, from the atomic level to that of the whole body. Subject areas include the fundamentals of chemistry, cells and tissues, genetics and molecular biology. A scientific and practical skills module will also introduce you to important laboratory techniques and the necessary mathematics, statistics and IT required by biochemists.
Core modules
Genes, Cells and Tissues
30 credits
This module introduces you to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and a variety of microorganisms. Core factual material is provided in keynote lectures and supported via material available via CANVAS. Laboratory practicals give you the opportunity to learn selected current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbial organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to modules at levels 5 and 6 that develops further knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.
The Biochemical Foundations of Life
30 credits
Learn how the building blocks of life work together to create complex molecules that sustain us. Explore the role of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in our bodies, and how they are broken down and used for energy.
Foundation Chemistry
30 credits
This module will refresh your foundation knowledge of the core chemistry concepts required for progress within the field of pharmaceutical science and biochemistry. It includes atomic and molecular structure within various bonding models, the principles of functional group interconversions and synthesis. You will also be introduced to the laws of kinetics and thermodynamics and apply them to simple chemical and pharmaceutical systems.
Scientific and Laboratory Skills
30 credits
This first year module provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.
Accreditation Skills Portfolio 1
0 credits
This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical laboratory skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.
Year 2 introduces some of the more specialised aspects of biochemistry. You will gain a detailed knowledge of protein function, structure and analysis; the major metabolic pathways; organisation and physiology of cells including cell signalling; genes and their expression; pharmacological principles; and the application of research methods. You will also explore a range of bioanalytical techniques employed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Core modules
Proteins and Metabolism
30 credits
Learn about the structure and function of proteins, including enzymes. Explore how organisms obtain and use energy, from a molecular level to how these processes help in the regulation of health and disease.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
30 credits
This is a core module taken by student in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route), Pharmacology, and is an option module taken by Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences (General route)
The module builds on topics covered in LS4001 (Genes, Cells and Tissues) and explores more advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides insight into the structure and function of cells, and takes an integrated approach to looking at how cells respond to changes in their environment - from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.
Formal lectures are supported by laboratory classes, tutorials, workshops, independent study and further resources available on Canvas. The module also includes opportunities to develop both data-handling and written skills.
Microbiology
15 credits
This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of microbiological agents in health and disease. Through the lectures several microbiological processes will be examined along with methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well as within a patient.
Research Methods and Skills
15 credits
This module aims to further develop the scientific, research and Future Skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate the application of these skills to the broader discipline and beyond. You will be provided with the opportunity and encouragement to apply original and unconventional ideas, to be imaginative, and to tackle problem-solving using techniques that develop individual and group creativity, using design thinking and scientific method.
You will also develop core research skills such as locating and evaluating relevant scientific literature, enhancement of scientific writing skills, and managing, analysing and presenting data, using software such as Excel and R. You will also learn about the impact of your discipline on ethical, sustainable, and societal issues along with being able to communicate your outputs and findings.
Analytical Science
30 credits
This module introduces you to the applications of analytical science within analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and the pharmaceutical sciences. It allows you to build your knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning. You will learn the principles of the stages within the analytical process model, including understanding sampling methods, sample preparation, errors and statistics and data recording in analytical science. This module will enable you to select and optimise appropriate analytical methods to solve problems in biomedical, forensic and pharmaceutical cases.
Accreditation Skills Portfolio 2
0 credits
This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.
Year 3 has specialist modules in Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science and Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics, with a choice between Advanced Analytical Science and Clinical Chemistry & Haematology. You will undertake an independent research project providing an opportunity to research a topic of your choice within your specialism as either a laboratory, data project or a systematic review.
Core modules
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (Genetics & Molecular Biology route), and may be taken as an option by Forensic Biology and Pharmacology students.
This module introduces you to the processes involved in maintaining genome stability, causing genome variability and controlling the coding potential of the genome. Mutation, recombination and transposition, and the interplay between them, are examined as causes of genome instability. The impact of genome instability/change upon gene expression, and its control, links these two main themes of the module. The module also introduces you to bioinformatics and sequence analysis. The use of sequence databases and analysis tools permits the analysis of gene/genome variability, along with the patterns of variability and conservation of sequences. This strand of the module gives an introduction to an area of increasing importance in many areas of bioscience research, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.
Core factual material is provided via lectures, including demonstrations of the databases and analysis tools in the case of the bioinformatics elements, with additional resources being placed on Canvas. Over 50% of the teaching time in the module is spent on computer and laboratory practical work.
Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Environmental Biology; Medical Biology; Genetics and Molecular Biology), Medical Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.
This module will provide you with insights into the scientific basis of recent technological advances in biomolecular science through selected examples of contemporary scientific research and their impact on society. It will build on key knowledge, consolidated at Levels 5 and 6, to demonstrate the application of theory to current research, developments in bioindustry and the effect of advancements on society. The scientific areas selected are designed to stimulate topical debate and are blended as a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. The interaction of science and the media, public engagement, and how these can guide scientific policy will also be discussed together with the challenges facing today's bioindustry, including the role of intellectual property rights, bioethics and enterprise. Employability and enterprise are embedded to develop your scientific and professional skills.
Project (Bioscience)
30 credits
You will complete your own independent research project, with the guidance of an academic supervisor. There are several types of projects you can choose from, such as a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, questionnaires, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, comparison and original presentation of reported research data.
You will review and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to predict and answer a research question, and produce a written report.
Accreditation Skills Portfolio 3
0 credits
This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.
Optional modules
Advanced Analytical Science
30 credits
This is a core module of MPharmSci (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science and MChem (Hons) Chemistry and an option for BSc (Hons) Chemistry and BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science students. It takes forward the themes of spectroscopy that were introduced in the previous modules and develops a more rigorous theoretical footing and advanced applications. In parallel to this, analytical themes are introduced covering radiochemical analysis, electroanalysis and thermal analysis.
Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases
30 credits
This is a core module for Pharmacology and an option for other Life Science degree courses, namely Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route) and Biochemistry.
This module provides an opportunity to learn about the various chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of both infectious and neoplastic disease. Treatments for infectious diseases will cover drugs that have actions on bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, while the neoplastic disease therapy will include a range of different cancers, including both solid and blood cancers. The lectures will focus on the mode of action, side effects and mechanisms of resistance of both antimicrobials and anti-cancer drugs.
Clinical Chemistry and Haematology (Blood Sciences)
30 credits
You will evaluate the contribution of laboratory investigations to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in key areas such as renal disease, diabetes, anaemia, and haematological malignancies. Topics are introduced through a structured lecture series and further explored in practical laboratory sessions. Case histories are used to illustrate current best practice, reinforced by keynote lectures from expert practitioners in the field.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Kingston University graduates from this programme will receive one year's free membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.
Who teaches this course?
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, and labs dedicated to chemistry specialist equipment, such as:
- gas and liquid chromatography;
- electron and confocal microscopy;
- a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
- nuclear science equipment;
- thermal analysis;
- x-ray diffractometers; and
- electrochemical analysis;
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.
The library offers:
- subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
- online database subscriptions; and
- a growing selection of resource material
After you graduate
You'll be ready for graduate entry to careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensics, medicine, teaching and business management. This degree also provides a base for postgraduate study.
What our students say
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
Why take a placement? Work placements:
- provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
- improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree
- enhance your CV
- lead to a graduate job
- enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
-
help you to select your final-year project.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (eg a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
For further information please contact the Placements Team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.
Examples of placements
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
|
Construction-based placement employers |
Construction-based placement roles |
|---|---|
|
RG Group |
Assistant site manager |
|
Science-based placement employers |
Science-based placement roles |
|
Reckitt and Benckiser |
Bioanalytical sciences |
|
Engineering-based placement employers |
Engineering-based placement roles |
|
Airbus |
Analysis of aircraft structure |
|
Computing and IS based placement employers |
Computing and IS based placement roles |
|
Disney |
Database co-ordinator |
|
Mathematics-based placement employers |
Mathematics-based placement roles |
|
Lloyds Banking Group |
Analyst |
Find out about studying this course part-time
The part-time course is half the workload of the full-time course, taking six years to complete rather than three. The course is flexible so you can switch to full-time study in Years 2 or 3 if you wish.
Before the course begins, you will meet with a tutor to discuss your time commitments. The course leaders will then try to let you know the timetable of lectures and seminar groups as soon as possible. On average, part-time students need to allow 10 hours a week to attend lectures and seminars, plus a further 10 to 15 hours for independent study, but this does vary.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
