Course summary

Help solve 21st Century problems in health, agriculture and the environment through the study of how living organisms function at molecular level. Whether you're looking for a change of career, or may not have the scientific background or entry requirements for a degree in Biochemistry, our Foundation Year offers the opportunity to fill any knowledge gaps and build your confidence. This programme is designed for students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to Stage 1 of our degree courses, and is an excellent conversion course for applicants who have shown academic ability in non-science subjects. Learning from inspirational academics working at the cutting-edge of research, you will develop the practical experience, scientific knowledge and transferable skills needed to meet your goals, both academically and in your chosen profession. Reasons to study Biochemistry with a Foundation Year at Kent

• Our foundation year offers you the flexibility to progress to degrees across our Division of Natural Sciences. You may choose a degree in Biochemistry, but equally you could opt for a degree within another area of Biosciences, or Chemistry, Forensic Science or Sport and Exercise Sciences.

• Regular investment in our laboratories ensures you learn in a world-class environment.

• Our lecturers are both innovative teachers and active researchers. Two of our academic staff have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships.

• Study a wide range of modules and build your degree around your interests.

• Focus on your future with expert careers advice and the opportunity to take a paid Summer Studentship, giving you valuable hands-on experience in our research labs.

• We collaborate with research groups in industry and academia and have excellent links with local employers, including the NHS, Lonza and Sekisui Diagnostics, Roche, Sanofi and Pfizer.

• Get involved with science outside of the lab by joining Kent BioSoc. This student-run society holds a seminar series, academic talks, trips and social events.

• In your foundation year, you study compulsory modules in biology, chemistry and scientific methods, plus a choice of optional modules. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will have reached a standard above A level and so be fully equipped to tackle a BSc degree course.

• In the first year of your Biochemistry degree, you will start by gaining an insight into key biological and chemical disciplines, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, microbiology and physiology.

• Next you’ll build on this knowledge and develop your skills as a bio scientist to cover areas such as gene regulation, cell biology and metabolism.

• In your final year, you will tailor your degree to your interests through optional modules and a research project of your choice based on laboratory work, literature or data analysis.