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Biochemistry at Aston University, Birmingham - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Aston University, Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

From finding new ways to save lives to tackling climate change, studying the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University will help you succeed in a subject which has never been more exciting, diverse, or important. Course Overview Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Biochemistry and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. Studying at Aston gives you 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 overseas, in healthcare environments, industrial / research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings. As a Biochemist, you’ll help to comprehend and resolve biological problems using the molecular expertise and processes you will learn whilst at Aston. You will help to lead the way in developing new thinking, techniques, and technology in the fields of Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Nutrition. What you will learn As a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student, you will learn the skills to work as a competent biochemist in various research, pharmaceutical, and healthcare settings, while gaining a deep understanding of molecular processes critical to advancing science and medicine. Year 1 Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts. Year 2 Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes, how proteins can be designed to perform specific function, as well as to use micro-organisms to generate proteins. Placement year Gain valuable career-boosting experience during your integrated placement year by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. Final year You will get to choose options which you find interesting, undertaking a substantial original research project, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post-graduation. 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 (https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa). 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.
This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences. Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at the admissions review stage.

Modules

Year 1 Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts. ◘ Biomolecules - Explore key biomolecules (sugars, lipids, DNA, RNA, amino acids and proteins), how they are formed, their structure and function. Includes a large practical laboratory component giving hands-on experience of key biochemical techniques that can be used to study these biomolecules. ◘ Cells to Systems - Examine the basic structure, organisation and function of cells and sub-cellular structures. How cells communicate, the cell cycle, cell death, and how cells come together to forms tissues and organs with specialised functions. ◘ Microbiology and Genetics - A comprehensive introduction to the basic principles and fundamental skills of microbiology, as well as the core concepts of genetics and the use of model organisms. ◘ Molecular Metabolism - Explore the molecules, reactions, enzymes and regulation mechanisms involved in the major metabolic pathways, including key aspects of organic chemistry. In addition, this module develops your transferable and personal skills crucial for success in various career paths post-graduation. Year 2 Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes and learn how to apply fundamental biochemical concepts to experimental and real-world problems. ◘ Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Find out how microbes, enzymes, mammalian cells and molecular genetic techniques can be utilised for biotechnology applications, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. ◘ Mechanisms of Pathology - Investigate the principles underlying pathology of a variety of diseases, how the immune system responds to infection or damage, and the ability of pathogens to cause cellular and tissue pathology. ◘ Cell Membranes - In-depth coverage of the structure and function of biological membranes and their roles in transport, signalling processes and drug discovery. ◘ Protein Structure and Function - Explore in detail the structure and function of proteins along with the experimental techniques that can be used to study them. Develop transferable and research skills such as problem-solving, science communication, group work, and experimental design. Placement year Gain valuable career-boosting experience during your integrated placement year by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. ◘ Biosciences placement Final year Undertake a substantial original research project, choose from a range of advanced modules, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post-graduation. ◘ Research Project Preparation - Demonstrate practical competency in a range of fundamental biosciences techniques. Select and critically analyse relevant scientific literature for your project, including elements of health and safety legislation and appraisal of the ethical impacts of research. ◘ Research Project - Undertake an independent research project. Generate, analyse, interpret, draw conclusions and present your findings in both written and oral formats. ◘ Professional Development for Biochemists - Develop a range of research and translational skills, such as critical analysis of data, good practice and self-reflection, that will equip you to undertake scientific careers and demonstrate professional behaviour.

Assessment method

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, and work placements. 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 and computer-based assessment.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C700
Institution code:
A80
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Please visit our helpful webpage for International Applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Offerholders Visit Days Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to an Offerholders Visit Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/biochemistry-bsc/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £21500 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For Sandwich courses, the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Sponsorship information

Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding

Biochemistry at Aston University, Birmingham - UCAS