Biochemistry

The BSc Biochemistry programme at University College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles of biochemistry, equipping students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The course is designed to provide a broad overview of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, including the structure and function of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, as well as the biochemical mechanisms underlying health and disease. Students will explore topics such as metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, and structural biology through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory work, and independent research projects.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing graduates for roles in academia, industry, or further postgraduate study. UCL's state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities enable students to gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, and molecular cloning, fostering a deep understanding of experimental methods in biochemistry. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop their scientific skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in a competitive scientific environment.

In addition to core scientific modules, the programme offers optional modules in related fields such as pharmacology, genetics, cell biology, and structural biology, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. The programme also includes opportunities for work placements, internships, and collaborative research projects, providing practical insights into industrial and clinical applications of biochemistry. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors, or to continue their education through postgraduate studies. With UCL’s strategic location in London, students benefit from proximity to leading research institutions, hospitals, and industry partners, enhancing networking opportunities and employability. Whether interested in research, healthcare, or industry, students choosing the BSc Biochemistry at UCL will gain a strong scientific foundation and the analytical skills necessary to advance in the rapidly evolving life sciences sector.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In the first year of the programme you will take compulsory core modules that are similar to those taken in the first year of other biosciences programmes. In year two, you take a number of compulsory modules, but with some optional flexibility. This flexibility to select your own modules increases in year three.

You may also choose to transfer to the Molecular Biology BSc after your first year, which deals more specifically with the way genetic information is stored in nucleic acids and with the controlled expression of this information and its implications for health and disease. It is also possible after your first year to transfer to the Biotechnology BSc.

You may elect to spend an additional year (after year two) gaining invaluable experience in an industrial or research laboratory. Or, after year two, you may transfer to the research intensive MSci programme for a degree programme totalling four years. The final year of the BSc will focus principally on areas of the molecular biosciences selected by you and include the opportunity to carry out an investigative data-analysis project.

A levels

Grades

AAA

Subjects

Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38

Subjects

A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry at grade 6, and one subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no score below 5.

Funding for the Biochemistry degree program at University College London is available through a variety of sources to support students throughout their studies. Prospective and current students can explore financial aid options such as scholarships, studentships, and bursaries offered by UCL, which recognize academic excellence, financial need, or specific student categories. UCL provides a range of scholarships specifically for science and medical students, including the UCL Excellence Scholarships and departmental scholarships that can cover partial or full tuition fees. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for external funding opportunities, which may include government grants, research council funding, and charitable trusts dedicated to supporting scientific education.

Students enrolled in the program may also be eligible for the UK government’s student finance options, including tuition fee loans and maintenance loans, designed to assist with living costs and tuition fees. International students who wish to study at UCL can explore international scholarship schemes or sponsorship programs that may support their financial needs. Furthermore, some students find part-time employment opportunities within UCL’s facilities or external part-time work to supplement their income during their studies. UCL also offers loan schemes and financial advice services to help students effectively manage their finances, plan budgets, and understand their repayment obligations post-graduation.

The university actively encourages early application for funding and provides detailed guidance on the application processes for both internal and external funding sources. Students are advised to regularly check the UCL website and contact the university’s Student Funding Office for updated information and personalized guidance. Overall, the university’s diverse funding landscape aims to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing biochemistry, promoting access to high-quality scientific education for talented individuals from all backgrounds.

The BSc Biochemistry program at University College London offers students a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. This programme is designed to provide a solid foundation in the core principles of biochemistry, including molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and metabolic pathways. Students will explore the structure and function of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and understand how these molecules interact within cellular environments. The course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries.

The curriculum typically includes modules on biophysical techniques, enzymology, structural biology, and systems biology, fostering an integrative approach to studying biological systems. UCL's state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories give students hands-on experience in modern research methods, enabling them to analyze complex biological samples, interpret experimental data, and develop problem-solving skills. The programme also encourages students to participate in research projects, internships, or placement schemes that enhance their practical experience and employability.

UCL Faculty of Life Sciences and the Division of Biosciences are renowned for their research output, providing students access to expert academics and cutting-edge developments in biochemistry. The course is structured to support progression into postgraduate study, such as MSc or PhD programmes, or direct entry into scientific careers in industry or academia. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and a deep appreciation for the role of biochemistry in health, medicine, and environmental sustainability.

The BSc Biochemistry programme at UCL typically spans three years for full-time students, with options to engage in research projects and elective modules. The university fosters an inclusive learning environment, offering numerous resources, extracurricular activities, and support services to ensure student success. Upon graduation, students are equipped with a versatile skill set that enables them to contribute to innovative research and technological advancements in the biological sciences sector.