Biochemistry

The Biochemistry degree program at the University of Dundee offers an in-depth exploration of the chemical processes that underpin all living organisms. This comprehensive course is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in fundamental biochemical principles, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies. Throughout the program, students will delve into subjects such as molecular biology, genetics, enzymology, cell biology, and structural biology, gaining a holistic understanding of how biological systems operate at the molecular and cellular levels. The curriculum emphasizes practical laboratory experience, enabling students to develop essential skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Additionally, the program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for diverse careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and academia. The University of Dundee’s state-of-the-art laboratories and close links with the healthcare sector provide students with opportunities for meaningful research projects and internships. The program is suitable for students passionate about the biological sciences and keen to contribute to advancements in health and medicine. With a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Biochemistry degree at Dundee aims to produce well-rounded scientists ready to tackle current and future challenges in life sciences. Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue postgraduate study or enter the workforce in various scientific and medical fields.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£15,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 Course starts September Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff based in the College of Life Sciences.

There are regular meetings of staff-student liaison committees. While this provides a forum for formal contact, there is also opportunity for informal contact between you and academic staff, whom you will find friendly and approachable.

What you will study

Typical Degree Programme

Levels 1 and 2

All Life Sciences degree programmes share common core modules at Level 1 that provide a general introduction to the life sciences through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions.

Please refer to the Biological/Biomedical Sciences degree structure and overview webpage for details of the common curriculum in Levels 1 and 2.

Level 3

At Level 3 you specialise much more in biochemistry, molecular genetics and molecular biology, and you choose additional subjects that interest you to study alongside your main subject. You will develop your knowledge and skills in the following subject areas:

• DNA structure
• replication and repair
• transcription
• genome organisation
• regulation of protein function
• molecular genetic and proteomic analysis
• the molecular basis of inherited diseases
• cell structure
• the cytoskeleton
• cell adhesion
• nuclear architecture
• immunology
• signal transduction
• the regulation of cell growth and division

Summer work placements

Many students take advantage of opportunities for summer work placements, normally between Levels 3 and 4, which are available as externally-funded competitive placements, or as voluntary laboratory work.

Level 4

Your studies at Level 4 will be at the level of current research in your chosen subject area.

Advanced study of topics in biochemistry, molecular genetics and molecular biology with additional options chosen from related subject areas such as microbiology and developmental biology. The range of topics that is currently available includes:

• the cell cycle
• eukaryotic gene expression
• bioinformatics
• genomics & beyond
• cell signalling
• protein structure & function
• single crystal X-ray diffraction
• protein secretion & targeting
• cytoskeletal function
• the molecular biology of infection and immunity
• immunotechnology
• antibiotic resistance
• virus molecular biology
• bacterial membrane biology
• drug discovery for tropical diseases
• molecular oncology

Your studies will involve extensive use of scientific literature and the opportunity to attend a regular programme of seminars given by invited speakers from Britain and abroad.

• Research project - several formats are available including laboratory-based research under the supervision of a leading scientist, computer modelling, multimedia teaching packages, literature and electronic database review.

How you will be assessed

All modules are assessed by a combination of in-course and end-of-course procedures. Regular in-course assessments (e.g. practical reports, computer-based exercises, essays and data processing exercises) provide feedback on your progress and help you prepare for end-of-module examinations.

On-line assignments are used extensively at Levels 1 and 2, with access via a PC on or off campus. Peer assessment operates in many team projects.

Requirements

See Course Homepage for Full Details

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Dundee offers students a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes underlying biological systems. This programme is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills necessary for a career in biomedical sciences, research, or related fields. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as molecular biology, enzymology, genetics, cell biology, and microbiology, as well as advanced techniques in biochemical analysis.

The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in core sciences, including chemistry and biology, complemented by specialized biochemistry modules. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, research projects, and collaborative learning environments. The programme encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of scientific principles to real-world issues, preparing graduates for employment in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, or for further postgraduate study.

The University of Dundee’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories provide an ideal setting for practical training and research activities. The programme also offers opportunities for internships, industrial placements, and interdisciplinary projects, enhancing employability and professional development. Additionally, students benefit from access to expert academics actively involved in cutting-edge research, which enriches the learning experience.

Graduates of the Biochemistry programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in scientific research, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, or further postgraduate study at Dundee or other institutions. The university’s strong links with industry and research institutions facilitate networking and employment opportunities for students. Overall, the programme aims to develop highly skilled, innovative scientists capable of contributing to advances in health, medicine, and science.