The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin life processes. This program combines foundational biological sciences with advanced study of chemical principles, enabling graduates to analyze and interpret complex biochemical phenomena. Students will engage with a broad range of topics, including molecular biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and structural biology, ensuring a well-rounded education in both theory and practice.

Throughout the course, students benefit from world-class research facilities and expert instruction, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. The program emphasizes practical laboratory work, critical thinking, and data analysis skills, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, and academia. In addition to core modules, students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as enzymology, cell biology, or structural biochemistry, tailoring their studies to their interests and career aspirations.

The course structure includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory sessions, encouraging active participation and collaborative learning. Assessment methods integrate written exams, coursework, and practical assessments to evaluate students’ understanding and skills comprehensively. The program also offers the chance to undertake a research project or dissertation, providing invaluable hands-on experience in original scientific inquiry.

Graduates of this program are equipped with a robust scientific foundation and practical expertise, enabling them to contribute to advancements in health sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnological innovations. They are well-prepared to pursue postgraduate study or enter a scientific profession, supported by Cambridge’s reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. Overall, the BA in Biochemistry at Cambridge fosters intellectual curiosity, critical reasoning, and a lifelong passion for discovery in the biological sciences.

Feedback

There are no assessed compulsory courses in the Biochemistry PhD programme.  However, there are various expectations about practice and feedback throughout the course.  There should be regular oral feedback and advice from the Supervisor about student performance and research direction.  Students should expect oral feedback from the Supervisor and other group members on their group presentations.  The student should receive informal comments on their proposed project and progress from their Advisor and he/she should also receive constructive oral and written feedback from their GTP after their presentations.  There will be formal feedback from the first year assessment on the dissertation and oral examination that determines whether the student will progress into second year.  In addition to these conduits for comments and advice, the Supervisor is expected to complete an assessment each term on student progress for the on-line Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System (CGSRS).  Students also receive oral and written feedback on their second year poster presentation.  Generic feedback is given on third year oral presentations.  

First Year Assessment.  During the first year students will not be fully registered for the PhD.   In order to transfer their registration fully to the PhD programme at the end of the first year, they must perform satisfactorily in the First Year Assessment (a formal examination).  This takes the form of a report/dissertation of about 5000 words.   We recognise that a report upon the first year of a three or four year research project principally entails an account of "work in progress" in which a lot of positive experimental results may not figure largely.  Nevertheless, it should be written and presented in formal scientific style.  The dissertation should be handed in during the second half of June (September for January starters, December for Easter starters).

Graduate Thesis Panel (GTP) system. This involves the student presenting up to two powerpoint talks on his/her project to a review panel of three academics, in the first year followed by one each in subsequent years.  These presentations generally will be held towards the end of Michaelmas term and in Lent term.  The panel receives comments on student progress independently from the Supervisor, prior to the student presentation.  After the presentation and a Q&A session with the student, the GTP gives feedback about student progress and the nature and direction of the project, with helpful suggestions.  The membership of the GTP will be student-driven and staff will be invited, by the student, to join the DTP of the student after he/she has consulted with his/her Supervisor for advice about the most appropriate members.  The main aim of the GTP is to provide independent, enhanced mentorship and advice for postgraduate students to help them make progress in their project.  It is also a mechanism for providing further independent assessment of student progress, to supplement the views of the Supervisor. 

Weekly Group Meetings.  Most research groups run their own weekly laboratory meetings and journal clubs.  The student should get plenty of practice at talking about their own experimental work and analysing published papers at these meetings.  Some groups also expect students to write reports on a regular basis (e.g. monthly) for their Supervisor as one component of the monitoring, mentorship programme..

Assessment

Thesis

The thesis should not exceed 60,000 words (80,000 by special permission) excluding bibliography, figures, appendices etc..  The thesis should be double-spaced or one-and-a-half spaced.  Single or double-sided printing is allowed.  All students have to defend their thesis by attending a viva voce examination conducted by an Internal Examiner and External Examiner.  Although the thesis must be the work of the student, the Supervisor is allowed to give suggestions, critical advice and feedback on content and any draft version(s) of the thesis.  Currently, the thesis must be submitted only in hard copy.  However, the Department soon will be trialing the submission of both hard copy and an electronic copy.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Personal Reference

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive range of financing options to support students pursuing a degree in Biochemistry. Undergraduate students can access various funding sources, including government loans, scholarships, and bursaries. The UK government provides tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through the Student Loans Company, which are available to eligible students to help cover living costs and academic expenses. Additionally, the University itself offers numerous scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality or research interests. International students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including government scholarships from their home countries and private sponsorships, many of which can be used to fund postgraduate studies or specific research projects within the Biochemistry program.

The University of Cambridge also participates in the Cambridge Trusts and various college-based financial support schemes, which can offer substantial funding towards tuition fees and living expenses. For postgraduate students, there are targeted funding opportunities such as research council grants, industry sponsorships, and university-funded studentships. These are often competitive and require a strong academic record and research proposal.

Students are advised to consult the official University of Cambridge admissions and finance webpages for detailed information on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for each type of funding. Additionally, prospective students should consider applying early to maximize their chances of securing financial assistance, as many scholarships and funding opportunities have limited quotas and specific application windows. Private banks and financial institutions may also offer educational loans, with varying interest rates and repayment terms, which can be an option for students requiring supplementary financing.

The university also emphasizes the importance of financial planning and offers resources and workshops to help students manage their finances effectively during their studies. Overall, the funding landscape at Cambridge is robust, providing numerous pathways for both domestic and international students to finance their studies in Biochemistry while minimizing financial burdens and allowing students to focus on their academic and research pursuits.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive Biochemistry undergraduate degree programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the chemical processes underpinning all biological systems. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills, fostering a rigorous scientific approach essential for future careers in research, medicine, or industry. The curriculum covers fundamental subjects such as organic and inorganic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and biophysical techniques. Students engage in modules that explore enzyme mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and structural biology, equipping them with a broad and detailed understanding of biological chemistry.

Throughout the programme, students have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, work alongside world-leading academics, and develop skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, often integrating aspects of physics, mathematics, and computer science to enhance understanding of complex biological systems. Practical laboratory work constitutes a significant part of the degree, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts, develop technical skills, and learn experimental problem-solving.

The University of Cambridge's Department of Biochemistry provides state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratory equipment and research centers, fostering an environment conducive to innovative scientific discovery. The course typically spans three years (full-time) and is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. In the final year, students have the option to undertake a research project, often contributing to ongoing scientific research initiatives.

Students are encouraged to participate in scientific conferences, internships, or collaborative projects to gain broader industry or academic experience. The programme aims to prepare graduates for various career paths, including scientific research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and academia. Successful alumni of the course have gone on to pursue advanced postgraduate studies, including PhDs, or secured positions in leading scientific organizations.

Entry requirements generally include a strong background in science and mathematics at the secondary education level, with particular emphasis on chemistry and biology. The University values analytical skills, scientific curiosity, and a commitment to research excellence. Overall, the Biochemistry undergraduate programme at Cambridge is designed to cultivate a deep scientific understanding, practical laboratory competence, and critical thinking skills necessary for making meaningful contributions to the biological sciences and related fields.