Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year

This Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year program at the University of Kent offers students the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that underpin all living organisms. The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the core principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related disciplines, enabling them to pursue careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The program is structured to include a year spent in industry or placement, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience, develop professional skills, and build networks within the scientific community. Throughout the degree, students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, supported by expert academic staff with extensive research backgrounds. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including cell biology, enzymology, metabolic pathways, structural biology, and bioinformatics, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern biomedical sciences. The sandwich year component not only enhances employability but also helps students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical settings, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Upon completing the program, graduates will have earned a rigorous academic qualification that opens doors to further study, research opportunities, or entering the scientific workforce. The course emphasizes critical thinking, laboratory skills, and scientific communication, preparing students to contribute effectively to advances in biomedical sciences and related fields. Overall, the Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year program at the University of Kent is an excellent choice for motivated individuals eager to explore the molecular basis of life and its applications in health and industry.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

BI300 - Introduction to Biochemistry

BI301 - Enzymes and Introduction to Metabolism

BI302 - Molecular and Cellular Biology I

BI307 - Human Physiology and Disease

BI308 - Skills for Bioscientists

BI322 - Biological Chemistry B

BI324 - Genetics and Evolution

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

BI501 - Gene Expression and Its Control

BI503 - Cell Biology

BI505 - Infection and Immunity

BI513 - Physiology

BI520 - Metabolism and Metabolic Disease

BI521 - Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation

BI532 - Skills For Bioscientists 2

BI546 - Animal Form and Function

BI548 - Microbial Physiology and Genetics I

BI514 - Pharmacology

CH606 - Medicinal Chemistry

Year in industry

Biochemistry offers the possibility of doing a one-year placement away from the University between Stages 2 and 3. Sandwich placements provide an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience, usually in the pharmaceutical industry or a research institute. These placements can be in the UK or abroad. You are paid by your employer and produce an independent research project.

On a sandwich placement you acquire additional skills and gain first-hand experience of a particular type of work, which will help to inform your career decisions at the end of your degree. Students have worked at companies including: GlaxoSmithKline, MedImmune, Lonza, BASF, Eli Lilly and Bayer Crop Science.

Visit the School of Biosciences web pages for more information about the sandwich option, including comments from past students.

Possible modules may include:

BI797 - Sandwich Year Assessment

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

BI629 - Proteins: Structure and Function

BI600 - Biology Project

BI602 - Cellular Communication I

BI604 - Biological Membranes

BI610 - The Cell Cycle

BI622 - Advanced Immunology

BI626 - Integrated Endocrinology and Metabolism

BI638 - Bioinformatics and Genomics

BI639 - Frontiers in Oncology

BI640 - Magnetic Resonance in Biosciences and Medicine

BI642 - Cancer Biology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level:ABB including Chemistry grade B and either Biology or Human Biology grade B
• GCSE:Mathematics grade C
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with 30 level 3 credits at distinction and 15 at merit, and to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits in particular subjects at distinction or merit grade.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis. Typical offers when made are Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.
• International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 points at HL, including Chemistry and Biology 5 at HL or Chemistry and Biology 6 at SL, plus Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.

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 Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate degree program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the chemical processes that underpin biological systems. This course is structured to deliver a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries. The inclusion of a Sandwich Year is a distinctive feature of the program, offering students a valuable opportunity to gain industry experience, enhance their employability, and apply their academic learning in real-world settings.

The curriculum covers core areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, genetics, and metabolic pathways, along with advanced topics in biochemistry and laboratory techniques. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work, developing competencies in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research, fostering skills that are essential for a career in science.

Throughout the degree, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including modern laboratories equipped with the latest instrumentation. The university’s strong links with local and national biotech companies facilitate placements during the Sandwich Year, providing insights into industrial processes and allowing students to gain relevant work experience. This year typically involves working in a professional setting, such as a research lab or commercial enterprise, where students contribute to ongoing projects, conduct independent research, or assist with product development.

The program is supported by experienced academic staff, many of whom are active researchers contributing to advancements in biochemistry and related fields. Assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports, presentations, and examinations, aimed at evaluating both theoretical understanding and practical proficiency.

Upon graduation, students are equipped with a diverse skill set that includes scientific knowledge, laboratory expertise, and real-world industry experience. This positions them favorably for employment in scientific research, healthcare, environmental science, or further postgraduate study. The University of Kent also offers career guidance and support services to assist students in transitioning from study to employment or research opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional trajectories after completing the program.