What Will You Study
Biochemistry examines the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular level. It is an exciting and rapidly developing subject and the primary investigative science within biology and medicine. Our flexible Biochemistry degree provides students with core modules in Biochemistry and Chemistry coupled to a solid background in other related fields.
The first year of your Biochemistry degree involves core modules such as Protein Biochemistry, Cell Structure and Function, and Genetics – all designed to give you a good overview of key modern biochemical concepts. However, at the same time, the first year of your degree still permits flexibility as you will also be able to choose an additional four modules from any of the Bioscience subjects on offer.
In the second year of your course, you’ll focus on a range of Biochemistry modules, including Cell Biology and Medical Microbiology, as well as some more practically oriented modules designed to equip you with the laboratory skills and knowledge required by a successful biochemist.
During your degree, you’ll conduct your own laboratory-based project where you’ll benefit from the research experience of our internationally renowned academic staff.
You have the flexibility to tailor your final year to your biochemical interests and can select from a diverse range of subjects including Cell Signalling, Cancer, Biology of Ageing, and Neurobiology.
Modules
Many of Lancaster's degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to complement their main specialism. You will be able to study a range of modules, some examples of which are listed below.
Year 1
Core
Year 2
Core
Year 3
Core
Optional
Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and others which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into two sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). For most programmes Part 1 requires you to study 120 credits spread over at least three modules which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects. A higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research.
Entry Criteria
Grade Requirements
A Level AAA-AAB including Chemistry and one other science subject
International Baccalaureate 36-35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and one other science subject
BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction including Distinctions in six Chemistry units
Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject including Distinctions in the majority of units
Other Qualifications We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international qualifications webpage or contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office directly.
Essential Subjects
A range of Advanced/Higher Level subjects, including Chemistry and one other science from Biology, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Human Biology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology is required for entry.
GCSE Mathematics (B); English Language (C)
IELTS 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each component)
Further Information
General Studies Offers normally include General Studies if it is taken as a fourth A level
Combination of Qualifications Applications from students with a combination of qualifications are welcomed, for further advice please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office directly.
Taking a gap year Applications for deferred entry welcomed
Contact Undergraduate Admissions Office + 44 1524 592028 or via [email protected]
Careers
Play
Studying Biochemistry at Lancaster gives you an ideal base from which to continue to postgraduate study for MSc or PhD qualifications. You can also look forward to a promising career in areas such as research, pharmaceuticals, the food industry and forensic science. The transferable skills and analytical training you’ll gain during your degree will allow you to enter diverse fields including management, marketing and finance.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lecture-tutorial , interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Fees
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2017 entry fees have not yet been set.
For guidance please look at the
courses for 2016 entry.
Funding
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education and we have committed £3.7m in scholarships and bursaries. 400 students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Scholarships recognising academic talent:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A, or the equivalent academic qualifications. In addition, students from household incomes of less than £42,600 who achieve higher entry grades of A*, A*, A (or equivalent academic qualifications), will also be awarded our £2,000 Academic Scholarship in their first year of study.
- An Excellence Scholarship which forms part of the Unconditional Offer Scheme for full time UK applicants with outstanding academic profiles within a number of academic departments.
Bursaries for life, living and learning
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
Any financial support that you receive from Lancaster University will be in addition to government support that might be available to you (eg fee loans) and will not affect your entitlement to these.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
Students also need to consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation it may be necessary to take out subscriptions to professional bodies and to buy business attire for job interviews.
