BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

200 UCAS points including a minimum of 180 UCAS points from at least 2 A levels or equivalent.

Post-16 qualifications should include Biology or Chemistry at A2-Level.

You should have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or Key Skills Communication and Application of Number at Level 2.

The access to HE (Science) Diploma is also accepted. You will need to have achieved 36 credits in Science based subjects at Level 3, of which 18 credits will be Merit. You will also have to pass Maths & English at minimum Level 2.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience - check out the UCAS tariff conversion table via the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.

An offer of a place will not be made until you have attended a formal interview.

Language entry requirements

The University accepts the following minimum English language standards for entry to its degree courses.

You must have at least one of the following standards in English to enter a degree or diploma course:

An IELTS score of 6.0, or a TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 for the computer-based test)

Pearson PTE Academic score of 54

A pass in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) examination

A pass in the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) examination

GCSE/GCE O Level grade C or equivalent British-based examination

For selected countries, a good pass in English in the final year of secondary school (this being the equivalent of year 13 in England and Wales), or

Any other equivalent qualification recognised by the British Council (as listed in the British Council NARIC Guide) or an equivalent body

For entry to the BA (Hons) English Language and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programmes, you will need a score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, since this is a special award which includes an international qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Year 1 provides an extensive introduction to this interesting and exciting subject. You will learn about biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, with supporting subject knowledge in chemistry, microbiology and physiology. The medical slant of this course introduces human disease prevention and treatment, and how our immune systems can help us fight diseases. The analytical techniques used in biochemical investigations are also covered.

Year 2 allows you to gain extensive experience in practical biochemistry. You will continue to develop your understanding of proteins, the immune system and how disease states are investigated and you will learn how the biochemistry of organisms helps them adapt to their environment. Key aspects of metabolism, how changes are made to cellular molecules and how these are controlled are also explored further.

You can choose to take an optional year-long work placement in your third year, or go directly to your final year which covers how we can examine gene sequences to forward the frontiers of science, apply genetic information to problems of medical importance, assess the role played by biochemistry in diagnosing diseases and look at ethical issues concerning modern biochemists. You will also examine the essential role of biological membranes in life processes. There will be opportunity to complete a thorough piece of scientific research as well as a chance to further your own interest via an independent survey of an area of biochemistry.