Course Overview
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.
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 five 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. Students on our Study Abroad variant spend the second year at a university in Australasia, Canada or the USA.
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.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department.
Year 1
- Molecules of Life
- Cell Structure and Function
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
- Protein Biochemistry
- Impact of Microbes
- Skills in Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
- Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
- Organic Chemistry
- Spectroscopy and Bio-inorganic Chemistry
Year 2
Year 3
- Biological Sciences Research Project (for USA Yr Abroad)
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study 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.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAA. To include a minimum of AS-level Chemistry and 2 A-levels from Biol/Chem/Comp/EnvSci/Geog/Maths/Physics/Psychology. We normally expect three A-levels
General Studies: Only accepted if taken as one of four A levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: Maths (B) and English Language (C)
Scottish Highers: AAABB, inc. Chem
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 points overall with 16 from the best three HL subjects
IELTS: 6.5 overall (with at least 6 in each element)
BTEC: DDD
Mature students: Applications welcome - interview usual.Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
Careers
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 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. The experience of different cultures and the contacts students establish during overseas study will add significantly to your degree studies.
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.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. 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.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- 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
- 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
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
