Biochemistry
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: C700 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
BBB must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. BBC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics with a B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths. BCC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics for contextual offer students (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). Excluded Subjects: We welcome the following subjects as an additional A Level, but not as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking resits and only your latest grades will be accepted. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications.
Access to HE Diploma
We accept the QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirements. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs which must include Mathematics and English Language all at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31 points overall and must include grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. OR For Contextual Offer students 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. For Contextual Offer students grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (BC in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject for Contextual Offer students, more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science you must achieve a grade B in A Level Chemistry OR Biology (C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology for Contextual Offer students, more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (BC in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject for Contextual Offer students, more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science you must achieve a grade B in A Level Chemistry OR Biology (C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology for Contextual Offer students, more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. For Contextual Offer students grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
This BTEC must be RQF – National in Applied Science D*D*D* (you do not require an additional A Level) OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in Biology OR Chemistry (for Contextual Offer students C in Biology or Chemistry). OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF – National then you must achieve DDD and grade BB must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (for Contextual Offer students BC in Chemistry or Biology plus one other science subject). More details on Contextual Offers can be found here https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. For Contextual Offer students grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. For Contextual Offer students grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
Our Biochemistry course is focused on preparing you for a future career that makes a big difference. Studying at Aston gives you unrivalled hands-on experience, world-class facilities and specialist teaching.
In addition, your integrated placement year will give you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You can undertake placements in hospital, industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.
As a biochemist, you’ll help to comprehend and resolve biological problems through the use of molecular expertise and processes. You will help to lead the way in developing new thinking, techniques and technology in the fields of:
- medicine
- pharmaceutics
- biotechnology
- agriculture
- nutrition
**International students and post-study work visa**
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.
The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. For more information visit the government website (https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/10/14/fact-sheet-graduate-immigration-route/).
For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS (https://www.oncampus.global/uk/campuses/aston-university/foundation-programmes/ufp.htm).
**Course overview**
Biochemistry at Aston has been designed in conjunction with representatives from major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; as well as from our specialist biosciences researchers.
During your time on the course you could get to:
- Design your own practical experiments including producing and testing antibiotics.
- Research how cells communicate as part of our cell membrane research group.
- Take part in a Dragons Den style pitch for new innovations in biotechnology, aimed at solving current industrial problems.
This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.
**Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.**
Modules
Year 1
Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts. Core modules: Biomolecules, Cells to Systems, Microbiology and Genetics, and Molecular Metabolism.
Year 2
Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes and learn how to apply fundamental biochemical concepts to experimental and real-world problems. Core modules: Cell Membranes, Mechanisms of Pathology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Protein Structure and Function.
Placement year
Gain valuable career boosting experience by setting your studies in a real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.
Final year
Undertake a substantial original research project, choose from a range of advanced modules, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post graduation. Core modules: Research Project Preparation, Research Project, and Professional Skills for Biochemists. In addition, you will complete three of the following four options; Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Industrial Biotechnology and/or Advanced Cell Membranes.
For more information, please visit our website.
Assessment methods
Through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, you will gain key laboratory, analytical, computational and communication skills needed by the modern biochemist. We maximise the time you spend doing hands-on practical work in the lab using specially designed online activities both before and after the lab sessions.
Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to; lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, field trips and work placements.
You will be assessed throughout the course with wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as: examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple-choice questions), essays, presentations, laboratory reports, project work and computer-based assessment.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
School of Biosciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Around 2,500 graduates got degrees in this demanding but valuable subject last year. Graduates who want a career in research usually take postgraduate qualifications - over a third of graduates in the subject took this option - but those who want to start work when they graduate have a lot to choose from. Laboratory work and other jobs in the biosciences are popular, as well as in education, but many biochemistry graduates find their way into the finance industry and as a consequence, graduates from these disciplines are particularly likely to get jobs in London and the South East.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£28k
£31k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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