Sheffield Hallam University
UCAS Code: C700 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents. Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents.
UCAS Tariff
From A levels (including Biology and Chemistry with at least 32 points from one of these subjects) or equivalent BTEC National qualifications in applied science to include suitable biology and chemistry modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example: DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered with relevant chemistry modules (please include units on application). BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant chemistry modules alongside other level 3 study. Merit overall from a T level qualification with B from core. T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway only. A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course Summary:**
- Study life at cellular, molecular and chemical levels
- Combine biological and chemical modules, ranging from Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry to Medical Chemistry and Drug Synthesis.
- Tailor your degree structure to your interests and career ambitions.
- Learn how the latest scientific innovations are being used to have a positive impact on the world.
- Work with our expert staff to complete your own cutting-edge research projects in our award-winning labs using industry standard equipment.
- Take an optional placement year, enabling you to gather priceless hands-on experience in an industrial setting.
Our BSc Biochemistry course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry. As well as the option to take a year-long placement, you can adapt the degree to your career ambitions – choosing a biological or chemical focus. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.
**How you learn**
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
You’ll be taught by active researchers and scientific experts with a history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. We encourage a hands-on approach, with your learning linked to departmental research themes to make sure you’re learning at the forefront of science.
You’ll also have opportunities to undertake research projects at the end of each year, culminating in a final year 6-week project. This could be a lab-based biochemical or chemistry project, or focus on bioinformatics, big data, computational modelling, systematic reviews, educational development or scientific communication.
You learn through:
- In-person seminars and lectures
- Independent study
- Tutorials and academic adviser sessions
- Practical lab experience with industry-standard equipment
- Placements and research opportunities
- Real-life research projects
- The latest scientific software and data analysis tools
- Problem-solving and group activities
**Key themes**
In your first year, you’ll learn fundamental life sciences before moving onto applied modules such as biochemistry and genetics, using the latest technologies including PCR, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics software. You’ll be trained in organic and physical chemistry and analytical techniques.
In your second year, you’ll study molecular and cellular biochemistry – training in the latest analytical and bioanalytical technologies and undertaking a laboratory project. You’ll get to choose a more chemical or biological focus too.
In your third year, you’ll study applied biochemistry and advanced analytical techniques, with elective choices such as advanced therapeutics and personalised medicine, medical chemistry and drug discovery, neuroscience and neurophysiology, and genetics. You’ll also work with staff to complete an independent research project.
**Course support**
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.
**Work placements**
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
**Live projects**
You could also return to your placement host and undertake a real-world research project in their labs.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
**Year 1**
**Compulsory modules **
Biochemistry And Genetics
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists
Principles Of Chemical Analysis
**Year 2 **
**Compulsory modules **
Applications Of Analytical Science
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry
**Elective modules**
Immunology And Microbiology
Organic And Biosynthetic Chemistry
**Year 3**
**Compulsory modules**
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry
**Final year**
**Compulsory modules**
Advanced Analytical Science
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
Applied Biochemistry
Research Project
**Elective modules**
Advanced Chemical Synthesis
Advanced Genetics
Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine
Applications Of Data Science
Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology
Pharmacology
Assessment methods
Coursework, exams, and practicals.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
College of Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score 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.
£20k
£27k
£29k
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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Post-six month graduation stats:
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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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