BSc Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (C790)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Biochemists study the molecular basis of life. This underpins our fundamental understanding of human health and disease, and also supports applied science like drug discovery, diagnostics and biotechnology. Our Biochemistry course immerses you in ground-breaking research and gives you the opportunity to develop high-level analytical and problem-solving skills that prepare you for a diverse range of careers.

In your first two years you will supplement your study of biochemistry with optional units relevant to molecular biology and biotechnology. Recent options have included Fundamentals of Molecular Microbiology, Disease and Defence, and Infection and Immunity.

Your third year introduces specialist, cutting-edge aspects of biochemistry such as synthetic biology, DNA-protein interactions, and protein science in therapy and technology.

Your third-year research project will be affiliated with the work of our internationally-renowned scientists, and will allow you to gain a deeper understanding by focusing on one particular aspect of biochemistry. These exciting projects include topics like the design of man-made proteins, discovering new drugs from the ocean floor, or understanding mechanisms of wound-healing.

We prepare you for your future career with subject-specific employability and enterprise sessions and the chance to gain additional research experience on a summer studentship. Recent graduate destinations from our biochemistry programmes include higher degrees such as MSc or PhD, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, research institutes, the NHS, graduate medicine, teaching, forensics, civil service, medical publishing, finance, business consultancy, patent law, science communications and more.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
ABB including A in Chemistry and B in another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Chemistry units

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and 6 at Higher Level in another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and 5 at Higher Level in another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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85% overall, with 8.5 in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
Advanced Higher: AA in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Chemistry units and at least 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) from units in another science. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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