Biochemistry is the chemistry of life and on this course we bring it off the page. You’ll not only discover how this subject is vital to humanity, but even play a part in applying it to global challenges. Your journey will start with discovery of disease at a molecular level – preventing, diagnosing and treating – before looking at drug development, biological tools and genetically modified products. We show you how this fascinating subject can be applied in everyday life in from diabetes to cancer.

There‘s no substitute for doing it yourself, so that’s why we give you lots of chances to apply your skills in our labs so you’re a confident, work-ready graduate.

Why study BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at NTU?

Get industry experience

Through group work and the Practical Techniques for Biology and Molecular Bioscience in Practice modules you’ll develop problem solving skills by testing and learning. These are valuable skills for any graduate to have and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your course. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the course, so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it.

Alongside your course, our Biochemistry course catch-up sessions runs throughout the year. You’ll get to take part in biochemistry focused employability workshops and job fairs – another chance to boost your skills before graduation.

Community and support

With support from your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, you can be sure we'll be here for you during your studies. Alongside your lectures and lab classes you’ll also have tutorial sessions. These are a chance to regularly meet in small groups with your personal tutor and members of your course to discuss the topics you are studying.

Got any feedback on your course? You’ll have lots opportunities to discuss your course, for example in your tutorial sessions, with your course leader and course reps and you even have the chance to feedback on every module you study with dedicated module surveys. We love to hear your feedback and how we can make improvements. Following your feedback, we have recently added Professional Skills modules which are specific to the area of biosciences you are studying. We’ve also increased our support for your coursework assignments too, through drop-in sessions accessible when you need them most.

There’s support from your peers too. Our mentoring schemes gives you support from other students on your course. Whether you need help with your studies or university life in general, they’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective. Find out more about the support you’ll receive at NTU.

Meet our staff

Whether your interest is working in research or in industry we have experienced teaching and technical staff from a wide range of backgrounds. They’ll be teaching you the latest thinking in biochemistry and their contacts help us secure guest speakers and support you in finding great placement opportunities.

In your final year you’ll work on an individual research project. You’ll work closely with a member of staff and your project will be linked to their research area. This means you’ll be getting a real experience of research in practice which will look great on your CV.

Create a skills portfolio

You’ll create a skills portfolio where you’ll keep evidence of the techniques and skills you’ve mastered. It'll help you to document your skills and they are a valuable tool when you graduate too, as they can show employers you are ready to work in a professional environment.

Professional accreditation

by The Royal Society of Biology proving your course is valued by industry.

of BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (FT) students were positive about the academic support on their course. (National Student Survey 2026)

in the UK for Biology (Guardian University Guide 2027)

What you'll study

You’ll develop an understanding of what is happening inside the cells of living organisms and how this has changed through the evolutionary process. With a focus on understanding the data, you’ll look at DNA / RNA synthesis, proteins and genetics and learn how these can unlock the diagnosis of biochemical disorders and human diseases. Understanding, analysing and drawing meaning from data is becoming increasingly important in industry. We’ve recently redeveloped this course to include bioinformatics skills across all years of your course. If you are really interested in this growing area of biochemistry, then you can also immerse yourself further by focusing on bioinformatics for your final year research project.

As the course is highly practical, you’ll get experience in cutting edge molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA technology, protein analysis, diagnostics, as well as bioinformatics. You will also gain key biochemical skills such as biochemical catalysis, protein purification and enzyme kinetics.

Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.

Course accreditations

The Royal Society of Biology have accredited this course. Accreditations are a seal of approval from professional bodies and our assurance to you that your course is relevant and valued by industry.

Module information

A standard full-time BSc (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoOptional placement yearFinal Year

ModulesExpand all +

Introduction to Biochemistry

Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and inter-relationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.

20 credits

Living Systems

Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills upon which other modules are developed.

Molecular Principles for Biochemistry

This module will teach you the fundamental concepts of organic, physical, analytical and biological chemistry as applied to the biochemistry process.

Introduction to Pharmacology

Considers the principles of how drugs work, including factors that affect the magnitude of the response to drugs, specificity of drug action, drug interactions and side effects of drugs.

Practical Techniques for Biology

Covers experimental design principles, data collection and analysis methods, and techniques such as centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy, and radiobiology.

Genetics and Immunology

You will develop genetic concepts and be introduced to the basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.

Metabolism and its Control

Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells. You'll also cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.

Biomolecular Structure and Function

Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and chromosomes in DNA replication as well as RNA polymerases.

Clinical Biochemistry

Study a variety of disorders and learn about their clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Advanced Biochemistry

Study the concepts of current biochemical techniques and their practical applications in science.

Molecular Bioscience in Practice

In this module, you'll get an overview of the immune response including the structure of antibodies, the development of an antibody response and the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. You'll explore the antibody as a molecular probe and develop antibody-based techniques and assays.

Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases

Explore the fascinating intersection of genetics and human disease. You will learn about the complexities of human genome variation and examine how genetic differences influence health and disease.

Global Challenges in Health and Degenerative Disease

An in-depth look at the latest developments in the biochemistry field and their effects in current global issues.

Cell Signalling and Cancer

A range of exciting and up-to-date topics on cell proliferation and cell death. The cell cycle, the cytoskeleton and signal transduction will be presented, and we will discuss their implication in carcinogenesis.

Applied Bioinformatics

Use advanced bioinformatics methods to understand and identify the role that gene and protein biomarkers play in disease. Examine real clinical data and model diverse scenarios that forecast the clinical effect of the disease.

Research Project

Develop your skills as an independent researcher by completing a 40 credit point research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff, in an area of their expertise.

40 credits

Evolutionary Biology and Genetics

This module will introduce you to the concept of developmental biology, speciation, and evolution. You'll study the relationship between evolutionary and developmental genetics and focus on how the developmental processes evolved. Upon completion of this module, you will have a greater understanding of how species develop and change over time.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

How you're taught

You will typically study six modules in Year One and Two. Each module involves substantial amounts of practical work, in addition to lectures. In your final year you’ll study five modules and a research project.

You’ll learn through a mix of:

lectures - covering the key theories

seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working

practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities

workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.

The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.

A placement year may be taken between Year Two and Year Three of study.

Research-informed teaching

Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Hands-on learning

The course is very practical and you’ll be spending lots of time in our industry-standard laboratories. This is because we believe the amount of time you spend getting hands-on experience in a laboratory is very important to prepare you for the world of work.

You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment, such as our nucleic acid and protein analysis systems, right from the very start of your course. You’ll get to know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have before you graduate.

We have a focus on using digital skills to support you in your practical sessions. For example, you might do an online simulation of the experiment you are going to perform in the lab. This will get you familiar with the techniques and protocols so you can be confident and really make the most of your time in our labs.

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

On this course, you’ll engage with AI in a practical, informed way, reflecting its use across science and technology today. You’ll explore how AI supports analysis, problem solving and innovation, while developing the skills to understand its limitations and ethical implications.

AI won’t replace scientific knowledge or professional judgement. Instead, you’ll learn how it complements your expertise and enhances professional practice in industry and research.

We’ll help you build confidence, adaptability and informed judgement, preparing you for a changing workplace where human expertise remains essential. Find out more about how the School of Science and Technology is harnessing AI.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learn more about the ULP.

How you're assessed

People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:

coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments

practical assessments, such as individual and group presentations, laboratory assessments and lab reports

exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in labs, lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Who will teach you?

Silvia Ottaviani

Senior Lecturer

Dr Silvia Ottaviani is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology within the Bioscience Department, School of Science and Technology and Group Leader in the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.

Visit Silvia Ottaviani's staff profile

Aldo Gutierrez

Visit Aldo Gutierrez's staff profile

Glen Kirkham

Principal Lecturer

Glen Kirkham is a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in the School of Science & Technology.

Visit Glen Kirkham's staff profile

Aslihan Ugun Klusek

Dr Ugun-Klusek is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology and is part of the Biochemistry teaching team at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Dr Ugun-Klusek’s research focuses on investigating the biochemical and molecular events that drive neurodegeneration.

Visit Aslihan Ugun Klusek's staff profile

Colombo, Sergio

Visit Colombo, Sergio's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Biology grade C

Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Biology grade C

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Biology grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Year abroad - £1,507

Placement year - £2,010

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year. Please be aware that you will be charged the fee set for the year this takes place, rather than being fixed at the rate applicable when you start your course, and any increases are subject to Government approval. As a guide, the fees above are for the 2027/28 academic year.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Lab lockers

A refundable deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Excellent placement opportunities

A placement is one of the best ways to prepare for your future career. Whether you choose a year-long placement or a shorter summer option, you’ll gain hands-on experience, apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, and develop the skills employers are looking for. Our students have been on year-long placements at companies such as:

Abingdon Health

Public Health England

In roles such as:

Biomedical Scientist Placement Student

Research Assistant

Assistant Project Worker

Completing your placement earns you a Diploma in Professional Practice—a great addition to your CV. Students who take placements are twice as likely to secure a graduate-level job within six months of graduation.

Short summer placements are also available—a flexible way to explore different career paths, gain experience, and build your professional network.

Find out more about work placements.

Your career development

Students in this course will be well-placed to pursue entry-level posts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and the majority of biological science-related disciplines.

You will also have the option to undertake further study after you graduate. You could undertake one of our Masters level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

GlaxoSmithKline

Shell UK

Health Protection Agency

Boots UK

Lab Corp Drug Development

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Analytical Scientist

Environmental Technician

Clinical Lab Supervisor

Pharmaceutical Manufacture Scientist

Research Analyst

Pharmacovigilance Specialist

Secondary Science Teacher

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin buildings with access to facilities including our extensive SuperLab, with space for almost 200 students.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Biosciences facility tour

View the Super Lab in 360°

Explore the Bioscience Research Lab in 360°

Bioscience Facilities

For more information visit the Bioscience Facilities page.

Rosalind Franklin Building

For more information visit the Rosalind Franklin Building page.

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC)

For more information visit the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) page.

Take a virtual tour

View Biosciences facility tour video transcript

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Biochemistry (with foundation year)

BSc (Hons)

Biomedical Science

Biomedical Science (with foundation year)

Biological Sciences (with foundation year)

Biological Sciences

Microbiology

Microbiology (with foundation year)

Pharmacology

Pharmacology (with foundation year)

More from this subject

View more courses on the Biosciences subject page

Further study

View Biosciences postgraduate courses

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