BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Chemistry (International or Placement Year)

Keele University

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Chemistry (International or Placement Year)

  • Country United Kingdom
  • Course Duration 48 month
  • Course Type Full Time
  • Courses Campus On Campus
  • Language Specification IELTS
  • Program Level Undergraduate
  • Education Required Grade 12 /Equivalent to 12th
  • Admission intake SEP
  • Minimum GPA 70
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Application Charges

Application Fee Tution Fee
Free GBP 17,900

Application Date

Application Start Date Application Closing Date
2023-03-03
2023-08-20

Program Description

Develop your expertise in two engaging scientific subjects on our Biochemistry and Chemistry combined honours programme.

From unlocking the secrets of the human body to the individually tailored molecular therapies of the future, biochemistry is the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. This is the foundation for understanding all biological processes, including the development and progression of diverse pathologies, across species. It has become the foundation for understanding all biological processes and can provide explanations for the causes of many diseases in humans, animals and plants.

From the technology we use to how we treat illnesses, chemistry is essential to our modern life and offers a wide variety of career opportunities in many fields from pharmaceuticals and food technology to forensics and teaching. This course will provide you with a solid grounding in the underpinning theory of both biochemistry and chemistry with plenty of hands-on practical experience in Keele's state-of-the-art laboratories and observatory with opportunities to personalise your learning.

Biochemistry modules cover five core themes: macromolecular structure-function, metabolism and its control, genetics, cell biology and the applications of chemistry in the study of these. The course will give you a broad and varied grounding in modern biochemistry. You will explore the structure and function of biological molecules and metabolic processes, core chemical concepts and their application to the biological sciences and molecular cell biology.

You will further develop skills in communicating to range of target audiences including producing a product information leaflet on an allocated drug or medication detailing key information on the structure, function and biological activity. These communication skills are further developed later in the course in a variety of formats, such as experimental project reports, literature reviews, research posters. The year concludes with our undergraduate student research conference where you will showcase the outcomes of your research project.

As you advance on the Biochemistry and Chemistry BSc, you will also expand your practical and analytical skills in a Practical Skills in Bioscience module, including core molecular biology and immunological techniques, as well as in experimental design through conducting a mini-research project, supporting transition to your final year research projects.

The course will also enable you to build a strong grounding in core chemistry knowledge and will carefully guide you in understanding the mathematics underpinning chemistry. Particular attention is paid to building your practical skills and you will have access to various types of research standard equipment that you are likely to use within your career in chemistry - such as our ultra-violet visible spectrometry which is used to follow the rate of reactions of molecules that contain chromophores. Chemistry laboratory work is an integral part of our programme that help you to develop a variety of practical, computational and transferrable skills that employers value.

To provide context to the knowledge you are learning, you will also look at ways in which chemistry is applied to sustainable development and the environment. You will examine the political, social and economic impacts and explore topics like nuclear chemistry and energy, geochemistry, health and toxicology and green chemistry. Throughout the course you will expand your theoretical knowledge and practical skills and start to specialise in studying areas like spectroscopy and investigate core advanced modules including physical and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and a wide range of analytical techniques and their applications to solving problems in analytical chemistry. To develop your appreciation of the wider context of chemistry, optional modules provide the opportunity to also explore the economic, international and sustainability issues surrounding industrial chemistry. The programme also provides you with the opportunity to align your Biochemistry and Chemistry BSc to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules in your final year.

DEVELOP YOUR PRACTICAL SKILLS

To equip you with the scientific core skills needed for a career in either subject, you will undertake frequent laboratory classes to develop your practical, analytical, observational and interpretive skills. You will work on practicals in groups or alone.

RESEARCH PROJECT

In the final year you will undertake an independent experimental research project in Biochemistry or Chemistry. This could include lab-based research projects, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, pedagogic research, or outreach work, or based on research carried out on placement. During the project you will develop higher-level research skills in the acquisition and analysis of data, and in evaluating outcomes in context to a wide body of supporting literature. Throughout your project you will be supported and supervised by an academic who has expertise in your chosen area of study.

You will undertake a 15 credit research project in each subject at level 6 on this combined honours route. If you choose to specialise in one subject then you will undertake a single 30 credit project in that subject. For the chemistry research project you can focus on either a 15 credit research project or a 15 credit literature review dissertation, dependent on what you select in biochemistry. Your final year provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired over the previous two years and produce a final year research project - which may be carried out whilst on placement. Throughout your project you will be supported and supervised by an academic who has expertise in your chosen area of study.

GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRY

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. From a year working in industry and paid internships to summer secondment research placements, our programme offers many opportunities for you to become familiar with the professional working environment, develop professional contacts and apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT

During practical workshops you will have the support from a variety of academic staff. In addition to your lead lecturer you will benefit from the guidance of:
  • Lead demonstrators
  • Postgraduate student demonstrators
  • Laboratory technicians
Practical sessions may also be supported with core skills videos and laboratory simulations, helping you prepare for sessions in advance and revisit some of core concepts outside of the laboratory environment. Additional workshops will develop your skills in data analysis and presentation.

STUDENT SUPPORT

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course on a regular basis. You will benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team. Our robust student support system also includes a dedicated placements officer and disability liaison officer, should you need this additional support.

SOCIETIES

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to your field is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for biochemistry and chemistry and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends and share interests with fellow students.

Other Requirements

  • CISCE / CBSE / West Bengal Class XII: 60% - 90% required depending on course. Subjects Requirements : - Maths with 70% and English with 60% All other State Boards Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Standard Class XII: 65% - 95% required depending on course.Subjects Requirements : - Maths with 70% and English with 60% 2 years of study must have been completed.
  • For IELTS Waiver : CISCE/CBSE Class XII: 70% or above. All other State Boards Class XII (except Punjab or Mohali School Education Board): 75% or above in English, depending on course.Study should be taught in English. Otherwise IELTS is required.

Extra Notes


* NOTE : The Tuition Fee is subject to change Semester wise, as such for exact Tuition Fee kindly see the Website of the respective University.
* NOTE : Pathways : Students who want to pursue a Graduate Degree through a particular University but are unable to meet the university requirements for the GPA, GRE/GMAT or English Language scores, have to take up an additional academic and language support i.e. pathways in order to ensure the admit and study at the desired University.