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Qualification type
BSc (Hons)

Biochemistry

UCAS code C700

Entry requirements
International Baccalaureate: 28 or 554
HKDSE: 4,4,3
India Standard XII: 65%
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
Start date
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About this course

If you have a natural curiosity for science and a proven understanding of biology and chemistry, coupled with a desire to learn how science can be exploited for the benefit of mankind, then you have a fascinating career ahead of you.


Introduction

You’ll study a broad range of tailored modules including biomolecular structure and function, metabolism and bioenergetics, and molecular cell biology, with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research-based project.

We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the broad field of biochemistry.

You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.

 


What you'll learn

  • Analyse biochemical data and apply appropriate statistics
  • Apply bioinformatics and computational biology tools to molecules of biochemical interest
  • Apply biochemical knowledge in fundamental and clinical settings
  • Understand how biochemistry underpins diverse biology, from bacteria to plants to humans
  • Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
  • Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Work independently and collaboratively
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Use lab equipment correctly and safely
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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.


Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology and biochemistry, as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will study how organisms develop and function and learn about biological challenges that affect the global environment. You will also develop bioinformatics and practical skills, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills.

Year two

In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge, building essential research skills in experimental design and analysis. You will also hone professional skills, preparing you for a career within or outside the broad field of biochemistry. You will study biochemical techniques, cell signalling, biochemical pathways, macromolecular structure and genetics. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in pharmacology, health and disease, or physiology.

Year three

Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of biochemistry research and be taught by world-leading academics in subjects allied to multi-‘omics, molecular systems biology, protein structure and function and cell biology in health and disease. You will also develop advanced scientific skills and you will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.

 

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.

How you're assessed

Assessed work includes essays, presentations, group work, digital communications, qualitative and experimental reports and formal examinations with results from years two and three contributing to your final degree classification.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
International Baccalaureate

28 points overall including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,4 in 3 HL subjects including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry. Plus a minimum of 5 in SL Maths or 4 in HL Maths and 5 in SL/HL English A or 7 in SL English B or 6 in HL English B

HKDSE

443 from 2 electives (including 4 in Biology and Chemistry) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 65% from four core subjects including 75% in Biology and Chemistry, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.

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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

  • Choose from up-to 26 countries
  • Experience another way of life
  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
  • Study abroad without adding an extra year
  • Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
  • Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Study as a master's degree

This course is also available as a four year MBiol programme.

View Biochemistry MBiol

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

Biochemistry BSc (Hons) can be studied through the 2+2 programme by students on the following XJTLU courses. Select your course for further details:

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme

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Your experience

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

Explore where you'll study

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square
Victoria Gallery and Museum
Abercromby Square
Abercromby Square
Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library
Harold Cohen Library
Guild of Students
The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle
Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library
Sydney Jones Library
Watch on Panopto: Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place for postgraduate study

  • Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
  • Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
  • Access to world-class facilities
  • Provide specialist training with taught and research components
  • Options for intercalating students
  • Vibrant postgraduate community.
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Watch on Panopto: A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy

A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy

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Careers and employability

As a Biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.

Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:

  • Postgraduate study: (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
  • Public sector – research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
  • Commercial sectors – pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.
  • Journalists and information/liaison officers – by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.
  • Teaching profession by taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE).
  • Routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

Recent employers and sectors:

  • Pharmaceutical sector: Eli-Lilly, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, NHS, Red X Pharma;
  • Tourism/Conservation sector: Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, RSPCA;
  • Government/Legal sector: Crown Prosecution Service, The Environment Agency, Public Health England, Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Security and International Development;
  • Media/Entertainment Sector: BBC;
  • Corporate and Utilities sector: United Utilities, Vodafone, Unilever.

4 in 5 life sciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)


Meet our alumni

Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.

Victoria Brown sitting outdoors at a café.

Victoria Brown, BSc (Hons) Chemistry 2020

Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.

Fizah Sulaiman smiling at the camera.

Fizah Sulaiman, BSc (Hons) Chemistry 2018

Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Costs associated with placements/internships

Students in Biosciences who have chosen international placements/internships will need to pay for their visa (if applicable), travel, accommodation, and meals.

There may also be costs associated with travel to interviews for placements/internships. These will vary, and some other extra costs may also be incurred. If students are spending a full year in industry, their employers may pay transport costs. School and University bursaries may be available to help with the cost of these opportunities.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Tropical ecology field course
Students who elect to take the optional tropical ecology field course in Uganda are required to make a financial contribution that covers their own costs (travel, meals, visa, accommodation, and entry to national parks). In 2020-21, the student contribution was £1,500. A limited number of funded places are available.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Find out more about additional study costs.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.

Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

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Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

29 April 2025: Duolingo requirements – multiple UG courses

Duolingo requirements updated to: 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95.

14 January 2025: Duolingo English Test requirements updated

Duolingo English Test requirements updated. See English language requirements for details of the revised requirements.

16 December 2024: Change to Year in Industry information

This course was updated to reflect the fact that an official “Year in Industry” option is not currently available.

5 April 2023: Compulsory modules updated

Year 3 compulsory modules added:

Year 3 compulsory module LIFE305

Year 3 compulsory module LIFE363

 

Year 3 compulsory modules removed:

Year 3 compulsory module LIFE304

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.