Medical Biochemistry, BSc

Course content

Year one offers a foundation in the key elements of biochemistry that can be applied to the medical specialisation that will come later in the degree. Alongside practicals and lectures, there will be weekly academic small group tutorials that will give you a chance to discuss the key concepts of biochemistry and develop your scientific skills in preparation for years two and three.

With an in-depth focus on topics that underpin modern biochemistry, such as the molecular pathologies of human health and disease, year two offers a chance to build on the foundations of year one and begin to become a true expert in your subject. By taking on more responsibility for your experimental design, you will learn more advanced laboratory techniques and further develop your research skills.

In year three you will develop the specialist knowledge that will enable an understanding of the current research within biochemistry and how it relates to the development of medical treatment for disease. Alongside studying modules in advanced topics in medical biochemistry such as oncegenes and tumour suppressors, you will also undertake an independent research project that will see you take ownership of your own research, under the supervision of a field leading expert.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA - AAB

  Including Chemistry and another science subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

  Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

  GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

  • Career opportunities

    Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.

    Similar to Biochemistry graduates, Medical Biochemistry graduates find employment in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries, where the development of new, green biocatalysts and the continuing expansion in nanotechnology, synthetic biology and tissue engineering promises excellent and exciting opportunities for many years to come. Our graduates provide attributes that are sought after in many other professional settings such as cancer research, vaccine and drug development, tackling infectious diseases, biotechnology and crop improvement.

    Medical Biochemistry graduates find themselves with excellent graduate prospects. 96% of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after graduation.This makes for an attractive course for those pursuing a career in the ever developing field of biochemistry.

    Recent graduate destinations include:

    Careers support

    We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    Industrial placements are typically taken between your second and final year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.

    Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

    Some of the places Medical Biochemistry students have been placed are:

  • Related courses

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