Biochemistry and Human Biology

This Biochemistry and Human Biology BSc at Keele offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in two exciting science related subjects.

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. Human Biology explores the physiology of the body’s major systems, human health, disease and the relationship between the human body with the environment. From exploring how our lifestyle and genes affect our risk of disease to discovering the latest developments in cancer research, you will have the opportunity to deep dive into a broad range of topics that are of increasing importance in medical research and underpin the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

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 take practical classes in our £34m state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories and within the School of Life Sciences' David Attenborough Laboratories to develop the practical, analytical, observational and interpretative skills needed for a career in the biosciences. You will also become familiar with data recording, analysis and interpretation. Modules on the Biochemistry and Human Biology BSc, such as the Practical Skills in Bioscience module, will develop your 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.

Your studies in human biology are carefully designed to enable common understanding of the fundamentals of human biology that underpin all areas of biological study. You will explore compulsory modules in physiology, anatomy and the fundamentals of biology - from a cellular and molecular level to the evolution of complex living organisms. As you advance on the degree you will further develop your skills in molecular techniques and experimental design, data analysis, presentation and communication of information and team-working. Using case-based learning and working within a group, you will investigate the real life applications of human biology in the diagnosis, treatment and management of human disease. You will design, package, market and test an assay kit. To add breadth and depth to your learning, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules enabling you to personalise your degree to suit your career aspirations or interests.

Your final year will provide you with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and produce an independent experimental research project. 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. This is a fantastic opportunity to integrate your personal passions with your studies. You will also take part in a final year conference where you will present your research findings through posters and presentations to a diverse audience including employers.

At Keele, you'll have a variety of opportunities to enhance your academic and professional development. Imagine broadening your horizons by spending a year studying abroad, learning a foreign language, or completing a work placement. See below for the specific opportunities available on our Biochemistry and Human Biology programme.

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

You will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of research and health related careers. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.

Key skills you can acquire include:

• Business awareness
• Communication - through report writing and presentations
• Data management and analysis
• Online and in-person literacy skills
• Problem-solving and creative thinking
• Research
• Teamworking

Careers that a graduate of this course could pursue include:

• Analytical chemist
• Biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry
• Ecologist
• Environmental consultant
• Food industry and food safety
• Forensic scientist
• Healthcare and diagnostics
• Marine biologist
• Medical publishing
• Microbiologist
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Pharmacologist
• Physician associate
• Postgraduate study
• Research and development
• Science teacher
• Toxicologist

Keele Careers and Employability team

Our Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.