Biochemistry

Biochemistry examines the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular level. It is an exciting and rapidly developing subject and the primary investigative science within biology and medicine.

This four-year degree is ideal if you wish to experience overseas study as part of your biochemistry degree. Overseas study can broaden your horizon, build your confidence, offer a different perspective on your subject, and can make you stand out from the crowd in a competitive job market.

The degree includes core modules in biochemistry and chemistry, combined with modules in related fields. You can choose a pathway within the degree that will allow you to focus on biochemistry, or with specialisation in genetics or biomedicine.

In the first year, you will study a range of core modules designed to provide you with a broad overview of biology and chemistry and a good foundation in key modern biochemical concepts. You will take three additional modules in your chosen pathway to maintain a focus on biochemistry and chemistry or have specialisation in either genetics or biomedicine.

You will spend your third year studying at one of our overseas partner universities building your global outlook and connectivity.

Your final year builds on your chosen pathway and may include options such as Innovation in the Biosciences (biochemistry or genetics pathways) and Neurobiology (biochemistry or biomedicine pathways).

During your degree, you will conduct your own laboratory-based project and benefit from the research experience of our internationally renowned academics. The facilities for studying biochemistry at Lancaster University are excellent. We have invested over £4 million in new life science teaching laboratories, which you will use for practical learning and your dissertation project.

Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credits to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster.

Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.

Lancaster University is ranked first in the North West - and third in the UK - for graduate prospects by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and The Complete University Guide 2020.

After studying biochemistry at Lancaster University, you can look forward to a promising career in areas such as academic, industrial and medical research, pharmaceuticals, the food industry and forensic science. 90% of Lancaster's biochemistry graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating, 65% of those in employment are in professional or managerial positions (Unistats 2019).

During your degree you will gain practical skills such as laboratory competence and experimental design; numerical skills such as statistical analysis and data recording and presentation; and interpersonal skills such as team working, communication and negotiation. The transferable skills and analytical training you will gain during your degree will allow you to enter science or diverse fields such as management, marketing and finance. You will also study an employability skills module to help you manage your professional development and prepare for the job market.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.