BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Biotechnology

If you want to enjoy a practical study of one of the fastest-growing and most fascinating areas of human knowledge, then our biochemistry course is for you.

You'll be taught by - and also get the chance to assist - brilliant scientists who are involved in ground-breaking research and new discoveries.

Increasingly, biochemists and biotechnologists are playing a crucial role in genetic engineering and molecular bioengineering, as well as other areas of physiology and medicine.

For instance, antibiotics remain one of the UK's main exports and their production by fermenting micro-organisms in the pharmaceutical industry has revolutionised healthcare.

We want to give you a comprehensive understanding of the theory and application of biotechnology and biochemistry in areas of medicine and industry.

So you can be part of this invigorating exploration, studying subjects that are playing a key role in improving the manufacturing processes, in fighting disease and improving our lives.

This course comes with the opportunity of a year-long industry placement between years two and three, subject to availability of positions with our industry partners. If you choose this option, you'll spend your third year working in an appropriate professional environment, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.

Foundation year

If you don't meet the entry requirements for a BSc degree, you have the option of taking an extended four-year version of this course. You'll take a bioscience foundation year which will prepare you for the BSc degree.

Your first year will be a general introductory to the subject, focusing on the three core areas of chemistry, cell biology and biochemistry. 

In year two, you'll study core modules such as Biotechnology, Molecular Genetics, Cellular Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry.

A large part of your final year will be taken up on an independent research project as well as studying advances in biotechnology and biochemistry and the analysis of the human genome.

You'll find working on your own project rewarding and enjoyable while it will also develop both your laboratory skills and your ability to collect and collate new data.

• Tawjihi: 60% for Foundation
• 3 x AS Levels: Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 2.0 for Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 3.0 + SAT1 1070 for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 25 points with minimum 15 at Higher Level for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• 3 x A Levels: Direct Entry to Bachelor's

You'll be gaining a broad and varied grounding in biotechnology and biochemistry during your time with us, which means you'll find a range of career possibilities opening up to you after graduating.

You could go into laboratory-based work in a hospital or research institute, or work at an industrial or pharmaceutical lab. 

You might find you're well suited for a role as a research and development consultant, or use your knowledge to teach the next generation. If you follow this route, the University of East London is renowned for the quality of its postgraduate teacher-training courses.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue studying biotechnology or biochemistry at postgraduate level or study a related discipline such as nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry, medicine or pharmacy.

Some of Course Leader Dr David Bringloe's students have achieved great success. For example, Marta Futema went straight into cancer research at University College London (UCL) because her work at UEL was so outstanding.

Others went on to Oxford University and Royal Holloway while two of our most recent graduates have landed scholarships for Biotechnology master's degrees at UCL.

No doors are closed with this degree. One of our graduates decided he wanted to forge a career in the corporate world of pharmaceuticals. He was head-hunted for a job with leading biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, before retraining as a doctor at a medical school.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.