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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
This is a full-time single honours programme within the Biochemistry subject area.
Key facts
- Subject area: Biochemistry
- Award: BSc (Hons)
- Code: C700
- Location: Canterbury
- Honours: Single
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Duration: 3 years
- Start: 2013
- Year in industry: No
- Year abroad: No
- Institution(s): University of Kent
Overview
Biochemistry deals with the way living organisms function at the molecular level. This covers a vast variety of life forms, ranging from comparatively simple viruses and bacteria to mammals like ourselves. Biochemistry will have a major impact on many of the problems that face mankind today, particularly in the areas of medicine, agriculture and the environment
The School of Biosciences provides a stimulating, research-led environment for teaching and learning, encouraging you to achieve your full academic and personal potential. Biosciences has been rated one of the top schools in the country by our students. Our innovative approach to teaching has been recognised by the award of a National Teaching Fellowship to one of our staff for the development of our final-year science communication projects.
Our facilities are excellent and include a recent £1 million refurbishment of our teaching laboratories. Our research is at the cutting edge in areas such as cancer, infectious and genetic diseases, protein science and cell biology, all of which feeds into our teaching.
Biochemistry offers both a Sandwich Year and the opportunity to study for a year in mainland Europe, the USA or Malaysia. Also, if you achieve grades of AAB or above at A level and continue to achieve at this level in Stages 1 and 2, the School guarantees you a paid eight-week Research Studentship in the summer vacation of your second year.
Modules
Stage 1
You take eight core modules (120 credits)
- Chemistry for Biologists B (double module)
- Enzymes and Introduction to Metabolism
- Genetics and Evolution
- Human Physiology and Disease
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Skills for Bioscientists
Stage 2
You take seven core modules (115 credits) and one optional module (15 credits).
Core modules- Cell Biology
- Gene Expression and its Control
- Infection and Immunity
- Metabolic Regulation
- Metabolism and Disease
- Physiology
- Skills for Bioscientists 2
One of the following:
- Animal Form and Function
- Microbial Physiology and Genetics
- Pharmacology
- Plant Physiology and Adaptation.
Stage 3
You take five core modules (75 credits), a research project (30 credits) and one optional module.
Core modules- Advanced Enzymology
- Biological Membranes
- Cell Communication
- Protein Structure and Function
- Research Project (double module)
- Skills for Biochemists
One of the following:
- Advanced Immunology
- The Cell Cycle
- Integrated Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials.
Modules are usually assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and exams. Exams take place at the end of the academic year and count for 50% or more of the module mark. The Sandwich Year is assessed by a presentation and written reports, and contributes 10% to the overall mark.
Careers
Our students are highly successful after graduation. We have established excellent links with employers through both our research work and our sandwich year programme, and those who take this option find it enhances their employment prospects even further. Our emphasis on analytical thinking, problem-solving and laboratory skills is very attractive to a wide range of employers. Recently, our graduates have gone into researchbased jobs in academic, government, industrial and medical labs; teaching; scientific publishing
and marketing; or information technology. Many of our graduates also go on to further study at MSc or PhD level.
For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability
Entry requirements
Offer levels
BBB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points overall inc 5 in HL Chemistry and Biology or 6 in SL Chemistry and Biology plus 4 in Mathematics, or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in HL Chemistry and Biology or 6 in SL Chemistry and Biology plus 4 in Mathematics.
Required subjects
A level grade B in Chemistry and B in either Biology or Human Biology.
GCSE Mathematics grade C.
Further information
School
Enquiries:
T: +44 (0)1227 827272
E: information@kent.ac.uk
Key Information Sets
The Key Information Set (KIS) data (right) is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.
If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk