As one of the world’s largest academic centres for research in biochemistry, UCL understands the most important skills needed for the next generation of experts in this critical area. In addition to equipping our students with the essential knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, we provide you with a uniquely real world research experience to ensure you gain experience of best practice practical application in an intellectually stimulating environment.

What this course will give you

• At UCL we offer our students the opportunity to undertake two research projects in their third year – an advanced literature investigation and a lab based group project where students generate their own unique data. This process reflects how real world labs operate and better prepares our students for success in this arena.

• Students benefit from a strong focus on computational analysis and have the opportunity to compare some of their research findings to similar studies from around the world. This reflects our focus on preparing our students for successful research careers.

Your learning

Biochemistry is a practical science. You can expect to spend a significant portion of your time either in wet laboratories, where you will handle chemicals and biological materials, or in dry laboratories, where computer simulations and exercises are carried out.

You will also take part in seminars, presentations, lectures and group tutorials. You will use an online virtual learning environment (Moodle) to support your studies.

Assessment

Your assessment will include a combination of examinations, coursework, practical work, tutorial work and presentations. Many modules have in-course tests (web-based or written) and most modules have an unseen final examination.

Careers

Throughout your degree you will acquire a range of specific and transferable key skills, including time management and planning, technical laboratory competencies such as manual dexterity and analysis of data, and skills in teamwork, negotiation and decision-making.

Our graduates have found roles in diverse fields such as toxicology, clinical biochemistry, drug and food research, industrial biotechnology, virus research and agricultural research. Some students have used their degrees to become school science teachers; others have entered fields such as science journalism, business management, accountancy and business computing.