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Enrich your understanding of all cellular life.

By combining aspects of biology and chemistry, this course studies modern biochemistry at the molecular level, to enable students to understand the biological processes that influence all living organisms. 

As a Biochemistry graduate, you will leave Northumbria University with the skills to prepare you for a future of life-long learning and a choice of careers, across a variety of scientific discipline areas including:

  • The chemical and pharmaceutical industries
  • Food and nutrition industries
  • Healthcare industry
  • Research and academia

Why choose Northumbria to study Biochemistry?

  • The placement option on the course, which takes place between the second and final years, has allowed our students to work alongside industry leaders  such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Proctor & Gamble.

  • Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Chemistry studies (Times Good University Guide, 2025).

  • Get involved in real cutting-edge biochemistry research during your research project, with research teams who recently ranked 8th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021).

  • Diverse subject coverage including analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, cell biology, genetics, and more. 

  • City centre location: Ellison Building provides state-of-the-art facilities for our 3,500 STEM students in the centre of Newcastle. 

See other similar courses you may be interested in: Biomedical Science BSc, BSc Chemistry, Forensic Science BSc

Enrich your understanding of all cellular life.

By combining aspects of biology and chemistry, this course studies modern biochemistry at the molecular level, to enable students to understand the biological processes that influence all living organisms. 

As a Biochemistry graduate, you will leave Northumbria University with the skills to prepare you for a future of life-long learning and a choice of careers, across a variety of scientific discipline areas including:

  • The chemical and pharmaceutical industries
  • Food and nutrition industries
  • Healthcare industry
  • Research and academia

Why choose Northumbria to study Biochemistry?

  • The placement option on the course, which takes place between the second and final years, has allowed our students to work alongside industry leaders  such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Proctor & Gamble.

  • Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Chemistry studies (Times Good University Guide, 2025).

  • Get involved in real cutting-edge biochemistry research during your research project, with research teams who recently ranked 8th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021).

  • Diverse subject coverage including analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, cell biology, genetics, and more. 

  • City centre location: Ellison Building provides state-of-the-art facilities for our 3,500 STEM students in the centre of Newcastle. 

See other similar courses you may be interested in: Biomedical Science BSc, BSc Chemistry, Forensic Science BSc

Extended Degree 

This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year which has been designed to provide fundamental scientific knowledge and skills in a range of science fields.

What will I learn in my first year?

Your first year will give you a practical introduction to biology, chemistry, food science and forensic science, establishing your laboratory skills, basic numeracy skills, data handling, ICT and study skills. You’ll be taught in large, modern, well-equipped labs with audio-visual facilities to enhance our ability to demonstrate techniques or interesting observations.

 

Course Information

UCAS Code
Z041

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department
Applied Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2026

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Department / Applied Science

The Department of Applied Sciences has an exciting and extensive portfolio of subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, food and nutritional sciences.

Delve Deeper / Discover more about life at Northumbria

Book An Open Day / Experience Northumbria

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Biochemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

64 to 80 Tariff Points 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 64 to 80 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application

To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC

* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.  As a guide, 25/26 fees were £9,535 per year.


International Fee in Year 1: TBC


Scholarships for 26/27 have not yet been announced.  Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

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Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

AP0306 -

Scientific and Numeracy Skills (Core,20 Credits)

You will get the opportunity to improve and practice key numeracy skills that will enable you to complete the tasks for the other modules you are studying during the foundation year. These will include calculations associated with experimental work in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, food science, nutrition, forensic science and sport science, such as making solutions of different concentrations using solid chemicals, preparing dilutions using stock solutions, serial dilutions, making buffers, calculating rates of reaction, equilibrium constants, enthalpies, interpreting outcomes of antibiotic sensitivity testing, processing histological, physiological and biometrics measurements, calculating biodiversity indices, etc.
You will also review your IT skills to ensure you can easily access the eLP, library and other on-line resources, including guidance on correct referencing of scientific literature. You will use Microsoft Excel to process data similar to those that you will acquire experimentally in other modules, do simple statistics and produce graphical representations and tables of your data.
You will learn about the style of scientific writing used in peer-reviewed publications and how to present scientific data in different formats, eg. scientific report using the IMRAD style, short summary, poster, oral presentation, mini-literature review, essay. You will also learn how to find relevant and reliable sources of information and you will practice extracting relevant details from such sources and presenting them in your own words.

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AP0307 -

Practical Skills in Science (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn and acquire key practical skills that are needed for subsequent study in your progression degree. You will learn techniques associated with the specialisms of Food Science and Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Forensic Science and Biology. You will learn how to use Excel spread-sheets to process experimentally acquired data and produce graphical representations of your results and you will learn how to present laboratory reports using the IMRAD style.

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AP0308 -

Inspirational Science (Core,20 Credits)

This module will teach you about important and inspirational areas of science, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is broken down into four main areas namely; Spectroscopy and Analysis; Drugs and Molecule, Material of the Future and Energy. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry, research and understanding.

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AP0309 -

Research and Science Communication Project (Core,20 Credits)

This module will teach you how to expand your scientific research, science communication and team work skills through the collaborative research and presentation of a scientific research project. Lectures and seminars will be delivered teaching you how to research a scientific subject, how to work as team in doing this and how to condense large amounts of information into a concise message. All of these are essential core skills for a career in science.

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AP0310 -

Introduction to Biology (Optional,20 Credits)

As Biology is the “Study of Life”, in this module we will explore different aspects of the living world around us. In the first teaching block, we will delve into evolution – how did all the different life forms we see around us come into being? How does evolution work? In order to study life, we need to have a good overview of what different life forms there are. This brings us into the realm of Biodiversity and Classification. We will give an overview of the different Kingdoms that dwell on Earth, and with whom we share this planet and are connected in multiple ways.
We then look inwards, and unravel the secrets of our genomes. Our genetic information is stored in our DNA – but how are genes organised, and how do they work? Can the study of genetics help us to understand the world in- and around us, can it help us to “improve” the world by genetic manipulation?
In the last teaching block, we focus on human beings, and explore aspects of our physiology and neurobiology. How does the human body function, how does our nervous system work?
Though the teaching is organised in three blocks (Evolution and Diversity, Genetics, Human Biology), this division is somewhat arbitrary as there are multiple links connecting these areas of study. “In the living nature, nothing happens that isn’t somehow connected to nature as a whole” (Goethe, 1749-1832) In this module, we will regularly explore these connections.

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AP0311 -

Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (Optional,20 Credits)

You will receive an introduction to basic biological concepts relating to the organisation of the human organism.
You will learn to describe the molecular, cellular (cytology) and tissue (histology) organisation of mammals, with particular emphasis on humans, and explain relationships between form and function at each level.
You will find out about the basic principles of genetics including the structure and role of DNA in transmission of heritable information and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
You will begin to describe the biochemical characteristics of living organisms and explain how the human form is built up by the physical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and how energy is supplied at cellular level by respiration.
You will learn about the concept of transport in humans by investigating gaseous exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide round the body by the heart, lungs and vascular system.
You will receive an introduction to the defence functions of the blood and characteristics of mammalian vascular systems which are important in understanding and managing disease (blood pressure, heartbeat, white blood cells, phagocytes, antibody production, blood groups).
You will be introduced to aspects of co-ordination, response and control in the human organism with reference to the processes of homeostasis and the endocrine and nervous systems.

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AP0312 -

Introduction to Chemistry (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the subject of chemistry. Through discussion of theory and engaging in practical experimentation you will improve your knowledge of the five core areas of chemistry:
1. Organic chemistry: where you will study atomic structure, bonding and reactivity of organic compounds.
2. Analytical chemistry: where you will study reactions to detect specific functional groups, alongside instrumental techniques such as mass spectrometry.
3. Molecular modeling: where you will study how to represent chemical structures using a computer, in addition to developing a better understanding of molecular geometry and isomerism
4. Inorganic chemistry: where you will study the structure and properties of metals and their complexes.
5. Physical chemistry: where you will study factors affecting the rate and progress of chemical reactions.
You will also spend time developing chemistry-focussed laboratory skills including considering the implications of risk management and safety, which is a critical skill for all practising chemists.

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AP0313 -

Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition (Human Nutrition) (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about the biological basis of food and nutrition and will be introduced to a range of elements and compounds which are essential for life. The principles of healthy eating based on UK guidelines and the role of food in maintaining health including the role of microbiota will be explored whilst providing an understanding of the nutritional needs of a population. You will explore through lectures and laboratory practicals some important aspects of food microbiology, food processing, preservation and brewing.

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AP0314 -

Introduction to Forensic Science (Optional,20 Credits)

You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation. This module will enable you to understand how your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills can be deployed in a real world context. You will cover how forensic science is utilised to assist a crime investigation, following a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process. You will further develop your microscopy and pipette skills through laboratory practicals designed around the recovery, examination and analysis of forensic material of relevance to a particular case. Your attention to detail, precision and inquisitive mind will be core skills covered during the laboratory practical.

You will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentally understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a poster, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.

Your involvement in this module will help you learn what it is to be a professional scientist, understanding the importance of observations, attention to detail and clear communication. These are key transferable skills for those in the scientific profession and are directly applicable to all of the degree programmes that you could progress onto after successful study of your foundation year.

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AP0402 -

Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)

This module will cover the following:
• An introduction to the fundamental principles of analytical chemistry.
• Consolidation of the knowledge of empirical formulae and balancing of chemical equations.
• An introduction to the theory and practice of titrimetry, gravimetry, flame photometry and spectrophotometry for analysis.
• Theory and hands on experience of chromatographic techniques for separation and analysis of mixtures.

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AP0403 -

Principles of Chemical Structure (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn about the theoretical building blocks of structural chemistry and the tools and rules that enable us to predict structure and reactivity in chemical compounds. This is the keystone for much for the language and understanding of chemistry required at a higher level where structural chemistry informs the properties and behaviours of more complex chemical systems such as drugs and medicine, materials and plastics, and many more. The learning journey for this module starts at the atomic level and moves through to the molecular level taking in the following broad topics and their related competencies.

• Atomic and electronic structure, isotopes, electron configurations, the periodic table and the importance of valence electrons
• Bonding theories, covalent and ionic bonding, ionic and covalent structures
• Lewis and VSEPR approaches to structure prediction for main group compounds
• Acid and base chemistry
• Coordination chemistry of the metals, structures and geometries, isomerism, basic reactions
• Organic structures, isomerism and nomenclature
• Organic stereochemistry, geometric and optical isomerism, Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules and definitions, chirality and the language of stereochemistry.
• Electron movement and structural consequences, resonance and tautomerism
• Basics of structural transformation in organic systems, intro to organic mechanism and curly arrows, electrophiles, nucleophiles and common reaction types and functional groups transformations
• Introduction to organic synthesis, oxidation and reduction, common reagents and pathways.

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AP0404 -

Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the diversity of life and the unifying cell theory including, DNA as the universal information store and the central dogma of molecular biology as the unifying mechanism in all life. You will learn the structure and function of cells and the organelles they contain along with their life cycle, division, self-replication and eventual death.

You will learn the basic principles of heredity, including molecular, classical , human and microbial genetics. You will learn the structure, function, regulation of genes and genomes. You will also learn the fundamentals of applied genetics including an introduction to clinical genetics and the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes.

Underpinning these theoretical concepts and principles covered in the lecture course you will be trained in basic techniques of handling DNA in the laboratory.

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AP0406 -

Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.

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AP0415 -

Introduction to Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)

This module will explore the fascinating world of Biological and Medicinal Chemistry and build from your basic understanding of core chemistry gained elsewhere in the programme. You will gain knowledge and understanding about the structures and properties small biomolecules such as amino acids, purine and pyramidine bases and carbohydrates and lipids. You will gain an in depth understanding about the structures of biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids and the broad variety of complexes they participate in. You will understand how the structure and function correlate and how the weak (non-covalent) interactions such as hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions and van der Waals interactions play vital role for formation and stabilization of the structures in biological macromolecules.

You will understand how enzymes work, what the catalytic strategies of the cell are and how the enzyme mechanisms can be realized chemically. You will learn about enzyme kinetics, inhibition. Attention will be given to the receptors and how they interact with external signals and deliver the signal within the cell. You will then gain knowledge about the main steps and reactions of metabolism (both biosynthesises and catabolism) and you will gain key insights into the biochemical aspects of DNA replication and gene expression.

Based on the solid understanding of Biological Chemistry you will then explore the fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry. You will understand the basic concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, drug discovery, design and development. You will be taught basic elements of combinatorial and parallel synthesis, QSAR, computer-aided drug design. You will gain an insight into antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer drugs structure and action. Practical laboratory and computer classes will provide you with key practical skills for working with enzymes and will introduce you to basic tools for computer visualizations and evaluation of small and large molecules and their interactions.

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AP0417 -

Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists (Core,20 Credits)

This is a laboratory based module where you will learn and develop a range of basic laboratory skills necessary to further study, research and a professional environment, and these will form the basis for more advanced laboratory procedures to follow in later years. You will undertake a variety of interesting investigational experiments which cover core areas of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical branches of chemistry and which will develop skills and techniques, whilst also illustrating key concepts of chemistry found in other parts of the programme. On completion of this module you will be able to: i) use a variety of laboratory techniques and skills in a safe and efficient manner; ii) interpret the results of laboratory investigations; iii) present the results of laboratory work in a coherent manner. You will also develop professional skills such as a basic understanding of Health and Safety protocols and good laboratory practice, problem-solving and analytical skills, team work, organisation, and communication skills.

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JE5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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AP0511 -

Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.

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AP0514 -

Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)

In ‘Human Metabolism’ you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy and how it converts these molecules into the other various essential components required to function normally. You will learn about the disorders that can arise and the resulting consequences, with a food and nutritional sciences approach. Consequences such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes and obesity will be discussed. You will learn about these various aspects in a system/organ-specific manner which will include the liver, the kidneys, heart and digestive tract, allowing you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function.

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AP0517 -

Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn information technology and computing sufficient to comprehend the theoretical basis of bioinformatics; the principles and basic applications of various bioinformatics tools in the analysis of biological data; and practical competence in the use of bioinformatics at a basic level to analyse biological data and understand the limitations of these techniques. You will also learn how to perform molecular biology experiments in a competent and safe manner; be able to carry out work independently; be able to write in a concise and coherent fashion; and be able to demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and political implications of the topics covered in the module.

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AP0526 -

Organic Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)

This module will build on your learning from the previous year in Principles of Chemical Structure. You will learn and develop further both your theoretical and practical skills in organic chemistry that are essential in modern chemistry-based jobs. For example, you will learn about key aspects of molecular structure of organic molecules, the molecular basis for their reactivity, how to devise synthetic schemes for target compounds, and about modern synthetic tools that are used in the everyday synthesis of organic chemicals. You will also further develop your practical, interpretive and reporting skills in the laboratory.

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AP0529 -

Analytical Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the principal features of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, including:
? Survey of separation science.
? Fundamentals of HPLC with respect to isocratic and gradient elution, reversed and normal phase separation and detectors.
? Fundamentals of capillary GC with respect to isothermal and temperature programmed elution, selection of column and detectors.
? Theoretical aspects of separation, capacity factors, resolution, theoretical plate height (efficiency), peak tailing and the influence of these parameters on separation.
? Theoretical aspects of modern and traditional sample preparation techniques.
? Overview of spectroscopic methods.
? NMR spectroscopy: basic instrumentation and experimental aspects; Pulse-Fourier Transform methods; spectral appearance and interpretation for 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy; splitting patterns for common 1st and 2nd order systems; advanced methods; DEPT spectra.
? IR spectroscopy: basic instrumentation and experimental aspects; interpretation and prediction of spectra, vibrational modelling.
? Mass spectroscopy: basic instrumentation and experimental aspects, ionisation techniques; fragmentation patterns, interpretation and prediction of spectra.
? Strategy and practice in structure elucidation.
Laboratory exercises will be used to underpin the theory taught in lectures, develop practical skills and afford hands-on experience of relevant techniques. In addition, there will be in-module assignments allowing you to explore the merits and approaches necessary to solve typical spectroscopic problems.

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AP0553 -

Bioscience Research & Analysis (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.

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AP0536 -

Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)

This study abroad module is designed for standard full-time undergraduate programmes to provide you with the option to take an additional one year study abroad within your programme.

Study abroad provides an opportunity to develop personal skills in a different learning environment with a partner university. The module does not affect the classification of your degree, but if successfully passed the study abroad year is recognised in your transcript and degree certificate. There is a competitive selection process for placements and places cannot be guaranteed.

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AP0552 -

Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Industrial Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a Industrial Placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of Industrial Placement at an approved placement partner. This broadens your overall experience of learning by embedding your current and future learning of your discipline within a regimented and target-oriented work environment. The course of Industrial Placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your Industrial Placement year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Industrial Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Industrial Placement Year)”.

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AP0606 -

Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)

You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.

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AP0609 -

Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.

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AP0610 -

Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)

Genome scale sequence analysis had transformed our understanding of human disease susceptibility and drug metabolism. In this module you will learn about the methodologies that have led to this understanding and the production of genome databases. You will also study both the sequence and the structural variation in the human genome and those variations associated with disease. The regulatory and epigenetic landscapes including DNA methylation of human genomes will also be studied in detail along with microRNA regulatory networks. Finally, the application of genomics to improve human health, personalised medicine and develop new diagnostics will be explored. You will also debate social, legal and ethical aspects of genetic testing.

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AP0625 -

Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the chemistry Nature uses to biosynthesise useful natural products and how medicinal chemistry is utilised to combat disease. As you survey Nature’s biosynthetic pathways you will discover how the plethora of naturally occurring molecules are formed from elementary building blocks. In the area of medicinal chemistry you will explore fundamental principles of drug design and learn about the processes through which drugs act to alleviate disease.
Main topics include:
•Biosynthesis of fatty acids, polyketides, terpenes and related biologically relevant molecules
•Drug design, applications and mechanisms of actions

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AP0631 -

Industrial Biochemistry and Biocatalysis (Optional,20 Credits)

Industrial biochemistry and biotechnology provide us with the opportunity to revolutionise synthetic chemistry and to obtain a wide variety of chemical products through reactions which are considered green and environmentally-sustainable. In this module you will learn the basic principles of industrial biochemistry and biotechnology in order to gain an understanding of the development and application of modern techniques in the field. You will learn how enzymes of industrial importance are discovered, including how the application of ever-more powerful computers can assist us with bioinformatics, and how high-throughput screening techniques have rapidly increased the rate at which new enzymes are characterised and developed. Through the discussion of case studies with a range of experts in the field you will focus on the applications of enzymes, how they are characterised, and how downstream processing is used to separate products from reaction mixtures. You will study the reuse of these biological catalysts through immobilisation, how batch vs. flow synthesis affects the purity and yield of products, and you will also consider the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of biocatalysis on the developing world.

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AP0632 -

Current Topics in Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)

The syllabus will be subject to review each year as topics develop, however, the topics will cover research areas such as medical and pharmaceutical biochemistry, genetic variation and gene/environment interactions influencing health, the application of biochemistry/biotechnology in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for disease, drug development, gene therapy and diagnostic tools, applications of biotechnology to genome sequencing projects, e.g. the role in medicine and drug development, environmental biochemistry, industrial biochemistry, such as treatment of waste-water, remediation of contaminated sites and applications of biotechnology to the production of high value chemicals, consumer products and food.

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To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Biochemistry (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

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