From DNA to proteins, from single molecules to cells, biochemistry answers the ultimate questions about how living organisms work. Our BSc Biochemistry degree programme provides in depth training in biochemistry, with core subjects in your first and second year and opportunities to specialise in year three. Our flexible course system offers a wide range of options, with a year out in industry for those who want to gain experience in an industrial setting. Our teaching staff are actively engaged in research into the molecular basis of disease, genetics and the control of gene transcription, oncology, structural biology, DNA recognition and cell signalling.
View the programme specification document for this course
To Apply
All undergraduate applications should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Click on the How to Apply tab of the navigation menu for detailed information on how to apply and further details about UCAS' website, phone and contact details. Specific application deadlines are available on the UCAS website.
Key Facts
The National Student Survey 2016 (NSS)
- 94% of BSc Biochemistry students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course
- 94% of BSc Biochemistry students agreed that the course is intellectually stimulating
- 94% of BSc Biochemistry students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching
“I’ve really enjoyed myself here not just in terms of my degree but also living here, Southampton as a place, the options I’ve had and the friends I’ve made. ”
Angus Haynes - BSc Biochemistry, 2015
“The many transferable skills I have gained from studying Biochemistry at Southampton have enabled me to secure a graduate position at the professional services organisation PWC.”
Isabel King - BSc Biochemistry, 2016
“Throughout my time with GSK I was exposed to doctors, scientists and statisticians who were very supportive and helped shape my career goals”
Alex Simpson - MBiochem BiochemistryTypical entry requirements
GCSEs:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| GCSE | Grades A*-C in English, mathematics and science. If you lack these formal qualifications, your aptitude for the course will be assessed at interview. International students whose first language is not English must have already attained the necessary standard in English, such as 6.5 in IELTS |
A Levels:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| GCE A-level | AAB. For biochemistry degrees, chemistry must be offered at A level (minimum grade B) with at least one other A level science subject. A level science subjects considered include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, psychology, environmental studies, geology.
Applicants only offering A Level Chemistry will be considered on a case by case basis. |
IB:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points, 17 at higher level, including 6 points in Chemistry at higher level along with one other higher level science subject. |
Other applicants:
Applicants with alternative UK or EU qualifications and international applicants should first refer to the general entry requirements.
English Language
For details of our English Language entry requirements please see here
Selection process:
- Intake:
- 40
- Average applications per place:
- 8
Selection for this BSc Biochemistry degree is normally based on actual or predicted grades plus the reference and personal statement on your UCAS application. Exceptionally we may ask you to come for an interview before making an offer.
Contextual Offers
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students flagged in this way will be given additional consideration and not be rejected solely on the basis of their predicted (or actual) grades.
Please see our contextual admissions pages for more information.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about
equivalent
entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Science Foundation Year
Don't have the right qualifications to meet our entry requirements? You could still get a place by doing a foundation year.
Find out more
Typical course content
To be able to take certain optional modules in years 2 or 3, you may need to have passed specified modules previously.
Innovation modules outside of your subject area
Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from "Living and working on the web" to "Business skills for employability".
View the Curriculum Innovation modules for this course
Learn a language
Some of our courses also give you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover ten languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
View the language modules on offer for this course
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Tuition fees
Course fees for 2017/18 full-time UK and EU undergraduate students are typically
£9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for international students differ between each course. Most
part-time courses cost 50% of the full-time fee.
Funding
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Costs associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this programme typically also have to pay
for:
| Type | Description | Cost |
|---|
| Printing and copying | Coursework such as essays, projects and dissertations may be submitted on line. In the majority of cases, though, students will be asked to provide a printed copy. The University printing costs are currently:
A4 - 5p per side (black and white) or 25p per side (colour)
A3 - 10p per side (black and white) or 50p per side (colour)
Please note: Paper sizes not recognised by the printing devices will prompt you to select the size and then charge a minimum of 50p per black and white copy and a maximum of £1 per colour copy.
You can pay for your printing by using the money loaders or by using print copy payment service by going to www.printcopypayments.soton.ac.uk
Please remember that we are unable to refund any credit that has not been used by the end of your course, so please consider this when topping up your printing/copy account.
Students entering year 1 2015/16 will be given a printing allowance of £3 per 7.5 ECTS BIOL towards the costs of printing lecture handouts. Practical handouts and module guides will be provided by the university.
The University Print Centre also offers a printing and copying service as well as a dissertation/binding service. Current printing and copying costs can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/copyrooms/service.page.
They also provide a large format printing service, e.g. Academic posters. Details of current costs can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/exhibition/academicposters.page? | £0.05-1.00 |
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Equipment | Approved calculators:
Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo. |
| Stationery | You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile. |
| Books | Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module. |
| Equipment | Laboratory equipment and materials:
All materials required for laboratory work are provided. Where necessary, suitable specialist safety equipment will be provided. |
| Equipment | IT: Computer discs or USB drives -
Students are expected to provide their own portable data storage device. |
| Equipment | IT: Software licenses -
All software is provided. |
| Equipment | IT: Hardware -
It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus. |
| Clothing | Lab coats and safety spectacles:
One laboratory coat and a pair of safety spectacles are provided at the start of the programme to each student. If these are lost the student must replace them at their own expense. The Students Union Shop stock these items. |
| Clothing | Field course clothing:
You will need to wear suitable clothing when attending field courses, e.g. waterproofs, walking boots. You can purchase these from any source. |
| Placements | Students who choose to go on an industrial placement at the end of Part 2 can expect to cover costs for health and travel insurance, accommodation and living expenses, travel costs and visa costs.
This will vary depending on which country you are travelling to. |
| Other | Parking costs:
There may be a requirement to undertake work at Southampton General Hospital (SGH), for example during a final year research project. Students may need to cover costs for transport to travel to SGH or for car parking. |
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
