Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Biochemistry sits at the boundary between the physical and life sciences. It concerns the molecular basis of health and disease, contributing to the discovery of new medicines, the growth of biotechnology, and the feeding of a growing population.

You will learn how knowledge of DNA sequences and appreciation of the structure and function of proteins is enabling us to better understand how living systems work, guiding the design of drugs to combat disease, and the engineering of biomolecules to enhance industrial processes.

You’ll work in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and experience the excellent facilities for teaching and research in both. The University of York’s Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL), a group of researchers who explore biochemical questions, has been awarded a prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize. The prizes are the highest national honour awarded in UK Further and Higher Education and are granted by the Queen every two years.

Assessment

​You will be assessed via a mixture of closed exams and continuous assessment. Although you must perform to a satisfactory level, Stage 1 (which is your first year) does not count towards the final degree. Your degree classification is determined by work in Stage 2 (40%) and Stage 3 (60%). If you undertake a year abroad or in industry this is marked bypass/fail.

Careers and skills

A degree in Biochemistry provides an excellent basis for science or health-related careers, and for a wide range of other occupations and professions from management and finance, to journalism and teaching.

Studying Biochemistry will develop your critical thinking and research skills and prepare you to be competitive for entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes.

Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from biochemical research and development, to careers in science communication, the health service, forensic science, environmental health and wildlife conservation. Our graduates are not confined to science-related careers, and a significant number enter jobs within finance, public and private sector management, social and health service work, the media and law.