Program Description

Discover the diverse range of biochemical, genetic and microbiological approaches needed to understand life at a molecular level. Students will have the opportunity to do a year-long, paid work placement as part of their degree.

The University of Sheffield's students have found placements at global pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, Pfizer and Unilever, but placements do not have to be in the lab. Students could, for example, apply their scientific knowledge and transferable skills outside of the bioscience industry in areas including market research, communications, or business development. A placement is a great opportunity to test out a career path, and many students are offered a graduate-level job at the end. Students also pay reduced fees for the year of placement, and they'll still have the support they need from their tutors and the University.

Students will study the methods scientists use to sequence genomes, clone and engineer genes, determine molecular structures, and analyse cell growth in humans, plants and microbes. Students also learn how this knowledge enables the development of novel biotechnological solutions to global challenges such as sustainable production and combating disease.

From first year, students will study modules that span the molecular biosciences covering molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. Alongside these modules, students will have the freedom to explore complementary topics across the breadth of bioscience, such as biomedicine, ecology, plant science and zoology. This flexibility allows  students to study genetics in greater depth, broaden their interests, or even switch to another biosciences degree.

Regardless of the modules, students will develop the practical laboratory and transferable skills that make graduates attractive to employers, including project management, problem solving, communication skills, and data analysis.

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology which shows employers an understanding of the practical skills and scientific knowledge that they're looking for.