Program Description

This BSc covers the structure and function of biological systems at the molecular level. Students will do a year-long, paid work placement as part of their degrees. 

Students at the University of Sheffield have found placements at the global pharmaceutical companies such as GSK and Pfizer, but placements do not have to be in the lab. For example, students could look outside 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 will pay reduced fees for the year of placement while still receiving value-added support from tutors and the university. 

In this course, students study proteins, enzymes, hormones and receptors and learn about the various ways that biochemistry can be applied to major challenges affecting humanity today, from how to sustainably feed a global population, to healthy ageing and how new drugs are designed.

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

No matter what modules students choose to study, they'll gain experience that make graduates attractive to employers, including project management, problem solving, communication skills and data analysis.

Students get plenty of opportunities to apply their new skills and knowledge too. They will be in the lab completing in-depth practicals across molecular genetics, DNA manipulation and protein structure analysis, and they'll get the chance to use cutting-edge equipment to run their own in-depth research projects in areas such as clinical diagnostics or brewing biotechnology.