abstract microscopic view of hepititis c virus particles

Medical Biochemistry BSc

3-4 years

Many of today’s common diseases are linked to defects in the molecular processes that occur in the body. To make big breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating disease, we therefore often have to look at life at the molecular level. Studying biochemistry in this way will give you an understanding of some of the world’s most pressing health issues.

Medical Biochemistry BSc, 3-4 years

Many of today’s common diseases are linked to defects in the molecular processes that occur in the body. To make big breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating disease, we therefore often have to look at life at the molecular level. Studying biochemistry in this way will give you an understanding of some of the world’s most pressing health issues.

Start date:

2025

Course information

Typical offer ABB

UK fee £9,535

UCAS code C720

International fee £24,500

Institute code L34

Course description

Course description

This course will give you a firm grounding in modern biochemistry, covering a broad range of topics with particular emphasis on how the subject relates to medicine and health issues. You will explore the fundamental biochemical processes of cells and how they are controlled, and learn about how these processes go wrong in disease states. By understanding the molecular defects that occur in a particular disease, you will learn how scientists and clinicians can work together to design appropriate drugs that target the affected molecules. There is an emphasis on emerging technologies that are being used to address key issues in human health, including gene editing, as well as consideration of the ethics dilemmas of these approaches.

On this course you will develop a range of skills that are valued by employers, including practical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience in handling complex information. You will also develop transferable skills in time-management, meeting deadlines, giving oral presentations and working in teams to achieve a goal. You will have some flexibility to study modules in other biological sciences specialisms, enabling you to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and become a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Medical Biosciences (Biochemistry).

What's the difference?

At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from.

  • Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
  • Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.

It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Careers and employability

Sustainable Development Goals

Course structure

Year 1

Year 1

Modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)

Final Year

Why Leicester?

Biological Sciences at Leicester

Flexible and customisable, Chloe’s course allowed her to keep her options open.

With a high staff to student ratio, we ensure that every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work.

Our history of genetic achievements include the invention of DNA fingerprinting and the genetic identification of the remains of King Richard III. More recently, we have brand-new cryo-EM facilities and have leading research into antibiotic resistance.

Our standard of teaching and support is reflected in our NSS 2024 results. We scored 90% and above in subjects aligned to Biological Sciences for questions regarding teaching, approachability of staff and introducing new subjects (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data). View the NSS questions all students were asked for individual themes.

Teaching and learning

Most of your teaching will be delivered through lectures. Individual lecture styles vary considerably, depending on the topic – and the lecturer! In tutorials, a small group of students meets with a member of staff for an hour to discuss and explore topics, or solve problems as a group. Some tutorials will require you to research a particular topic beforehand. All of our Biological Sciences courses are practical degrees with strong emphasis on lab work and fieldwork.

Your first year exams will mostly be multiple choice and short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second- and final-year exams. Coursework may include practical lab work, a lab write-up or report, a practical skills test, essays, online multiple choice assessments, a data handling exercise, solo or group presentations, a field journal or critical evaluation of a scientific paper. At the end of each semester in Years 1 and 2 you will be able to judge your overall performance, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.

A significant part of your final year will be spent on an individual research study which will form the basis of your dissertation.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they are academic, financial, housing, career or social issues. You will also have access to the University's student welfare services.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Academic support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

  • study and exam skills
  • academic writing
  • presentations
  • dissertations
  • numerical data skills
  • referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration UCAS Code Availability
Course Medical Biochemistry Qualification BSc Duration 3 years full-time UCAS Code C720 Availability How to apply
Course Medical Biochemistry with Year Abroad Qualification BSc Duration 4 years full-time UCAS Code C720 Availability How to apply
Course Medical Biochemistry with Year in Industry Qualification BSc Duration 4 years full-time UCAS Code C720 Availability How to apply

Data about this course

student inspecting a petri dish in a lab

I love how flexible my course is, I’m free to pursue all of my passions.

Chloe

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