BSc Biochemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, examining life processes at the molecular level. Core topics include laboratory techniques, research methods, and critical and analytical thinking. The programme offers an optional placement year in industrial, clinical, or research settings and concludes with an independent research project. Advanced modules include protein engineering, gene editing technologies, and synthetic biology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BCC - CCD
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 35%
- Working and studying: 35%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Health associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 61%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 12%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Biomolecules
- Cells to Systems
- Microbiology and Genetics
- Molecular Metabolism
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Mechanisms of Pathology
- Cell Membranes
- Protein Structure and Function
- Biosciences placement: Gain valuable career-boosting experience by applying your academic knowledge in a real-world professional context. This year involves working alongside professionals in an industrial, clinical, research, or other relevant setting, significantly developing your practical, professional, and transferable skills.
- Research Project Preparation: Demonstrate practical competency in a range of fundamental biosciences techniques. Select and critically analyse relevant scientific literature for your project, including elements of health and safety legislation and appraisal of the ethical impacts of research.
- Research Project: Undertake an independent research project. Generate, analyse, interpret, draw conclusions and present your findings in both written and oral formats.
- Professional Development for Biochemists: Develop a range of research and translational skills, such as critical analysis of data, good practice and self-reflection, that will equip you to undertake scientific careers and demonstrate professional behaviour.
- Advanced Cell Membranes: Explore cutting-edge research in membrane biology, focusing on Aston's expertise in membrane proteins, lipids, and their roles in health, disease, and biotechnology. Discuss advanced experimental techniques and potentially computational modelling approaches used to investigate membrane systems.
- Advanced Molecular Biology: Master advanced molecular techniques central to modern biotechnology and research. Examine protein engineering (mutagenesis, directed evolution), gene editing technologies ( a cornerstone of synthetic biology ), advanced cloning strategies, and quantitative analysis (qPCR). Critically evaluate data from high-throughput methods like next-generation sequencing, incorporating bioinformatic analysis workflows.
- Applied Microbiology: Gain deep insights into microbial systems and their exploitation. Focus on antibiotic mechanisms, the challenge of resistance, modern drug discovery pipelines (potentially involving bioinformatics and computational screening), and the intricacies of bacterial gene regulation relevant to biotechnological applications.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Apply core pharmacological and toxicological principles to understand how drugs and toxins interact with biological systems at a molecular level. Develop advanced problem-solving, teamwork, and self-directed learning skills through case studies, focusing on interpreting complex experimental data and communicating scientific findings.
- Trends in Molecular Biosciences: Master the art and science of communicating complex, cutting-edge bioscience topics (including areas like synthetic biology or computational findings). Analyse current trends and research breakthroughs and develop skills in designing communication strategies and materials tailored effectively for diverse audiences (e.g., public engagement, policy briefs, scientific outreach).
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biochemistry at Aston University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £40,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Biochemistry at Aston University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biochemistry at Aston University?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biochemistry at Aston University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biochemistry at Aston University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does BSc Biochemistry at Aston University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biochemistry at Aston University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.