BSc Biochemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, a biochemistry degree covering the molecular processes that underpin living systems. Core topics include laboratory techniques, research methods and critical and analytical thinking. In the first year, students can select an optional module from another department, while the final year is centred on research, with a compulsory literature review and a research project among the options. The first year establishes the foundations through compulsory modules including Molecules and Cells, Genetics, Introduction to Physiology and Chemical Principles of Biological Systems. The second year focuses on Metabolism, Biomolecules – Structure and Function, Molecular Biology, Cell Signalling and Research Skills for Biosciences, the last of which covers the research process from generating ideas to presenting results. Optional modules in the second year span areas such as plant and algal physiology, development cell biology, microbiology and immune systems. The final year centres on Cellular Biochemistry, which addresses recombinant protein production and biotechnology applications, and Advanced Biomolecules, which compares biochemical processes between cell types. All third-year students complete a Literature Review presenting research as a critical review article, alongside a Workshop covering advanced practical and molecular biological techniques. Two further optional modules are drawn from approved lists that have included Research Project, Biological Enterprise, Advanced Topics in Development, Genomics and Biology of Disease.
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: AAA including A in Chemistry and A in one other science. IB: 36 with 666 in higher level subjects including Chemistry and one other science.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 62 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 54%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 18%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 13%
- Finance Professionals: 12%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 12%
- Teaching Professionals: 7%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 35%
- South East: 19%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Molecules and Cells
- Genetics
- Introduction to Physiology
- Organisms and their Environment
- Chemical Principles of Biological Systems
- Example optional modules
- Metabolism
- Biomolecules – Structure and Function
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signalling
- Research Skills for Biosciences
- Example optional modules
- Cellular Biochemistry
- Advanced Biomolecules
- Literature Review
- Workshop
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biochemistry at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £31,000 and £62,000. The £41,000 median after five years is £8,000 more than the UK median for Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Biochemistry at Durham University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biochemistry at Durham University?
92% 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 Durham University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 178 UCAS points.
Does BSc Biochemistry at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biochemistry at Durham University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.