BSc Biology and Chemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) Biology and Chemistry, a chemistry degree that combines chemical study with molecular and cellular biology. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques and Research Methods. A common first year allows transfer at its end to the MSci Biology and Chemistry, MChem, BSc Chemistry or MSci Natural Sciences degrees. After Year 2, students may transfer to a 'with Year Abroad' or 'with Placement' pathway, extending the course from three years to four. The first year covers the foundations of both disciplines through Molecules and Cells, Genetics, Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics and Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics, with a choice between Mathematical Methods for Chemists and Single Mathematics A. The second year develops molecular and metabolic biology alongside synthetic and physical chemistry, taking in Molecular Biology, Metabolism, Cell Signalling, Principles of Organic Chemistry: Aromaticity & Synthetic strategy, Practical Synthetic Chemistry Level 2 and Chemical Principles of Biological Systems. The third year covers Cellular Biochemistry, Stress and Responses to the Environment, Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic and stereoselectivity and Practical Synthetic Chemistry - Level 3. Two capstone project modules complete the course, chosen from the available options: a critical review article, a chemistry dissertation, Science into Schools or Science Enterprise.
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: A*AA including A*A in Mathematics and Chemistry in any order. IB: 37 points overall including 76 in Maths Analysis & Approaches and Chemistry in any order and 6 in one other Higher Level subject.
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What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 110 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 9%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 43 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 66%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 14%
- Unemployed: 1%
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: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 160 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 33%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 115 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Molecules and Cells
- Genetics
- Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics
- Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Mathematical Methods for Chemists
- OR Single Mathematics A
- Molecular Biology
- Metabolism
- Cell Signalling
- Principles of Organic Chemistry: Aromaticity & Synthetic strategy
- Practical Synthetic Chemistry Level 2
- Chemical Principles of Biological Systems
- Capstone Project modules, which could include a critical review article, Dissertation, Science into Schools or Science Enterprise module (40 credits in total)
- Cellular Biochemistry
- Stress and Responses to the Environment
- Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic and stereoselectivity
- Practical Synthetic Chemistry - Level 3
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology and Chemistry at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £34,000 after 3 years, £45,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £59,500. The £45,000 median after five years is £14,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology and Chemistry at Durham University do next?
92% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology and Chemistry at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology and Chemistry at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 188 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology and Chemistry at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc Biology and Chemistry 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 Biology and Chemistry at Durham University?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.