**Foundation courses**
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:
You don’t have the grades for a full degree course
You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
You’re starting university after some time away from education
You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.
**Life as a foundation year student**
During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.
As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.
**Why choose this course**
- Study a research-led curriculum that explores the fundamental processes of life at a cellular level, from simple existence to the coordination of billions of living cells, finding the answers to everyday questions like ‘Why do we feel ill after getting a flu jab?’
- Be taught by research-active biochemists who have expertise in genetic engineering, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology and more.
- Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements and work for pharmaceutical organisations, food suppliers, hospitals and biotechnology companies.
- Complete an integrated masters and a laboratory-based dissertation, exploring topics like antibody class switching in B cells and neurodegenerative diseases, in preparation for a technical research career in industry or academia.
- Get the academic and laboratory experience needed to be eligible to apply for associate membership with the Royal Society of Biology, once you’ve successfully completed the course.
**What you will study**
Biochemistry is at the heart of life and the explanation of all life processes. Both health and disease, and ageing and development are complex biochemical processes. By understanding more about these, we can generate more effective ways to help humanity. During the course, you’ll find answers to some everyday questions like:
- How can we protect ourselves from ultraviolet light?
- Is there a scientific basis to aphrodisiacs?
- Why do we feel ill after getting a flu jab?
- Why do we love chocolate?
As a biochemist, you’ll play a crucial role in the development of new treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, studying the chemical and physical principles of living things and biological processes.
During your first two years, you’ll develop a broad understanding of biochemistry, with opportunities to familiarise yourself with contemporary biochemical methodology and sample some of its most intriguing applications. You’ll choose a range of optional modules in bacteriology, biodiversity, neuroscience and virology.
In your third year, you’ll build on your biochemistry knowledge and select five optional modules, exploring topics such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, systems biology and toxicology. You’ll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical, and presentation skills you’ve developed.
Course Details - Modules
To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website. The link is under course ‘contact details’. You will also find full details of the programme, including assessment methods, programme structure, contact hours and Graduate prospects.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
C705
Institution code:
S85
Campus Name:
Stag Hill
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Foundation
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Overall:
CCD
We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking in our offers.
Required subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Overall:
BBCCC
Required subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
GCSE or Equivalent:
Scottish National 5: English Language and Mathematics grade C
Overall:
QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 18 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and and 24 at Pass
Required subjects:
Access content will be assessed by Faculty
Must include 15 level 3 credits in Science.
GCSE or Equivalent:
Inclusion of GCSE English and Mathematics equivalent within Access programme
Overall:
CCD
Required subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
GCSE or Equivalent:
Scottish National 5: English Language and Mathematics grade C
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A level offer, plus an alternate offer of one A level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Overall:
MMM
Required subjects:
Please contact us to discuss suitability.
Overall:
Pass overall with CCD from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A levels. Applicants taking an A level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element.
Required subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
GCSE or Equivalent:
Inclusion of GCSE English and Mathematics equivalent within the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic)
6.5
6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element
View the other English language qualifications that we accept:
