BSc Hons Biochemistry with Foundation Year

At LJMU you’ll spend far more time doing than just listening — the Biochemistry with Foundation Year is built so you apply concepts in real lab rooms, on field visits and through team projects from year one. Practical sessions, independent research and workplace-style assessments mean you graduate with the hands‑on skills employers actually look for, not just theory.

Here’s what practical learning looks like in this course:

• Hands‑on labs and equipment: Regular work in biochemistry and molecular biology labs using industry‑standard kit (for example spectrophotometers, PCR and gel electrophoresis set‑ups, microscopes and chromatography systems) so you learn standard experimental workflows.

• Research project experience: An independent final‑year research project where you design experiments, collect data and write up results — a real piece of research you can talk about at interviews or use as a basis for postgraduate study.

• Group projects and problem‑based learning: Team assignments that mimic workplace tasks (experimental design, data interpretation and presentation), helping you build teamwork, communication and project management skills.

• Fieldwork and practical field sessions: Outdoor practicals and site visits that support ecology and environmental modules, giving context to laboratory findings and broadening your practical skill set.

• Work placements and internships: Options for short placements or work‑based learning that connect you with local labs, industry partners and conservation projects to gain real employer experience.

• Digital tools and data analysis: Regular use of lab-related data‑analysis and bioinformatics tools and spreadsheets to process and visualise results, so you’re comfortable with the software side of modern lab work.

• Specialist technical training: Sessions on techniques such as protein assays, enzyme kinetics and molecular cloning — practical methods you’ll repeat and refine across the degree.

• Library and research support: Full access to the university’s science collections and online journals, plus staff support for literature searching, referencing and academic writing.

• Dedicated teaching and research spaces: Learning in purpose-built life‑sciences teaching labs and research facilities that encourage experimentation and innovation.

All of these practical opportunities are woven into the course so you leave not just knowing biochemistry, but able to do it — ready for lab roles, graduate schemes or further study.

Graduates from this program leave LJMU equipped with a strong combination of practical lab skills, analytical thinking, and theoretical knowledge in biochemistry. They are well-prepared to enter careers across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research sectors:

• University career support: LJMU’s Careers, Employability & Enterprise Service provides tailored one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview coaching, and access to employer workshops and networking events.

• Employment outcomes: Many graduates secure employment or further study within six months of graduation, with starting salaries for lab-based roles typically ranging from £22,000 to £30,000 per year.

• Industry partnerships: The university collaborates with NHS laboratories, biotech companies, and research organisations, giving students opportunities for placements and real-world experience.

• Accreditation value: Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the degree offers graduates recognition and credibility in professional life sciences careers.

• Graduation outcomes: Students graduate ready to work as laboratory scientists, clinical research associates, pharmaceutical researchers, or continue their academic journey through postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue MSc programs in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry, or research-focused MRes or PhD degrees. The skills and experience gained during this degree also provide a strong foundation for professional training in healthcare or biotechnology sectors.