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If you’ve ever wondered how life works at a molecular level — how our cells function, how proteins and genes keep us alive, and what happens when things go wrong — this degree is for you. Leicester’s BSc in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) is perfect for curious minds who want a strong foundation in biology, with the chance to explore areas like genetics, disease, and drug discovery.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is all about building the basics. You’ll cover The Molecules of Life, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Genetics, and Physiology, giving you a broad picture of how life is organised — from tiny molecules to whole organisms. It’s also your chance to try different areas before deciding where you want to focus.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into biochemistry and molecular biology. Core modules like Protein Structure and Function and Molecular Cell Biology help you understand life at its most detailed level. You’ll also sharpen your practical and research skills in the lab, while choosing options such as Immunology, Medical Microbiology or Bioinformatics to match your interests.
Final Year (Year 3)
By your final year, you’ll be applying everything you’ve learned in a major research project. Alongside modules like Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology and Structural Biology, you’ll get the freedom to pick advanced topics such as Neuroscience Futures or Microbial Pathogenesis. This year is about thinking like a scientist — solving problems, analysing data, and carrying out real research.
Focus areas : Biochemistry, molecular biology, protein structure, genetics, disease mechanisms, biotechnology, research skills.
Learning outcomes : By the end of your degree, you’ll know how to design experiments, analyse complex biological data, and explain molecular processes clearly. You’ll leave with the confidence and skills to work in research, healthcare, biotech, or take the next step into postgraduate study.
Professional alignment (accreditation) : The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, a mark of quality that also gives you free student membership during your studies.
Reputation (employability rankings) : Graduates from Leicester’s biological sciences programmes go on to exciting careers, with strong employment outcomes and competitive salaries. The university consistently performs well in student satisfaction and teaching quality surveys, reflecting the supportive and research-driven environment you’ll be part of.
At Leicester, you won’t just learn biochemistry from textbooks — you’ll be in the labs and hands-on with experiments from your very first month. Weekly practical classes, research-led teaching, and one-to-one project supervision mean you’ll graduate with real confidence in your scientific skills. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll be working alongside active researchers on projects that sometimes even contribute to published studies.
Here’s a taste of the kind of experiences you can look forward to:
Early lab access: Lab sessions start right in your first semester and continue weekly, so practical work is always at the heart of your studies.
Final-year research project: You’ll complete an independent dissertation in a research lab, guided by leading academics — a real chance to think and work like a professional scientist.
State-of-the-art facilities: Get hands-on with Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Flow Cytometry, a Protein Expression Laboratory (PROTEX), Genomics facilities, advanced imaging, histology labs, and bioinformatics support hubs.
Digital tools for science: The university gives you free access to powerful software like MATLAB, SPSS, ChemDraw Pro, ArcGIS, and NVivo to analyse data, model experiments, and present your findings.
Industry and global experience: Choose a Year in Industry or Year Abroad option (if you take the 4-year route) to add real-world experience or international perspective to your degree.
Field trips built into modules: Some modules, such as Microbial Biotechnology, include a field trip — giving you the chance to see how theory translates into real-world applications.
A degree in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) from Leicester opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Graduates leave with strong practical skills, a deep understanding of molecular biology, and experience in research — which means they’re ready to step confidently into roles such as:
Biochemist
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Biotechnology Consultant
Leicester supports you every step of the way:
Career Development Support: Get one-on-one advice, CV guidance, mock interviews, and workshops to help you land your first role.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 80% of our graduates are in jobs or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Industry Connections: Work with leading companies and research institutes through internships, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities.
Professional Recognition: The Royal Society of Biology accredits this program, giving your degree extra weight in the workplace.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, Leicester graduates often go on to MSc or PhD programs in areas like molecular biology, pharmacology, or bioinformatics. There are also plenty of professional development courses, workshops, and certifications available to help you deepen your expertise and boost your career prospects.
A-levels: ABB, including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted.IB : 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or PsychologyGCSE: At least Grade 4/C in both English Language and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).IELTS 6.5 or equivalent , TOEFL iBT : 90for India : standard XII awarded by the CISCE/CBSE , State Board - 75% for USA : SAT (Math, Critical Reading and Writing) with a minimum score of 550 in each and three Advanced Placement examsfor USA : Applicants must have at least a grade C average on their High School Diploma to be considered for undergraduate admission.for USA : APs - The required grades are usually 4 or 5 on each AP examAnalytical ChemistBiomedical ScientistBiotechnologistClinical Research AssociateForensic ScientistNanotechnologistPharmaceutical ScientistToxicologistMolecular GeneticistMicrobiologist 
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University of Leicester
