BSc in Biology and Chemistry

You’ll get practical experience from lab work, research projects, and using high-end equipment from both the Biosciences and Chemistry departments. The program is designed so that you’re not just memorizing content—you’ll learn how to design experiments, analyze data, work with microscopy/genomics tools, and even do capstone projects that span biology and chemistry. Small group work, independent research, and interdisciplinary labs are core parts.

Here are specific facilities, tools, and experiential components you’ll use:

• Microscopy & Bioimaging Facility in the Biosciences department: advanced light microscopy (LSCM, SDCM, TIRF), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), histology labs. Undergraduate project students can use electron microscopy. 

• DBS Genomics Facility: DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq / HiSeq), fragment analysis, and bioinformatics support which you’ll use for biology-chemistry interface modules. 

• Cell Technology Suite: tools such as live-cell imaging, flow cytometry, microinjection, in situ hybridisation, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for courses and project work. 

• Mass Spectrometry & Bioanalytics Facilities in both Biosciences and Chemistry: for analysing molecules, metabolites, chemical purification, compound structure etc.

• Research Project Module (e.g. CHEM4272: Bioactive Chemistry Research Project) which gives you experience in experimental lab work, independent investigation, analytical techniques, poster presentations and report writing. 

• Libraries & Study Spaces: resources like Bill Bryson Library with collaborative and quiet spaces, PCs, docking stations, online journals, etc., to support reading, writing research reports, data work.

Graduates of Biology and Chemistry tend to move into roles such as industrial / pharmaceutical researcher, clinical / healthcare scientist, science policy or regulatory affairs, or secondary school teaching. Because this programme combines strong laboratory, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with biology and chemistry theory, you’ll be well-positioned for careers in both science sectors and roles that value analytical thinking.

Here are how Durham supports these outcomes, and what recent graduates achieve:

• Which university services help: Durham’s Careers & Enterprise Centre provides services such as Career Planning Pathways, internships and work placement matching, workshops on interview/CV skills, employer-network events. 

• Employment stats & salary figures: 87% of Durham’s graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation. The median starting salary for international graduates in full-time graduate-level roles is ~ £34,000.

• University–industry partnerships: Chemistry graduates have gone into organisations like GSK, Procter & Gamble, BP and Akzo Nobel. 

• Long-term accreditation value: Many chemistry degrees at Durham are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ensuring recognized standards. 

• Graduation outcomes: Bioscience graduates move into sectors including industrial research & development, NHS / healthcare, conservation / environmental services, teaching, media / science journalism, patent law, civil service. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc you could move on to:

• Master’s Degree programmes in a variety of specialisms (e.g. biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, environmental science, etc.).

• PhD / Doctoral research, especially for those who have been involved in substantial lab- or research-based projects during their final year.

• Possible interdisciplinary or applied postgraduate qualifications (e.g. in regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, scientific communication, or industry-linked training).