Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how life works at the tiniest scale — from DNA to proteins to whole cells — this Biochemistry degree is perfect for you. At Dundee, you’ll explore the chemistry behind life itself while developing practical lab skills that prepare you for careers in research, healthcare, or biotechnology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1–2
In the first two years, you’ll get hands-on with the essentials of biology and chemistry, learning how molecules and cells function. You’ll take modules like Core Skills in the Life Sciences, The Building Blocks of Life, and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, which give you the theory and lab practice to build a strong foundation. You’ll also start exploring experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific reasoning — skills that are critical for later years.

Year 3
By year three, you’ll dive deeper into the molecular world. Modules such as Genome Biology and Cell Signalling will show you how genes are controlled and how cells communicate, while Research Skills 3A teaches you how to design experiments and critically analyse scientific papers. You can also choose options like Molecular Microbiology or Cancer Biology to focus on areas that interest you most.

Year 4 (Honours Year)
In your final year, you’ll take on a substantial research project, exploring a topic that excites you under expert supervision. Core modules like Advanced Gene Regulation & Expression and Advanced Cell Signalling let you specialise further, while optional modules like Advanced Bioinformatics or Stem Cells in Development and Disease let you tailor your degree to your passions. This is where you really get to apply everything you’ve learned and showcase your skills.

Focus Areas

Molecular biology, metabolism, gene regulation, protein function, cell signalling, research methods

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to plan and carry out experiments, analyse molecular and cellular data, understand genome organisation, and apply biochemical knowledge to solve real-life problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, reflecting its high quality and relevance for careers in life sciences.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Dundee is recognised for top-quality research in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and the programme’s hands-on approach ensures you graduate ready for lab work, postgraduate study, or roles in biotech, healthcare, and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Dundee, Biochemistry isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting your hands dirty in real labs, learning how to design experiments, analyse data, and think like a scientist from day one. You’ll have access to world-class facilities and expert staff who guide you as you explore the molecular world, from cells and proteins to genomes. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand biochemistry, you’ll have done it yourself.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the program:

Cutting-edge laboratories: Work in fully equipped wet labs for biochemistry, microbiology, and chemistry, including tissue culture suites and radioactivity labs.
Cell and tissue culture lab: Handle living cells safely in sterile facilities with incubators, microscopes, and laminar flow hoods.
Proteomics & mass spectrometry: Use Dundee’s FingerPrints Proteomics Facility to analyse proteins like real researchers.
Biomarker and drug analysis: Gain hands-on experience in metabolomics, drug compound measurement, and biomarker testing with LC‑MS/MS instruments.
Bioinformatics & computational biology: Learn how to analyse and model biological data in dedicated “dry” labs.
Flow cytometry & cell sorting: Explore advanced cell-based experiments using cutting-edge FACS technology.
Advanced imaging & Cryo-EM: See cells and proteins in stunning detail with electron and light microscopy resources.
Final year research project: Conduct a semester-long independent research project, applying everything you’ve learned in a real-world context.
Internships & traineeships: Take part in lab-based internships, research traineeships, and industry placements — including options abroad.
Support & resources: Access technical services, bioinformatics support, safety guidance, and the university’s extensive libraries and research institutes.

With these hands-on opportunities, you’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with real, marketable skills that prepare you for careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Biochemistry degree from Dundee doesn’t just give you knowledge — it gives you real skills that employers value. Graduates often move into exciting roles as research scientists, biotech analysts, medical writers, or quality control specialists, making an impact in labs, hospitals, or industry. Because you gain hands-on experience, work on real research projects, and have access to professional guidance, you’re well prepared for a smooth transition into your chosen career path:

University Careers Services: You’ll have a dedicated life sciences careers advisor, one-on-one support for CVs, applications, and interviews, plus access to thousands of internships and jobs via Dundee’s Jobshop.
Graduate Employment & Salaries: Around 87% of Dundee graduates secure graduate-level jobs, with Biochemistry alumni earning a median of approximately £25,500 around 15 months after finishing their degree.
Industry Partnerships & Placements: Dundee’s School of Life Sciences offers lab-based internships and research traineeships, giving you first-hand experience in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Accreditation Value: Your degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which strengthens its professional recognition and long-term value.
Graduate Outcomes: Recent Biochemistry graduates from Dundee have seen 100% of their cohort in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, showing strong employability.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you graduate, you have a wide range of options if you want to continue learning:

Pursue a Master’s in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Bioinformatics, building on your final-year research project.
Take the step into a PhD to specialise in a research area and open doors to academic or high-level industrial roles.
Combine your science degree with professional training in fields like science communication, regulatory affairs, or medical writing — turning your expertise into a unique career advantage.