Biological Chemistry

A vigorous, fast developing science, chemistry lies at the heart of most technological developments. Countless consumer and industrial products, medicines and pharmaceuticals are produced on processes developed from chemistry.

Ultimately you will be equipped for a successful career in chemistry, the chemical industries or a vast range of alternative scientific, business and professional occupations such as teaching.

Subject guide

The course is based on a core of chemistry and chemical engineering biosciences subject with a strong additional content of subject. Graduates will be well equipped to meet the needs of the wide variety of rapidly developing industries looking for skills in these closely interrelated fields.

Learning, teaching & assessment

Our courses incorporate lectures, tutorials, plant visits and lab work. You will also be involved in project work; developing essential problem solving skills with specialist supervision from staff and industrial consultants. This hands-on experience will involve learning a wide range of techniques. Assessment is by a combination of exams, project, lab and coursework. Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.

Placement year

The optional integrated placement year is available with all our chemistry courses. It will give you invaluable practical experience and enhance your career prospects through a paid professional placement in the UK or abroad. We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you. All our undergraduates benefit from these links, whether through their placement, projects or vacation work, an excellent opportunity to receive training in industry or in a research establishment, providing invaluable practical experience and enhancing your career prospects.

Professional accreditation

Reflecting our established reputation, our courses are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Career prospects

Your broad grounding in the principles of chemistry will prepare you to enter research, development or production in the chemical process industries or to undertake postgraduate research or teaching certificate. Alternatively you may pursue a career in areas as diverse as commerce, administration, accounting, banking or the civil service.

The study of chemistry is a springboard to your future, whether or not you enter a directly related career and is a highly stimulating and rewarding choice. For students taking the Biological Chemistry course there are also opportunities in a wide variety of modern exciting industries including pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, biotechnology, environmental control, water, renewable energy and materials.

Personal development

Throughout the course we emphasise business and communication skills which will enhance your ability to write and present technical essays and reports. Our courses emphasise the commercial as well as industrial application of chemistry. You will learn how the theory you study can be applied in your future career, whether you do research, help define public environmental policy or design new chemical process facilities.