Biochemistry combines the study of the biology and chemistry of living organisms to allow us to understand the molecular basis of life. These studies cover lifeforms from bacteria to plants and animals and humans in healthy and diseased states.

Programme structure

This programme seeks to understand and explain the workings of living organisms at a molecular level. By looking at molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, you will learn to understand, for example: how cells grow and divide, how nerve cells generate electrical signals, how different tissues communicate with each other, how the immune system helps us fight off infection, and how we balance food intake with our energy needs.

By understanding what happens in healthy individuals, biochemists are ideally placed to design new therapies for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and obesity.

Year 1

In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In your second year, you will be introduced to the study of proteins, nucleic acids, cellular organisation and energy metabolism. You will also choose from a wide range of other courses.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will focus on proteins and nucleic acids as the key molecules in understanding living organisms including viruses, bacteria, plants and animals, including humans. There is a strong emphasis on practical laboratory work, allowing you hands-on experience of major techniques including DNA technology, characterisation of proteins and bioinformatics.

Your fourth year will feature a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff, a dissertation, and four advanced-level Honours option courses. Projects are usually laboratory-based but can also be business-based and undertaken in conjunction with local biotechnology companies.

Special features

Our international links

Career prospects

Glasgow International College

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc, MSci

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results may be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB including one, preferably two, science subjects. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships