Degrees Offered

• BSc Honours Biochemistry (UCAS Code: C700)
• BSc Honours Biochemistry with Professional Studies (UCAS Code: C704)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
The School Manager
School of Biological Sciences
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5786
E: e.purdy@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/bb 

Entrance Requirements

BSc Honours
Biochemistry 3 yrs (C700)
Biochemistry with Professional Studies 4-yr SW (C704)

Entrance Requirements

A-level: BBB including Chemistry and at least one from Biology (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology or Double Award Science + GCSE Mathematics.
Note: AS Biology grade C would be acceptable in lieu of A-level Biology.

Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry and at least one from Biology (preferred), Maths or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:

International Foundation in Engineering and Science

The Subject

Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences, explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases and enables 'genetic engineering'. Consequently, the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology and biomedical research. Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information.

Course Content

Stage 1
Biochemistry
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Introductory Skills for Biosciences
Micro-organisms
Plus two modules in Chemistry

Stage 2
Biochemical Methods
Enzymology
Mammalian Biochemistry
Microbial Metabolism and Physiology
Molecular Genetics
Plus one other module, usually either Virology or Work Placement (3-yr degree)

Throughout Stages 1 and 2, practical classes in Biochemistry reinforce and complement the theory, providing students with a solid foundation on which to build their final year.

Note: Biochemistry with Professional Studies students undertake a one-year, degree-related work placement (year out) between Stages 2 and 3.

Stage 3
In final year all students carry out a two-module research project under the supervision of academic staff based in one of the School's biochemistry research laboratories. In addition, there are four taught modules:
Biochemical Basis of Disease
Biomolecular Structure
Cell Signalling
Genetic Manipulation and Biotechnology

 'The course is really finely tuned and has great variation, whilst maintaining classical biochemistry teaching. For me, it has been a great experience and the teaching staff really brought the course content to life. Their enthusiasm really resonates in lectures and seminars. The course was exactly what I was looking for and more! I would highly recommend it to anyone.'

James Gill, Northern Ireland

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Biochemistry with Professional Studies we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts – including several leading researchers in Biochemistry, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work.  Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.  In addition to “traditional” lectures you will also have classes where discussion is encouraged or problems are worked through as a group.
• Practical classes:  where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles.  Every first and second year module has at least six practical classes associated with it.  Practical classes reinforce lectures and teach skills which are greatly valued by employers.
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.
• Self-directed study:  This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment preparation is carried out.
• Work placements:  Students taking Biochemistry with Professional Studies undertake a “year out” between second and third year.  During this year, they are employed in laboratories or other course-related settings. Typical employers include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government laboratories and research laboratories in other universities.  Some students use the year out to take the opportunity to work overseas.  The year out is assessed through in-work assessment, a portfolio and a seminar.  It counts for 10% of the overall degree mark.
• Research (honours) projects:  In final year, you will undertake a project in one of the research laboratories in the School.  You will be given a real problem to work on – i.e. something that we genuinely do not, yet, know the answer to.  Your Supervisor will support you and guide you in carrying out your research.  Feedback will be provided on draft write-ups.  This project counts for 20% of your final degree mark.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.  Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre.  We take pride in the openness of all our staff:  students can approach staff at the end of lectures or in other classes if they wish to ask questions.  They can also make appointments to discuss the lecture material or more general aspects of the subject.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  The majority are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.  This is also available online on our School website.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work. 

Careers

Studying for a Biochemistry or Biochemistry with Professional Studies degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Biochemistry. 

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the molecular life sciences significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. 

Biochemists can attain employment in many growth areas such as the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries, Clinical research, Health services, Research and Development in Academia and Industry as well as connected areas such as Science communication and Education.  Biochemists are employed in sectors such as Health, Life Science and well as Agri-Food and Environmental areas, helping to find solutions to many of our world’s most fundamental challenges.

Employer Links: Consultations

Our dedicated Careers and Placement Advisor (who works only for students in the School of Biological Sciences) works closely with many local, national and international employers in the life sciences sector.  A number of events are organised each year to enable the exchange of views and ideas between the School and employers.

Placement Employers

Our past students have also gained work placements with organisations such as:

Graduate Careers and Achievements

The Prospects websiteprovides further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Biochemistry Graduates.

Further study is also a common option open to Biochemistry graduates. For those wanting a career in biochemistry research, the normal route is to obtain a PhD (a three year postgraduate degree which involves intense research into a topic under the supervision of one or more academics).  Every year, some of our Biochemistry graduates have secured fully funded PhD studentships at Queen’s University (not just in the School of Biological Sciences, but also in Medicine, Pharmacy and Chemistry).  Our graduates are also highly competitive in securing funding at other leading universities, such as Manchester and Cambridge.  The Biochemistry degree also provides a route into professions which require a knowledge of the subject.  Biochemistry graduates are eligible to study PGCE (a qualification to enable graduates to teach in schools) in either Biology or Chemistry.  Both subjects are in demand in schools across the UK.  The subject is also widely accepted for graduateentry to medical and dental schools.  This is an increasingly common route into medicine and dentistry with many universities in the UK and Ireland offering four year, graduate-only programmes.  Masters courses offer the opportunity to train in specialist areas (e.g. forensics, nutrition, biotechnology) in order to enter professions in those fields or to further enhance academic and research skills before embarking on a PhD.  Details of relevant courses offered by the School of Biological Sciences can be found on the website.   

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Accreditation: these degrees conform to the Biochemical Society's core curriculum in biochemistry.

Placement: students can complete an optional 16-week work placement period as a component of Stage 2. Biochemistry with Professional Studies students, on completion of Stage 2, undertake a 46-week period of work experience. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Almac, Warner Chilcott, Altnagelvin Hospital and Belfast City Hospital.

 Last updated: 11.09.13