Biochemistry is the chemistry behind the complexity of life. By studying the fundamentals of chemistry and biology, you’ll understand the fascinating interface between the two and open up a range of career options.
You’ll be taught and inspired by biochemists, chemists and biologists – all experts in their field and recognised for their research in a range of topics including medical imaging, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, wound healing, cancer, and lab-on-a-chip miniaturised biochemistry.
You can also opt to take a year abroad, studying overseas at one of our partner universities. Gain new skills, build international contacts, and immerse yourself in a different culture and environment.
Study abroad
build confidence and contacts
Gain valuable experience
with an education placement
Industry links
with major employers
Hands-on learning
in our Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
Integrated Masters option.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate study combined
Enhance career prospects
with rare undergraduate genome sequencing experience
About this course
Learn to apply your biochemical knowledge to provide solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges with this career-focused degree.
You’ll study core modules in the likes of microbiology, cellular biology, genetics and organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, and then have the opportunity to tailor your course and develop your own special interests.
Our course includes a mixture of learning – such as theory, lab work and practical assignments – and you can also apply your skills in the real world thanks to our study abroad options and long-standing placement programme. We have connections with leading universities across the globe and strong links with industry, with students going to major companies such as Agilent, GSK, Reckitt and Smith & Nephew.
And thanks to our industry-standard facilities on campus, you’ll prepare for the work environment by honing your skills using the equipment you’ll utilise throughout your career.
Who runs the world? Microbes.
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Biological Sciences 1
Gain basic knowledge of cell biology, biological molecules, energy processes like respiration, neurobiology and many other topics. Alongside the theoretical knowledge, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to use a microscope and how to collect data in the laboratory, in a specialist sport science facility or using psychological techniques.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Chemistry
On this module, you'll gain basic knowledge of molecular mass calculations, properties of acids and bases, functional group chemistry, spectroscopy, and many other topics. Alongside the theoretical knowledge, you will also have the opportunity to work safely in a chemistry laboratory and collect scientific data in a professional manner.
core
20 credits
Foundation in Data Analysis
You'll be introduced to different ways of analysing qualitative and quantitative data, learn how to code qualitative data and use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse quantitative data.
compulsory
20 credits
Group Challenge
In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.
compulsory
20 credits
Foundation Maths Skills
This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.
optional
20 credits
Foundation Mathematics 1
This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: factors, multiples, indices, fractions and standard form; algebra, linear and quadratic equations; averages and spread; functions, exponentials and logarithms; and right-angled triangles and trigonometry.
optional
20 credits
Foundation Mathematics A
You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.
optional
20 credits
Microbiology
How does microbiology govern our world? In this module you will learn the basic principles of microbiology, before exploring the interplay between microbes, ourselves, and the wider environment.
compulsory
20 credits
How do you fight bacteria? By understanding it.
Featured module- optional
- 40 credits
How can genome sequencing help us track disease, predict antibiotic resistance, and understand how organisms evolve? This unique module immerses you in the cutting-edge world of bacterial genome sequencing.
You’ll work alongside research scientists to extract DNA from microorganisms, sequence their genomes using portable sequencing technology, and assemble and analyse the data using modern bioinformatics tools.
Through intensive hands-on laboratory work, you’ll identify antibiotic resistance genes and explore the real-world implications of genomic data for medicine, public health, and biology.
Gain the skills used by modern genomic researchers and experience a rare opportunity to sequence and analyse a real bacterial genome as an undergraduate.
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Samantha Richardson
Course overview
1 min
Flora Yeo
Student Story
2 mins
Smita Ghose
Student Story
2 mins
Extracting DNA
Course Highlight
2 mins
Teaching Facilities
University life
2 mins
Accommodation at Hull
University life
2 mins
Featured academics
We're tackling cancer and cardiovascular disease with the cutting-edge biomarker and medical imaging technologies we developed here at Hull, in collaboration with colleagues around the world.
We're committed to sharing our knowledge with and inspiring our students.
Andre Voelzmann
Lecturer in Cell Biology & Biotechnology
André joined the Faculty of Science and Engineering/Biological Sciences at the University where he is a Lecturer in Cell Biology. His research group explores host cell – virus interactions in the context of the manufacture of cell and gene therapies.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
This course has a range of tariffs for entry. Use the interactive slider to choose a number of points and see the course entry requirements.
Slide to set your points
A levels
EEE
BTEC
PPP
Equivalent qualifications and grades are accepted.
How to apply for this course
Most importantly, you need ambition. Together with our support and opportunities, you can go further than you ever thought possible.
Our typical offer for this course is 48 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications).
If you don’t have level 3 qualifications, we welcome you to apply for an advisory meeting with our Admissions team. We’ll look at your circumstances, give you personalised guidance, and help you understand your entry options.
Remember, we look at your whole application – not just grades. Achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities: they all count here. So remember to tell us what makes you tick in your personal statement.
We also consider qualifications and experience from the UK and worldwide that may not exactly match those listed.
Have questions? Talk to our Admissions team today.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2028 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2027-28 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £10,050 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £10,050.
Thinking about a year in industry? This is £2,010 for UK students.
Planning a year abroad? This costs £1,505 for UK students.
Standard Tuition Fee
£10,050 / year
Foundation Year Fee
£10,050
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Future prospects
The analytical and lab skills you’ll develop here are highly valued by employers in the bioscience industry, as well as the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
And our emphasis on collaboration and problem solving means you'll graduate with the skills to think and work as a scientist.
Plus, by creating the degree you want by selecting the modules that are most relevant to you and your interests, you’ll graduate with the specialist skills required for your chosen career.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
The standard way to apply is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.