Biochemistry BSc Honours
A biochemistry degree gives you the theoretical knowledge and lab-based practical skills to put you at the forefront of the next generation of biochemistry professionals or specialise in Medical Biochemistry
/0x0:2200x1610/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/science-and-technology/Biochemistry-BSc-Honours-Masthead.jpg)
Viewing course details for 2026-27 year of entry
- Code
- C79A
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2026
- Fees
- £9,535* (UK) | £TBC (INT)
- Duration
- 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time (with placement), 5 years part-time (average), 6 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Dirk Wildeboer
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 112-128 UCAS points
- Placement year
- Optional
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Why choose Biochemistry BSc Honours at Middlesex?
Our course lets you build on your existing scientific interest while you develop practical biochemistry skills over a study period that’s tailored to suit your career ambitions. We place a strong focus on practical learning and developing skills applied to biochemistry research and practice. You will be introduced to new ideas and technologies that are applied to some of the biggest health and environmental problems of today.
Specialise in Medical Biochemistry
You'll have the option of specialising in medical biochemistry in years 2 and 3 for an award in Medical Biochemistry BSc Honours.
What you will gain
As well as in-depth knowledge on the subject, you will also gain a wide range of skills relating to some of the biggest current issues in public health as well as the key techniques required in biomedicine and biotechnology.
We’ll teach you how to think like a biochemist.
You will have the knowledge and skills in medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and public health education and the ability to undertake biochemical research related to human health. You will also gain numeracy, research, collaboration and presentation skills.
You’ll develop essential research, diagnostic, and laboratory skills. The academic and professional skills gained on this course will prepare you for a variety of careers within a hospital or private labs in the health sector, research institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech industries. You’ll have the chance to pursue your interests with optional modules and individual assignments.
We have some of the UK’s best laboratories, equipped with the latest tech. Our Hatchcroft Building houses specialist bioscience and chemistry labs, microbiology, cell and tissue culture labs, the cancer research lab, the mass spectrometry facility and medical engineering labs, to name just a few. You’ll have access to all the latest equipment you need to develop your skills and launch a career.
Following graduation, you could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate or PhD level.
What you will learn
You’ll study the subject with a focus on applications to research, medicine and industry. Core themes will include biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry and bioinformatics.
You’ll learn through a series of practice-focused activities, interactive classes and workshops. This mixed learning style will ensure you’re practising your skills in hypothesis formation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation as you learn.
In addition, you’ll get the chance to become a member of the Middlesex Biochemical Society and gain experience as part of different research groups.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Part-time study
Study at your own pace alongside work and other commitments and get the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.
When choosing a part-time course, you will study the same modules as the full-time course but over a longer period.
Find out more about the many benefits of studying part-time at Middlesex University.
About your course
The course will develop your skills by:
- Developing critical awareness of science and the significance of new developments within the field of biochemistry and its impact on society
- Introducing you to the cross disciplinary nature of biochemistry and its applications in research and industry
- Developing your competence in scientific methods of enquiry and problem solving and communication of scientific principles and data through diverse methods
- Providing state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories for developing practical and analytical skills relevant to biochemistry and appropriate for employment
- Teaching you how to carry out research within an ethical framework
- Preparing you for work at postgraduate level and/or for employment in relevant fields.
Modules
This is an overview of the modules that you will be studying each year of the course.
In year 1, you will study the fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, develop practical, analytical and study skills to start working and thinking like a scientist.
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the classification, structure, and function of cells, as well as cell communication and division. It also introduces the flow of genetic information and principles of genetic laws. Another key objective is to enable you to acquire laboratory skills necessary for visualising and studying cells, with examples of diseases resulting from abnormal structure and/or function.
In year 2, you will advance your studies of biochemistry and molecular biology and develop important research skills. You can either chose to advance your learning in organic chemistry, microbiology and immunology or specialise towards a Medical Biochemistry award and study cancer research.
This module provides you with the knowledge of biochemical molecules and their physiological functions. Emphasis is placed on the molecular structure and its relationship with the biological function. Reaction mechanisms and kinetics of biochemical reactions will be studied, with a particular emphasis on enzyme kinetics. Metabolic pathways and their regulation to maintain homeostasis, will be explored.
This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.
This module builds upon the principles and concepts of organic chemistry. You will develop a more complete appreciation of some of the chemical reactions relevant to biochemical processes and drug synthesis with emphasis on carbonyl chemistry and pericyclic reactions, integrating mechanisms and arrow pushing. The laboratory practical in this module provides you with essential skills in experimental techniques in organic chemistry, and a variety of modern techniques in instrumental analysis.
This module explores applied aspects of microbiology particularly focussing on interactions between micro-organisms humans, animals and the environment. It further explores concepts of immunology, cellular molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of a range of different immunopathologies and the regulation of the human endocrine system. Knowledge of laboratory skills and analysis of data will be developed using immunological and endocrinological techniques.
This module develops practical skills in conducting assays used in cancer research. You will also be trained to select the appropriate protein markers for studying aberrant cell signalling pathways in human cancers. You will learn the principles and applications of methods in cancer research for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Year 3 will involve your own research project and more advanced study of applied biochemistry alongside a range of different specialist options including biotechnology, pharmacology, nutrition and diagnostic techniques.
The module will develop key concepts in specialist areas of Biochemistry in relation to applications in research, industry and medicine. Advanced laboratory skills will be developed and their application in biochemistry research explored.
The module enables you to recognise how traditional and modern biotechnology can be applied to produce products or services to achieve a more sustainable future. The use of biotechnology on food security, bioremediation, waste and water management and production of biofuels will be explored. The module considers the current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of its application. You will learn how to use vectors and tools for the manipulation of DNA/RNA in order to modify microorganisms, plants and animals for the production of GMOs. Bioethical issues and intellectual property related to the biotechnology field will be considered.
The module develops your understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a range of diagnostic techniques. You will learn to recognise abnormal results and relate them to basic technical problems, anatomical or physiological changes in the human body. The module also covers the ethical and legal issues related to clinical decisions and the collection, storage and use of medical data.
This module covers the scientific basis underlying nutritional support, medical ethics and nutritional counselling. It provides a review of the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional support and dietetic application for the common disorders, within the context of current scientific recommendations.
This module provides an overview of the concepts and methods associated with conservation science in different ecological contexts. You will explore how different techniques of conservation science could be used to protect and restore nature in an increasingly anthropogenic environment and to lead to a sustainable future. You will learn to formulate sustainable strategies on acceptable levels of risk based on both science and values.
The module teaches you the advanced methodologies and technologies that are required for the analysis of biological samples in medical and pharmaceutical research. The curriculum will cover a broad range of bioanalytical techniques, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassays, and molecular biology methods. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles underlying these techniques and their applications in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and biomarker discovery. We explore a combination of cutting-edge instrumentation, automation, and data analysis tools to make sure you are aware of the complexities of modern bioanalysis.
This module explores pharmacology, physiological systems and regulation, cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action, clinical application, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. You will learn to apply pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics principles to propose drug dosage regimens that optimise the therapeutic benefit whilst minimising toxicity.
This module enables students to formalise and integrate professional experience into their programme. It aims to link academic learning to professional work-based skills. The module provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience from the process of applying for work in relevant organisations and enhance their skills of self-expression, communication and self-reliance.
The year-long placement is an opportunity for you to work in an industrial, field or laboratory-based setting gaining important and relevant skills related to their biology degree programme. The module aims to enhance your employability skills, embed transferable and graduate skills and enable you to reflect on how the knowledge gained is relevant to their degree programme and the field of biology. Through the work placement you will gain experience of working in a team, facilitate your understanding of the workplace and enhance your skills of self-reliance and communication, self-expression and co-operation.
To find out more about this course, please download the BSc Biochemistry course specification (PDF).
Register your interest
Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.
Teaching
You'll learn through participation in group learning, workshops, laboratory classes, online learning activities, excursions and group work. We use blended learning in modules integrating taught, self-directed and e-learning. Critical discussion during practical and group learning work is an important way of learning. Formative assessments such as online learning exercises, peer evaluation, in-class worksheets and group activities and feedback of sample work will also help develop your knowledge. Short videos will support you in building knowledge and threshold concepts.
You will learn through participation in group learning, workshops, group discussions, peer review of oral presentations and written documents, problem solving exercises and engaging in assessment activities.
You will gain practical skills through participation in laboratory classes, virtual labs and video demonstrations and project work for the dissertation. Graduate skills are taught and embedded throughout the course.
You are introduced to skills in the Skills for Scientists module which will be utilised and developed within modules at each level. Emphasis is placed on ICT and numeracy skills in particular. You will be supported in personal and career development with career tutorials and employability workshops with our network of employers and external speakers.
You will be studying at our north London Hendon campus.
Here is a guide to the part time and full time study schedules:
- Full time: 2-3 days on campus
- Part time: 1-2 days on campus.
Plus independent learning, assessment and field trips - during the semester and after the end of semester 2.
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
- 3 hours of interactive learning sessions
- 4 hours of laboratory practical
- 2 hours of seminars
- 3 hours workshops.
The course is very practical and will help you develop the skills you need in a laboratory and give you hands-on experience in diagnostic techniques.
Your work will be divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time.
Year 1
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | 352 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 70% | 848 | Independent learning |
Year 2
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 27% | 318 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 73% | 882 | Independent learning |
Year 3
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 21% | 256 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 79% | 944 | Independent learning |
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We aim to make your timetable available at least 2 weeks before you the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.
Your learning will be assessed regularly. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide.
| Year | Coursework % | Written exams % | Practical assessments % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 50% | 12.5% | 37.5% |
| Year 2 | 65% | 0% | 35% |
| Year 3 | 75% | 0% | 25% |
Assessments
Your knowledge and understanding are assessed by seen and unseen examinations, laboratory work reports, portfolios, essays, case studies, and oral and poster presentations. Skills are assessed by problem solving exercises and case studies, laboratory reports and portfolios, proposals and a dissertation. Practical skills are assessed by presentation and laboratory practical exams.
The above learning, teaching and assessment are designed to develop and assess these graduate competencies: 
- Curiosity and learning
- Collaborative innovation  
- Resilience and adaptability  
- Technological agility  
- Entrepreneurship  
- Communication, empathy, and inclusion  
- Leadership and influence  
- Problem solving and delivery. 
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
/0x0:1050x1407/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/north-london-campus-banner.jpg)
North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day
/217x0:1832x1365/prod01/channel_3/media/UG-Campaign-Low-Res-2024-09.jpg)
Make the most of our free laptop loans, e-books, printing and photocopying
Learn more/101x0:851x634/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/Sheppard-Library-Facilities-2014-40.jpg)
/126x0:1074x801/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/study-section-images/facilities/MDX-Sheppard-Library-13.jpg)
We have one of London's biggest university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
How can the Biochemistry BSc Honours support your career?
The skills and knowledge you develop through the course including analytical and critical appraisal skills will enable you to enter a wide range of careers and further study programmes.
Successful graduates from this course are well qualified and may progress to postgraduate study in a related discipline or to a research studentship.
Graduates could be employed in hospital, university, or private laboratories; pharmaceutical or chemical industry; forensic or public health facilities; the veterinary or agriculture sector. Graduates will be in a strong position to pursue careers in science teaching (Biology/Chemistry) in secondary schools or colleges as well as other careers in education. Employment may be sought on graduate training programmes, in laboratory or technical work, sales, marketing or technical support for biochemical products or laboratory equipment or in other disciplines such as journalism.
Graduate job roles
Previous graduates have gone into careers in the following sectors:
- Hospital and university labs
- Biomedical Research facilities
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Sales, marketing and technical support
- Science education
- Publishing and law.
MDXworks
Our Careers & Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Global network
Our location in London helps us connect you with over 1,000 industry partners to develop your future employment prospects. And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius. You’ll study with students from 184 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Placements
There are two opportunities to gain relevant work experience.
You may take a one-year long placement of 120 credits or a 30-credit work experience module.
Both provide excellent opportunities to gain employability skills, transferable skills and experience of working in science. This may be in an industrial, research laboratory or hospital-based environment for example. You will also be supported to find and secure internships and work experiences that you can do outside the scheduled programme, e.g. over the summer between Year 2 and 3.
The Work Experience module (30 credits)
This is available as optional module in Year 3. You will be supported by the Programme Team and the University's Careers and Employability Service in preparing for and securing a placement. The module enables work of about 120-160 hours, usually as a minimum of 15 workdays in a relevant organisation.
The Thick Sandwich Year (120-credits)
This can be taken by you if you have successfully completed Year 2.
There are no university fees for the placement year. You will be supported by the programme team and the University’s Career and Employability service team in preparing for and securing a placement. You will be visited in your placement at least twice and supported by an in-placement mentor, the placement office and a member of the programme team. Both you and your mentor will have a guide handbook to explain the requirements and you will keep an ongoing reflective diary of your experiences and also produce a critical appraisal of the organisation in which you work.
Students who successfully complete the 120-credit placement module will be awarded a Diploma in Industrial Studies or Diploma in Employability Studies, depending on the nature of the placement.
Entry requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we'll support you all the way.
Qualifications
- UCAS Points
- 112-128 UCAS Points
- A-Level
- BBB-BBC including a C or above in two science subjects which must include either biology or chemistry
- BTEC
- DMM-DDM in a science subject
- Access requirements
- Overall pass in a relevant subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
- Combinations
- A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 - 128 UCAS Tariff points including 64 points from two science subjects or equivalent
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.
We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with standard application of science requirements and GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.
Foundation year
If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Foundation Year in Science to help you prepare for the full degree?
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
Interviews
You won't be required to interview for this course.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Please apply via UCAS using this UCAS code C79A.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2026/27 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,535*
Part-time: £79 per taught credit
*Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years may be subject to further inflationary increases (most recently, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to the All-Items Retail Prices Index – RPIX) in line with any additional rise in the tuition fee cap set by the UK government.
As a part of our commitment to an excellent student offer at Middlesex University, we pledge to invest the additional money from tuition fee increases into the student experience, and we are consulting at present on what these improvements will be and will follow up with further details.
International students2
Full-time students: £TBC
Part-time students: £TBC per taught credit
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Based on the current fee, for a typical three-year degree, the total costs for your studies will be £28,605.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Chat with our students about life at Middlesex
View our range of student ambassadors/162x0:1739x1068/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/Architectual-Technology.jpg)
/48x0:5953x4000/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/science-and-technology/MDX_Campaigns_July_22_updated-712.jpg)
/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/science-and-technology/Mechatronics-and-Robotics-BEng-masthead.jpg)
/162x0:1739x1068/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/science-and-technology/Electronic-Engineering.jpg)
Unistats information
Discover Uni provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Middlesex.
Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for Biochemistry.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.