Biochemistry offers an understanding of the biological and chemical processes that allow life to thrive, giving us the tools we need to solve key challenges in cell biology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and genetics. Advances in the field have revolutionised our knowledge of how biochemistry works and the mechanisms that underpin a wide range of cellular processes. This enables us to respond to human health problems and diseases by rationally designing new strategies and drugs as treatments.
Our Biochemistry degree takes a research-centred approach to teaching and learning, providing the opportunity to work closely with academics on collaborative research projects. The course examines the chemistry of life at a molecular level and reflects the University's expertise in pharmacology, biomedical science, biology, and biotechnology. Students have the opportunity to develop skills in practical laboratory techniques, data interpretation, critical analysis, computational skills allied to biochemistry, and scientific writing.
Subject area ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction*
A range of optional modules to choose from
Optional placement year
Taught by experienced research-active staff
Optional overseas field trip
Available with a Science Foundation Year
*Out of 91 ranking institutions in the Complete University Guide 2025
This programme introduces students to a range of topics, enabling them to widen their knowledge of biochemistry across a range of allied subjects. These include molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, and biotechnology. The degree offers optional modules to allow students greater choice in their academic studies. Modules have been developed to cover topics relevant to current or developing fields allied to the life sciences.
During the first year, students can study a breadth of core topics, including biochemistry, physiology, genetics, and cell biology.
The second year allows students to add specialism to their degree. Students can study molecular biology, applications of biochemistry in clinical situations, and detailed analysis of biomolecules. Optional topics include, pharmacology, immunology, and human disease.
In the third year, students undertake an individual research project which provides the chance to develop investigation skills, in addition to studying key themes such as biotechnology, microbial biochemistry, protein structure and function, and clinical biochemistry.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
There is an optional overseas field trip in the third year. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
Optional field trips may incur additional costs, including flights. Students may also be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet.
Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what you choose to bring.
Students on this programme are able to undertake an optional overseas field trip as part of their third year, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild.
Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
On each trip students are introduced to local flora and fauna, present a group project, and complete an identification test of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
Biochemistry-related research at Lincoln includes structural and molecular biology, DNA metabolism and drug discovery. Final-year student research projects have previously included overcoming drug resistance, proteins involved in neurodegeneration, and new proteins for biofuel production.
The lecturers made the content easy to understand and interesting, while the practical sessions were a fantastic opportunity to see the theory learned in lectures applied in a real-life situation.
Laura Rutledge
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
Career paths for Biochemistry graduate exist in industrial, commercial, and academic research, and in development roles within the medical, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Graduates also go on to careers in scientific marketing and journalism, or education.
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points from Biology or Chemistry.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied).
BTEC Diploma in Applied Science accepted alongside other qualifications.
Please contact our Admissions team for further information admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.
T Level in Science: Merit.
(Health or Health Science are not accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Chemistry.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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