Course overview

Our Biochemistry integrated master's degree studies life at the molecular level. You'll develop an understanding of what causes diseases like cancer and how new technologies and drug treatments can help patients.

You’ll explore the chemical processes that occur in cells of other living organisms, from bacteria to humans. You'll also gain knowledge and skills in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology.

You’ll learn how analytical techniques used by the industry – particularly the pharmaceutical or biotech companies – are used to discover or design new drugs or solve environmental problems.

The course includes topics such as:

• DNA replication, recombination and repair
• control of gene expression
• molecular basis of cancer and chronic diseases
• applications of biochemistry in real-world problems such as biofuels, drug-design, nano-circuits and bio-sensing

Download information about this course as a PDF

COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

See our terms and conditions for more information

View our Frequently Asked Questions

Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Additional information

Transfer to Medicine or Dentistry

There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programmes at the end of the first year if you find your interests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU and international students. It is competitive, with a limited number of places available. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a UKCAT score, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.

Quality and ranking

We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.

Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

• phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
• phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as:

• DNA replication, recombination and repair
• cell signalling and cell cycle
• proteins, enzymes and analysis
• protein trafficking and membrane
• biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
• applied and integrated biochemistry

You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Biochemistry	15
Genetics	15
Microbiology and Immunology	15
Cell Biology	15
Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1	15
Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2	15
Pharmacology	15
Physiology	15

Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

• phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
• phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as:

• DNA replication, recombination and repair
• cell signalling and cell cycle
• proteins, enzymes and analysis
• protein trafficking and membrane
• biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
• applied and integrated biochemistry

You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Biochemistry and Genetics of Signalling and the Cell Cycle	20
DNA Replication, recombination and Repair	10
Proteins and Enzymes	20
Protein Trafficking and Biological Membranes	20
Advanced Protein Analysis	10
Essential Biomedical Research Skills	20
Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression	10
Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System	10

Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

• phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
• phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as:

• DNA replication, recombination and repair
• cell signalling and cell cycle
• proteins, enzymes and analysis
• protein trafficking and membrane
• biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
• applied and integrated biochemistry

You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.

You will undertake an extended individual research project which begins in the final semester of Stage 3 and continues throughout your final year.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Integrated Biochemistry	10
Biochemistry of Gene Expression	20
Applied Biochemistry	20
Biochemistry of Cancer and Chronic Diseases	20
Research Project for Stage 3 MSci Students	40

Optional Modules	Credits
Research in Biochemistry & Genetics	10
Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist	10
Research in Biomedical Sciences	10
Health and Illness: Professional and Societal Perspectives	10
Science Communication	10
Bioethics	10
Bioinformatics	10

Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

• phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
• phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as:

• DNA replication, recombination and repair
• cell signalling and cell cycle
• proteins, enzymes and analysis
• protein trafficking and membrane
• biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
• applied and integrated biochemistry

You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.

You will undertake an extended individual research project which begins in the final semester of Stage 3 and continues throughout your final year.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Research Project	80

Optional Modules	Credits
An Introduction to Bioinformatics Theory and Practice	10
Advanced Bioinformatics Theory and Practice	10
Global Health	20
The Biological Study of Behaviour	20
Ageing & Health	20
Experimental Medicine & Therapeutics	20
Drug discovery and development	20
Cancer Studies	20
Cell Cycle Control and Cell Signalling in Health and Disease	20
Clinical Epidemiology	20
The Biological Basis of Psychiatric Illness & Its Treatment	20
Biology of Ageing	20
Genetics of Common Disease	20
Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease	20
Molecular Microbiology	20
Studying Life at the Molecular Level	20
Sensory Systems	20
Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders	20
Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells	20
Transplantation Sciences	20
Genetic Medicine	20
Developmental Genetics	20
Toxicology	20
Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine	20
Diabetes	20
Therapy Development for Rare Diseases: the neuromuscular paradigm	20
Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease	20
Bioscience Research Development and Enterprise	20
Comparative Cognition: Information Processing in Humans and Other Animals	20
Human Health and the Impact of Microbial Genomics	20

Choose your remaining 40 credits from the range of Master's-level modules outlined above.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes, online sessions and small group seminars.

To support your learning, you will be able to access online resources such as lecture and teaching materials and recordings on our main Virtual Learning Environment.

You also have the chance to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Research skills

In your third year, you complete a research project on a topic that interests you. This gives you practical experience of planning and conducting research, boosting your CV with desirable skills.

During your final year, you will undertake a 10-week research project, and work alongside research staff, in either one of our cutting-edge research laboratories or in one of our ERASMUS exchange laboratory-based projects in different parts of Europe.

You'll plan, design and conduct your experiments under the supervision of an academic staff, learning advanced research technical skills.

Business skills

In your third year, you'll select a module, designed to boost your professional skills in an employment area that we know many of our graduates progress to, for example:

• microbiology
• healthcare organisation and practice
• science communication
• research in biochemistry
• bioethics
• bioinformatics

You'll have the chance to take a 6-to-8-week summer research placement in a research lab and develop strong professional skills, or a one-year professional placement in industry or in a research laboratory.

Practical skills 

Biochemistry is a practical science. You’ll have many opportunities to develop technical laboratory competencies, as well as essential professional skills.

You'll develop fundamental biochemistry techniques, bioinformatics knowledge and data analysis and problem-solving skills through practical laboratory sessions.

You'll also have opportunities to further develop your technical and transferable skills, by applying for a part-time laboratory assistant job during your second year working in one of our research labs, and contributing to the world-leading research carried in our institutes.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at our city-centre campus. The Faculty is also home to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology and Pharmacy.

Situated next to Newcastle’s RVI hospital, we’re one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.

Our facilities include:

• a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
• large teaching laboratories
• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces

Find out about the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences

Support

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.

Your future

Graduates from our Biochemistry degrees have gone on to work in internationally recognised companies, such as: 

• BUPA
• Helena Biosciences Europe
• Cellmark
• Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
• Quantum Pharmaceutical
• GlaxoSmithKline Plc

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

UK Students

£9250

International Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages