Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the chemistry of living systems, the discipline that examines how the molecules within cells and organisms enable life to function. It asks how proteins are structured and how structure determines function, how genetic information is encoded and expressed, how energy is generated and used in metabolic pathways, and how signalling molecules coordinate the activities of cells and tissues. These questions lie at the heart of modern biology and medicine, and advances in biochemistry drive the development of new drugs, diagnostics, and biotechnologies.

At Sheffield Hallam, this three-year programme provides both theoretical grounding and practical laboratory training in biochemistry, with the flexibility to develop either a biological or a chemical focus according to your interests and career aims. A foundation year is available for students who need additional preparation in science before entering the main degree. A sandwich year with a year-long placement is incorporated, giving you extensive professional experience in a research, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology setting, and a work placement is also built in.

The option to transfer to a research-intensive MSci route is available for those who want to develop a deeper engagement with experimental biochemistry.

Graduates from biochemistry programmes are sought after across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and drink, environmental, and medical research sectors. Roles in research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and laboratory management are all natural destinations. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study or doctoral research in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related fields, and some move into clinical laboratory roles, science communication, or teaching.

Biochemistry is a discipline whose applications extend into almost every area of modern life, and its graduates have exceptional versatility.