Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the science of life at the molecular level. It investigates the chemical processes that underpin everything a living cell does, from DNA replication and protein synthesis through to the metabolic reactions that generate energy, the molecular machinery that allows cells to communicate, and the ways in which those processes go wrong in disease. The discipline sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biology, and its insights underpin drug development, genetic medicine, biotechnology, and our fundamental understanding of living systems.
This part-time programme at the University of Northampton develops your understanding of the interconnectedness of chemistry, physics, and biology through a range of topics including protein interactions, macromolecular structure and biological function, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and chemistry. You will explore how macromolecular structure is closely linked to biological function and how that relationship is disrupted in disease, developing both the conceptual understanding and the practical laboratory skills that define a biochemist's education. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and embedded work placement opportunities, giving you direct professional experience in a relevant laboratory or research context.
The part-time structure makes the degree accessible for those combining study with other commitments.
Biochemistry graduates are well placed for careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, forensic science, food science, agricultural biotechnology, environmental science, and academic research. The combination of chemical and biological understanding is also applicable in roles in science communication, regulatory affairs, and healthcare. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or clinical science, and the degree provides a strong foundation for graduate-entry medicine or pharmacy for those who meet the additional entry requirements.