Biochemistry with a Foundation Year

Biochemistry is the science of the chemical processes that underpin life, examining how molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates are structured and how they function in the biological systems of living organisms. It sits at the interface between chemistry and biology, and its insights are fundamental to understanding how cells work, how diseases develop at the molecular level, and how drugs can be designed to intervene in biological processes. Biochemistry is central to the modern pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical sciences industries.

At the University of East Anglia, this four-year full-time programme begins with a foundation year that provides additional scientific and academic preparation before the main degree curriculum begins. This makes the degree accessible to students who would benefit from consolidating their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics before engaging with degree-level biochemistry. In the main degree years, you will study the structure and function of biological macromolecules, cell biology, metabolism, genetics and molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and the techniques used in modern biochemical research, including molecular cloning, spectroscopy, and bioinformatics.

UEA's research environment in the biological sciences informs the teaching and provides opportunities to engage with current research questions as the degree progresses.

Biochemistry graduates work in pharmaceutical research and development, biotechnology companies, clinical biochemistry laboratories, food science, agricultural research, and academic institutions. The combination of chemical and biological knowledge and practical laboratory skills is valued across a wide range of scientific and technical careers. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study or doctoral research in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related disciplines, moving into research scientist roles in academia or industry.