Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying life, asking how the chemical reactions that take place within cells give rise to growth, metabolism, heredity, immunity, and all the other properties of living organisms. It is a discipline that sits at the foundations of modern medicine, pharmaceutical research, and biotechnology, producing the insights that lead to new drugs, diagnostic tools, and understanding of how disease processes work at the molecular level.

At the University of Liverpool, this three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of biochemistry from its molecular and cellular foundations through to its applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. You will study the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biological molecules, the metabolic pathways that sustain living cells, the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation, and the chemical bases of disease. Alongside the theoretical content, you will develop strong practical and laboratory skills.

The programme also includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study biochemistry in a different national and academic context, strengthening your research experience and your professional network. The programme provides the knowledge and skills that employers value in medical and agricultural research, the pharmaceutical industry, and related biotechnology sectors.

Biochemistry graduates are in consistent demand across the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, as well as in academic research, clinical laboratory science, regulatory affairs, science communication, and education. The rigorous scientific training and practical skills the degree develops are also valued in science policy, patent law, and environmental science roles. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study or doctoral research in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related fields, contributing to the development of new treatments, diagnostic approaches, and biotechnological solutions.