Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the science of life at the molecular level. It asks how the chemical reactions that take place within living cells give rise to all the properties of living organisms, from metabolism and growth to immune responses and inheritance. As the discipline that underpins our understanding of how diseases develop, how drugs work, and how genetic information is stored and expressed, biochemistry sits at the foundation of modern medicine and biotechnology.
At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year full-time programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and covers the core areas of the discipline, including molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, protein biochemistry, and metabolic pathways, as well as emerging applications in areas such as genome editing, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. You will develop strong laboratory skills alongside your theoretical understanding, learning to design and execute experiments and to interpret data critically. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to work in a research or industrial laboratory setting and to experience biochemistry in an international context.
These experiences significantly strengthen both your skills and your employability when you graduate.
Biochemistry graduates are in demand in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, in medical research, in biotechnology companies, and in clinical and forensic laboratories. The skills you develop in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reasoning are also valued in roles in science communication, regulatory affairs, patent work, and science policy. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study or doctoral research in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related life sciences, contributing to the development of new treatments, diagnostic tools, and biological technologies.
The RSB accreditation of this programme is a marker of its quality and is recognised by employers across the sector.