Biochemistry with Foundation Year

Biochemistry is the science of the molecular processes that underlie all living systems. It investigates the structure and function of biological molecules, the metabolic pathways through which cells generate and use energy, the mechanisms of genetic information transfer, and the molecular basis of disease. It is a discipline of exceptional importance, underpinning medicine, pharmacology, biotechnology, nutrition science and our fundamental understanding of how life works.

For students who need additional preparation before tackling the rigours of a full biochemistry degree, a foundation year provides that essential grounding.

At Reading, this four-year programme begins with a foundation year designed for students whose qualifications or scientific background would benefit from strengthening before the main degree content begins. Following the foundation year, you will study the core disciplines of biochemistry, including protein chemistry, enzymology, nucleic acid biochemistry, metabolism, cell signalling, molecular genetics and structural biology. Laboratory work is central to the programme throughout, and you will develop the practical skills in experimental technique, data analysis and scientific communication that professional biochemistry requires.

Reading has active research groups in biochemistry and molecular biology, and the teaching is informed by current scientific inquiry. The typical entry tariff is 88 UCAS points.

Biochemistry graduates move into pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development, clinical research, the NHS, food and nutrition science, academic research and postgraduate study, science communication, regulatory science and the many other sectors where molecular biology underpins commercial or public sector activity. Many graduates continue to doctoral research or professional programmes in medicine, dentistry or related health professions. The foundation year route provides a genuine pathway into biochemistry for students who might otherwise be excluded from the discipline by their prior qualifications.