Subject

Biochemistry

Impatient to explore the complexity of life?

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.  

Studying biochemistry allows you to appreciate how the processes of life function at the molecular level. At Essex, you are taught by an international team of experts at the forefront of their fields. We specialise in structure-function relationships of biomolecules, which offers insight into the interactions that occur in the complex cellular pathways that control vision and cell death. In your final year you have the opportunity to contribute to exciting current research projects in our state-of-the-art labs. At Essex, you will learn to think and behave like a scientist.

Why study here?
  • We are ranked 16th in the UK for overallstudent satisfaction for Biosciences in the National Student Survey 2022.
  • Our teaching is underpinned by research – new ideas and theories are tested in the classroom.
  • You gain a solid grounding across a range of related topics, with the chance to contribute to real-world research projects in your final year of study.

Looking to start in 2024?

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Chat with Theo, a BSc Biochemistry student

Fancy discovering what student life at Essex is like? Want to learn more about the School of Life Sciences? Find out more by talking to Theo, an undergraduate student studying BSc Biochemistry.

Chat with Theo
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"Biochemistry offers a lot, you can focus solely on biochemistry, or mix it up with modules like biophysics or bioinformatics. I really enjoyed my final research project, it was my first taste of what research would be like. I had a great relationship with my supervisor, he was patient and always willing to explain things."
Bethany Hampshire BSc Biochemistry
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Apply now through Clearing

Let's talk about your potential. To begin your studies this year, you can apply to Essex now through Clearing by filling out one simple application form.

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Biochemistry courses in Clearing for 2023

Biochemistry is rapidly expanding and there has never been a more exciting time to study this subject.

Our curriculum is constantly evolving to reflect the latest findings and their applications in biochemistry. At Essex you learn in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and benefit from a research-led education, taught by experts.

Why study here?
  • Carry out your own 16-week research project based in an academic, industrial or clinical setting.
  • Study specialist modules taught by academic staff, industry experts and clinicians with the academic and hospital environment.
  • Graduate with the skills and expertise in demand from industry.
"I decided to study at Essex because it offered the best modules for acquiring the necessary skills, as well as the opportunity to put these skills into practice. The work-based research project at Cancer Research UK enabled me to enter a real research environment and learn practical skills first-hand from people with great knowledge."
Ryan Blake MSc Cancer Biology, 2017
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Attend an Open Day

Essex Open Days are a chance for you to see where you might be calling home. Chat with students and staff, tour our campuses and accommodation, listen to talks from academics and join a taster lecture.

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Our School provides a stimulating environment for research training.

The research being conducted by members of staff and research students in our School of Life Sciences covers the whole spectrum of biology from genes, proteins, and cells through to whole organisms, communities, and entire ecosystems. We employ a range of state-of-the-art techniques covering all the biological sciences including biochemistry, biomedical science, environmental microbiology, marine biology, ecology, statistics, and computational approaches for biologists.

Why study here?
  • As one of the largest schools at our University, we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment.
  • A dedicated study room allows all our students to have office space, a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories.
  • We offer an innovative professional development scheme for doctoral students, unique to the University of Essex.
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Explore our research

Discover cutting edge research from the University of Essex. Browse our site to find relevant publications, projects, groups, centres, postgraduate opportunities for research supervision and wider areas of interest. Simply search our site to find information relating to your subject.

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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.