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Queen's University Belfast

Belfast , Northern Ireland ,United Kingdom

Biochemistry BSc

Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences industry, explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases, and enables ‘genetic engineering‘. Consequently, the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology, and biomedical research.

Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signaling and the transmission of genetic information.

The BSc in Biochemistry enables students to gain an understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry and the application of a range of practical laboratory skills. Students will explore the relevant analytical principles and techniques, and apply these in a research setting. You will understand collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve. Additional skills such as; personal and team skills, data management, presentation skills, career management planning and applying your degree in the workplace will also be covered.

Campus Information

Belfast

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES Across health sciences laboratories, business, engineering and computing. Including a financial Trading Room with Bloomberg terminals, interdisciplinary health and life sciences research facilities and innovative engineering hubs.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
20 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
10 Days
Visa Process
35 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The Queen’s Careers Team are here to support students and graduates with all aspects of career planning and decision making.

We’ll help you set career goals, communicate your worth to employers and equip you with the skills you need to stand out in the competitive global job market. The skills we help you build, will benefit you forever.

What type of support do we offer?
We can help you with everything from building a career plan to engaging with employers, refining your CV or perfecting an application.

We can also support you to secure placements, work experience or study abroad opportunities. Our diverse range of employability programmes and events are designed in consultation with industry to help you lead, achieve, develop and succeed.

Book a programme or event

SUPPORT FOR GRADUATES
Have you graduated recently? Have a look at our graduate resources, such as recorded webinars from our recent Gradfest events and GradGuides, to help you achieve your personal development goals and enjoy career success.

Access our services
In the below sections, you’ll find online tools and resources to help with your career planning, along with information advice and support on a host of careers-related topics. Can’t find what you need

Take part in an event or programme 
From employer panels to Careers fairs, discover our virtual activities for autumn 2020

Access advice on CVs and Interviews
From writing the perfect cover letter to nailing a virtual interview, we're here to support you through the job application process.

Find a job through MyFuture
Whether you want to find part-time work on campus, an internship or a graduate role, MyFuture is your go-to jobs board.

Develop your employability
We have collated a range of online resources to help you develop and enhance the skills that employers are looking for.

Make your extra-curricular activities count with DegreePlus
Our employability award lets you gain recognition for work-related experience you gain during your time at Queen's.

PSW Opportunity

2 Years PSW is applicable after the course completing (Bachelors level or above)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

A level requirements
BBB including Chemistry and Biology + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
ABB including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Where A-level Biology, Mathematics or Physics are not offered, A-levels in three other subjects including Chemistry and AS-level Biology would be considered.
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then grade O4 in Mathematics.
Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 80% with no less than 70% in any module normally including two Chemistry modules (Level 3) and one Biology module (Level 3). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and Biology + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Standard Level grade 4 would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.
BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
Not considered
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.
Option to transfer
Transfers between BSc and MSci may be possible at the end of Stage 2.
Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Biological Sciences must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though candidates offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis depending on the degree for which they have applied. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.

Those offering a relevant Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) are considered individually on their own merits for entry to Stage 1. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits. For those offering a HND, at least one of the units completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level. Where offers are made students would be expected to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year. For those offering a HNC or HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Biological Sciences, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification