• Toll free: 1800 258 5772

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh , Scotland ,United Kingdom

BSc Biological Sciences (Biochemistry)

Biochemistry is the study of living systems at a molecular level. Biochemists are interested in understanding the components that make up cells, how they are formed and how they interact to function.

This includes:

  • how molecular machines actually ‘work’
  • how drugs bind and inhibit their targets
  • how membranes and viruses interact
  • how cell signals are transmitted

On this programme, you will study the structure and function of macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates, and biological systems from cell extracts to whole organisms.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

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 skills you will gain from a Biological Sciences degree are transferable and highly valued across many career pathways. They include:

  • problem-solving
  • analytical and quantitative reasoning skills
  • presentation and communication
  • group working and collaboration
  • time management

Our Careers Service is available to help you throughout your time with us and for 2 years after graduating. We have a dedicated School Careers Consultant who runs drop-ins for students and can help with things like CV and application writing and preparation for interviews. We also run a series of workshops during your studies including 'finding work experience' and 'preparing for placement' that you are free to attend.

Our graduates

Biological Sciences students go on to work or study in a range of different fields, within and outside of science. This can include:

  • further academic research - Master's degree, PhD
  • practical research - lab technician, industrial roles, field assistant, conservation
  • professional qualifications - teaching, medicine, veterinary medicine, law
  • science policy - government, NGOs, charities
  • science communication - journalism, publishing, media relations, outreach
  • other - finance, management

Previous graduates have secured roles in both research and industry and have been employed by a variety of different organisations.

The career path you choose is up to you and will depend on your experiences, skills, values, and interests. We are pleased to be able to support your career journey.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 years

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

CBSE All India Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC), CISCE Indian School Certificate (ISC) Standard XII: overall 80% with three subjects at 75%.

College of Science and Engineering

Higher Secondary School Certificate (All India SSC, HSSC, SSSC, ISC) where awarded by CBSE, CISCE or West Bengal State Board

Award of Certificate with five subjects at Class XII, with an overall average of 80% or above and minimum 80% in all required subjects (or 85% where we require a grade A at SQA Higher). 75% at Grade XII English.

Higher Secondary School Certificate (All India SSC, HSSC, SSSC, ISC) where awarded by other state boards

Award of Certificate with five subjects at Class XII, with an overall average of 80% or above and minimum 80% in all required subjects (or 85% where we require a grade A at SQA Higher). 75% at Grade XII English.

Advanced entry into Year 2 (Science & Engineering)

Advanced entry direct into Year 2 of many of our Science and Engineering degree programmes is possible for applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement in the Higher Secondary School Certificate, but only where awarded by CBSE, CISCE or West Bengal State Board. Advanced entry is offered into Year 2 to students from India with the relevant Indian boards. For advanced entry applicants must achieve the award of Certificate with minimum of five subjects at Class XII, with an overall average of 85% or above and minimum 85% in all required subjects as stated in our prospectus.

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Higher Secondary School Certificate (All India SSC, HSSC, SSSC, ISC) where awarded by CBSE, CISCE; West Bengal State Board or other state boards:

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Sciences

For Biomedical Sciences & Medical Sciences, award of Certificate with five subjects at Class XII with an overall average of 80% or above and minimum 85% in Biology & Chemistry.  75% at Grade XII English. 

Medicine

For Medicine, CBSE All India Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC) or CISCE Indian School Certificate (ISC) Standard XII with five subjects at Class XII, with an overall average of 85% and grades of 85% or higher in English, Chemistry plus two from Biology, Mathematics or Physics.

We do not require students to take an English language test in IELTS/TOEFL/Pearson etc, if they achieve the minimum 85% from their Standard XII examinations.

Applicants offering GCE A levels or the International Baccalaureate will be considered and must meet the minimum entry requirements for these qualifications.

Applicants must also take the UCAT.