5 benefits of studying biochemistry

What is biochemistry?

Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry to study living matter. It powers scientific and medical discovery in fields such as pharmaceuticals, forensics and nutrition. With biochemistry, you will study chemical reactions at a molecular level to better understand the world and develop new ways to harness these.

5 reasons to study biochemistry

1. Specialisation

Biochemistry is flexible and can be applied to many fields and specialisms, whether you want to work in industry or continue in education and research in a specific area. To provide further flexibility, the University of Strathclyde offers the ability to combine biochemistry with other biomolecular science courses so you can develop your interests and specialism as part of your biochemistry degree. Combined programmes include immunology, microbiology and pharmacology.

2. Career opportunities

Biochemistry can lead to a broad range of related careers, so it’s the perfect choice if you are unsure of what your future looks like at the moment. You could work in a research lab, product development, healthcare or forensics among many other fields. By choosing biochemistry, you are studying the foundations of life so the options are endless. At Strathclyde, this is supported by a strong research base, links with industry, the NHS and international partners, all of which contributed to the programme being ranked in the top 5 in the UK for Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2022).

3. Transferable skills

To successfully gain employment upon graduation, you need more than your degree, you need transferable skills you can relate to the role you are applying for. With biochemistry you will learn problem solving, data analysis, process creation and project management - key skills in any career you choose. This means that you can apply for a wider range of jobs when you’re ready to start job hunting. Biochemistry graduates don’t just work in laboratories, many go on to work in finance, business or education to name a few.

4. Innovation

Studying biochemistry means finding new ways to look at how systems work and trying new ideas. This is a valuable skill in both life and work which will elevate you as a job candidate. Learning to see things from a new perspective can lead to unique opportunities. The process of testing theories will prepare you to make improvements in your chosen field, whether that’s medical drug development, genome sequencing, food and agricultural changes or something completely different.

5. Understand the molecular basis of life

With the many challenges facing the world today, an understanding of how life and the systems within it exist could be key to finding solutions. Choosing biochemistry will give you the tools to better understand the world and how you can improve it.

Studying biochemistry abroad

Studying abroad offers more than a degree, it’s an experience. By choosing to study abroad, you will gain language skills, cultural understanding and form relationships with a global community.

You can study biochemistry in Glasgow by starting your journey with us at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. This is where you will prepare for your degree at the University of Strathclyde with language and academic classes designed for you, all while living in Scotland and adjusting to life in a different country.

At Strathclyde you can study a globally recognised biochemistry degree at undergraduate or postgraduate level. You can prepare for one of these programmes by studying either the Undergraduate Foundation Programme or the Pre-Masters Programme at the International Study Centre.

FAQs

Is biochemistry hard to study?

Biochemistry degrees cover challenging material that require vast knowledge. If you are dedicated and prepared to put in hard work a biochemistry degree will be a welcome challenge. 

What qualifications do you need to study biochemistry?

To qualify for an undergraduate degree in biochemistry you will need:

• Five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• Three A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry 

What is the best job for biochemistry?

There are many career options in biochemistry, each with their own advantages. The best option for you will depend in the area you wish you specialise in. Some of the top biochemistry careers are:

• Forensic science technician.
• Forensic scientist.
• Chemical engineer.
• Biochemistry Professor.