Study at the University of Kent
Canterbury, United Kingdom
As a biochemist you study the way living organisms – from viruses and bacteria to mammals, plants and other higher organisms – function at the molecular level. Biochemistry has a major impact on vital areas such as medicine, agriculture and the environment, so you could contribute to positive change.
In the School of Biosciences, we have a community spirit and students learn with and from each other. We are also renowned for our innovative teaching methods, including:
Our Biochemistry degree is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
In your first year, your modules give you an insight into various biological and chemical disciplines, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, microbiology and physiology. Your second year builds on this knowledge and covers areas such as gene regulation, cell biology and metabolism.
In your first and second years, you also take specific modules to develop your skills as a bioscientist.
In your final year, alongside your compulsory modules, you conduct a research project. There are three types of project: laboratory; literature and data analysis; or communication. From the many areas of research covered in the School, you choose to focus on an area that interests you. You also choose two optional modules from a range that covers areas such as the biology of ageing, cancer biology and neuroscience.
You can choose to take a work placement as part of your degree. For more details, see Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year.
You can choose to work or study abroad for a year. You are taught in English and previous destinations include universities in the US, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong and Malaysia. For more details, see Biochemistry with a Year Abroad.
We also offer between 20 and 30 paid Summer Studentships each year. You can apply to work in our research labs during the summer holiday and gain hands-on research experience before your final year of study.
You can join BioSoc, a student-run society. Previous activities have included research talks and social events.
We also encourage our students to attend outside conferences and events. In 2015, Kent students competed with 280 teams and won the gold medal at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Giant Jamboree in the USA.
Our modern teaching labs ensure you have a state-of-the-art working and learning environment. The School attracts a lot of research funding, and this provides for well-equipped research labs and first-class research facilities.
Our school collaborates with research groups in industry and academia throughout the UK and Europe. It also has excellent links with local employers, such as:
Kent is moving forward with the Kent & Medway Medical School (KMMS), due to take the first cohort of students in September 2020.
The Medical School will be a significant addition to the University, with exciting opportunities for education and research in the School of Biosciences.
Professor Martin Warren, BBSRC Professorial Fellow and Professor of Biochemistry, discusses the use of advanced forensic techniques to uncover the truth of King George III’s madness.
