Biochemistry BSc
AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Chemistry; graduates earn a median £24,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB – BBB
A-level Chemistry · 72% of entrants came with A levels · 98% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Chemistry
Who actually got in: 72% with A levels, 6% with the IB, 11% via Access courses, 9% with other higher education. 45% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 55 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAAminimum from S5: ABBB | Higher Chemistry at A. |
| IB | 34 (6,5,5) | HL Chemistry. |
| Scottish Highers | Advanced Highers – AAA including Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year | — |
| A level | Three A-levels at grades A*AA which include Biology and Chemistry attained in on | — |
| IB | 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Biology and Chemis | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
4compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 66% · mathematics & statistics 24% · transversal skills 6% · green & sustainability 4%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 4 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Biology 1A
What you learn (8)
- distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
- describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
- describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
- describe the structure and function of the nervous and immune systems
- explain fundamental concepts underlying ecological relationships
- interpret scientific data sets to draw valid conclusions
- critically appraise scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques safely and accurately
- Biology 1B
What you learn (12)
- describe the structure and function of major biological molecules
- describe the biochemical process of photosynthesis in plants
- describe the stages of cellular respiration
- explain patterns of genetic inheritance
- describe causes and mechanisms of genetic disease
- discuss competing theories explaining evolutionary change
- discuss recent advances in plant biotechnology
- discuss the role of biotechnology in addressing food security
- interpret scientific data presented in graphs and tables
- evaluate findings reported in scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques used in biological research
- record and report experimental results accurately
- Chemistry 1
What you learn (4)
- describe fundamental facts and experimental foundations of modern chemistry
- solve basic numerical problems in chemistry contexts
- solve basic logical problems in chemistry contexts
- perform standard chemical laboratory techniques
- Science Fundamentals-1X
What you learn (6)
- explain the role of si units and appropriate approximation in calculations
- perform arithmetic and proportion calculations without a calculator
- solve linear and simultaneous equations and derive line equations
- draw molecular structures and identify types of isomerism
- explain the role of lone pairs in molecular shape and reactivity
- identify functional groups and relate them to compound names
Year 2 · 6 core · 180 credits ≈ 1,800 hours
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
What you learn (6)
- apply core biological theories and concepts to relevant scenarios
- describe biological processes ranging from molecular to ecosystem level
- illustrate biological concepts using examples such as ageing, genomics and immunity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data including laboratory-derived results
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (9)
- describe the cellular and tissue organisation of selected body systems
- relate structural features of tissues to their physiological function
- explain the concept of homeostasis in human physiology
- explain how neural and endocrine systems coordinate physiological responses
- interpret biological data relating to human health and disease
- apply biological data to explain system responses in health and disease scenarios
- explain how practical techniques are applied in research and clinical practice
- communicate human biology concepts using terminology suited to the audience
- reflect on personal graduate attributes within a scientific context
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key topics in evolutionary biology, physiology, zoology and ecology
- describe principles of terrestrial and aquatic conservation
- evaluate patterns of biological diversity across species
- evaluate ecological and evolutionary processes shaping diversity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data collected in laboratory settings
- analyse scientific data collected in field environments
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key mechanisms in biochemistry
- describe fundamental concepts in genetics
- describe core principles of molecular and cellular biology
- evaluate experimental approaches for addressing scientific questions
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific datasets including laboratory-generated data
- solve quantitative problems relevant to biological sciences
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to others
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (6)
- explain features of human structure and function in applied scenarios
- apply numerical and statistical methods to analyse data
- interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions
- communicate human biology concepts using suitable terminology for the audience
- evaluate ethical and sustainable practice in biological investigation
- reflect on personal graduate skills relevant to employability
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
What you learn (6)
- describe fundamental concepts underlying microbial biology
- explain how immune components interact to prevent infection
- explain how immune system dysfunction contributes to disease
- extract relevant findings from scientific literature
- analyse laboratory-generated scientific data
- present scientific ideas clearly to an audience
Year 3 · 2 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Biochemistry 3A
What you learn (9)
- describe key concepts in modern biochemistry
- analyse numerical and logical data in a biochemical context
- apply fundamental laboratory techniques used in biochemistry
- interpret experimental results from biochemical techniques
- deliver a structured oral presentation on a scientific topic
- produce a well-organised written scientific report
- evaluate original scientific literature critically
- use computer tools to investigate scientific problems
- communicate research results and conclusions using digital tools
- Biochemistry 3B
What you learn (9)
- explain core concepts across modern biochemistry
- evaluate numerical and logical biochemical data sets
- interpret biochemical data to solve problems
- apply standard laboratory techniques in biochemistry
- analyse experimental results from biochemical techniques
- report findings from biochemical experiments clearly
- present scientific ideas using different communication formats
- critique original research papers in biochemistry
- analyse protein structural data using computational tools
Year 4 · 13 core · 340 credits ≈ 3,400 hours
- Current Topics in Biotechnology 4A option
What you learn (6)
- critically analyse scientific literature in biotechnology
- discuss strategies used to manufacture biotechnological products
- discuss various biotechnological approaches and techniques
- evaluate the advantages and limitations of biotechnological methods
- discuss environmental, medical and commercial contexts of biotechnology applications
- discuss the ethical implications of biotechnological solutions
- Cell Signalling and Disease 4D option
What you learn (9)
- explain the pharmacological properties of G-protein coupled receptors
- relate signal transduction pathways to normal physiological function
- relate signal transduction pathways to disease mechanisms
- describe methods used to validate molecular targets for disease treatment
- relate emerging technologies to approaches for identifying drug targets
- relate animal disease models to different drug targeting strategies
- describe novel strategies for targeting G-protein coupled receptors
- describe novel strategies for targeting phosphodiesterases and protein kinases
- describe novel strategies for targeting enzymes of the ubiquitylation system
- Central Approaches in Biochemistry 4X core
What you learn (11)
- plot graphs from biochemical data sets
- calculate key biochemical parameters from data
- relate organic chemistry bonding concepts to biochemical processes
- critique thermodynamic and energetic principles underlying biochemical reactions
- evaluate current models of plasma membrane structure and function
- evaluate molecular binding mechanisms
- evaluate enzyme kinetic models
- critique the theoretical basis of modern biophysical techniques
- design strategies to detect protein-protein interactions in vivo and in vitro
- formulate methods to quantify protein-protein interactions
- critique the capabilities of bioinformatics and proteomics technologies
- Molecular Basis of Cardiometabolic Disease 4B option
What you learn (4)
- evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases
- evaluate cellular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases
- interpret experimental data on molecular regulation of health
- interpret experimental data on cellular regulation in cardiometabolic disease
- Plant Molecular Biology 4Y option
What you learn (10)
- explain how gene function underlies plant growth and development
- explain how gene regulation shapes plant growth processes
- identify experimental techniques used to study gene function in plants
- identify experimental techniques used to study gene regulation in plants
- explain how genetic control of development responds to environmental factors
- interpret how plants sense stimuli affecting gene expression
- interpret how stimulus perception influences plant developmental pathways
- interpret experimental data from plant molecular biology studies
- describe cellular mechanisms controlling gene expression
- describe molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression
- Cell Compartmentalisation 4Y option
What you learn (7)
- explain mechanisms by which cells achieve compartmentalisation
- explain why compartmentalisation supports specific biochemical functions
- interpret experimental data from primary research papers
- appraise the validity of reported experimental results
- evaluate hypotheses proposed in primary research articles
- critique conclusions drawn by researchers in published studies
- apply literature analysis to deepen subject understanding
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
What you learn (11)
- design a structured plan for a research investigation
- carry out a research project following the planned approach
- critically appraise existing scientific literature
- summarise key findings from previous studies
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific results in relation to the research question
- relate research findings to existing scientific knowledge
- propose directions for future research based on findings
- compose a coherent scientific report meeting specified guidelines
- deliver a clear oral presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an investigation to address a focused research question
- carry out an investigation using relevant literature sources
- devise a strategic plan for selecting evidence sources within a topic
- apply systematic search techniques to bibliographic databases
- combine data gathered from multiple sources
- critically evaluate data drawn from different sources
- form reasoned conclusions supported by available evidence
- produce a coherent written report in an appropriate scientific format
- design an oral presentation to communicate research findings
- deliver a clear presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an outreach activity to communicate scientific findings
- deliver an outreach activity to a non-specialist audience
- evaluate the effectiveness of an outreach activity
- critically appraise published research papers in the subject field
- summarise key findings from scientific literature
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific data to draw conclusions
- compose a coherent written research report
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- summarise existing research literature on a topic
- evaluate the quality and relevance of prior research
- analyse scientific data to identify patterns and trends
- interpret scientific data to draw valid conclusions
- evaluate the reliability and significance of scientific data
- produce a coherent written report following specified guidelines
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings to peers
- explain the scientific principles and methods applied during the internship
- explain the relevance of the internship project to the workplace
- reflect on how the internship contributed to personal development
- Mitochondrial Biology 4C option
What you learn (8)
- describe the key stages and mechanisms of mitochondrial biogenesis
- explain how mitochondria contribute to apoptosis signalling pathways
- explain the mitochondrial mechanisms involved in cellular ageing
- describe the molecular basis of major diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction
- evaluate the components and mechanisms of mitochondrial protein homeostasis
- assess the processes controlling mitochondrial protein turnover
- examine the interaction between redox signalling and mitochondrial function
- discuss how phosphorylation signalling influences mitochondrial activity
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology 4Y option
What you learn (6)
- evaluate molecular mechanisms used by pathogens to infect host cells
- describe strategies pathogens use to persist within host organisms
- describe how pathogens spread between different hosts
- examine alterations to host cell structures caused by infectious agents
- assess possible targets for developing drugs against pathogens
- analyse data drawn from current molecular microbiology research
- Bioinformatics and Data Analysis using R 4B option
What you learn (7)
- apply coding best practices in R for omic data handling
- perform statistical analyses and transformations on omic datasets
- generate plots to represent omic data using R
- examine omic datasets using bioinformatic visualisation methods
- communicate findings from omic data analyses to an audience
- evaluate the biological significance of omic data results
- relate omic data findings to the underlying experimental design
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£24,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£20k
Median£25k
Upper quarter£29k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 185 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 23, 14, 12, 22
Half of graduates earned between £19,500 and £29,000. Five years on, the median is £29,500. 90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 60% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 12% left | 98% | 55 |
| In work or study, 15 months on40% studying | 90% | 25 |
| Professional or managerial job | 60% | 10 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £26,000 | 35 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £24,500 | 185 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £29,500 | 205 |
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
79%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 68% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 1; lowest: 60% on question 8.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 100% |
| Question 2 | 80% |
| Question 3 | 93% |
| Question 4 | 93% |
| Question 5 | 93% |
| Question 6 | 87% |
| Question 7 | 73% |
| Question 8 | 60% |
| Question 9 | 87% |
| Question 10 | 67% |
| Question 11 | 87% |
| Question 12 | 73% |
| Question 13 | 67% |
| Question 14 | 73% |
| Question 15 | 92% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 80% |
| Question 18 | 93% |
| Question 19 | 92% |
| Question 20 | 92% |
| Question 21 | 93% |
| Question 22 | 87% |
| Question 23 | 80% |
| Question 24 | 80% |
| Question 25 | 85% |
| Question 26 | 79% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.