| UCAS code | CF71 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Biosciences |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB - ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Industrial Exp./Study Abroad: |
| UCAS code | FC17 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Biosciences |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Industrial Exp./Study Abroad: |
| UCAS code | CF7C |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Biosciences |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Industrial Exp./Study Abroad: |
Overview
- Learn how the fundamentals of biology and chemistry are applied to medical science
- Further specialisation in chemistry, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, forensic science, cell biology, molecular biology and genomics, and biotechnology
- Upgrade your degree to a four-year programme including a year working on a research project in industry, a year studying at a partner institution overseas, or completion of a research-focused MSci
- Many career opportunities in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnological and other industries as well as medically-related employment and further study
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
4th in the world for Ecology
Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry
Top 5 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction
Biosciences: In five out of seven themes (National Student Survey 2023)
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
4th in the world for Ecology
Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry
Top 5 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction
Biosciences: In five out of seven themes (National Student Survey 2023)
The biggest highlight of this programme for me has been the opportunity to study abroad. Taking modules in a new environment broadens your horizons, not just academically, but also socially and culturally. I also really like that biological and medicinal chemistry is quite a small cohort, as it made it easy to make friends.
The strong research focus of the teaching really helps put the lectures into a wider context, which makes the modules feel current and relevant, and the lecturers are all really passionate about their areas of expertise.
The biggest highlight of this programme for me has been the opportunity to study abroad. Taking modules in a new environment broadens your horizons, not just academically, but also socially and culturally.
I also really enjoyed spending so much time in the lab. A large proportion of time is spent putting the theory into practice, which helps put what you are learning in lectures into context.
I personally love Devon and the University of Exeter has great access to both the countryside and the coast. The city is also very student-friendly, as everything is very accessible on foot and with public transport. It is also very well connected to Bristol and Plymouth, for example, which is good if you fancy a bit of a change for the evening or weekend.
The support staff within biosciences and the Students' Guild have always been friendly and willing to help. The Students' Guild offers a lot of great services and the Career Zone is a really good resource with a lot of worthwhile schemes.
The campus itself is well laid out, which makes getting from A to B easy. I really appreciate the fact that it is a campus uni and very close to the city centre, so even though all the teaching on this programme is in one place it doesn’t feel isolated from the town.
Hannah
BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB - ABB
AAA (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
B in Biology and B in Chemistry
A in Biology and A in Chemistry (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
| IB | 34/665 - 32/655
36/666 (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
HL 5 in Biology and HL 5 in Chemistry
HL 6 in Biology and HL 6 in Chemistry (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
| BTEC | DDD - DDM
DDD (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve GCE A-level grade B in Biology and B in Chemistry
Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve GCE A-level grade A in Biology and A in Chemistry (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
| GCSE | C or 4 B or 5 |
Grade C or 4 in English Language, and in either Double Award Science or Chemistry Grade B or 5 in Mathematics |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
To include 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Biology and 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Chemistry To include at least 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Biology subject area and 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Chemistry subject area (with Industrial Experience/Study Abroad) |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB - BBC Industrial Exp./Study Abroad: |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
This degree provides training in both biological sciences and chemistry and shows how this multidisciplinary area relates to aspects of medicine and drug design.
Chemistry is at the core of the degree, with options in biochemistry and biology. An emphasis is given to understanding the chemistry and synthesis of small molecules, particularly in medicine and disease.
The first year provides an excellent grounding in all three branches of chemistry – inorganic, organic and physical. Organic chemistry remains a key element in subsequent years of the programme, with an emphasis being the clear link between chemistry and biological sciences. The level and breadth of coverage of organic chemistry is comparable with that normally encountered in a Single Honours BSc Chemistry programme.
The second and final years provide you with a wide range of module choice allowing further specialisation in chemistry, forensic science, cell biology, molecular biology and genomics, and biotechnology, alongside core topics including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and drug design.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biochemistry, cell structure and physiology, genetics and microbiology. Practical work is designed to complement the lectures.
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO1332 | Biochemistry | 15 |
| BIO1333 | Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists | 15 |
| BIO1334 | Genetics | 15 |
| BIO1337 | Microbiology | 15 |
| BIO1339 | Cells | 15 |
| BIO1345 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I | 15 |
| BIO1347 | General Chemistry | 30 |
In addition to core chemistry and biochemistry, you can also take optional modules focusing on the molecular biology of the gene, cell biology, microbiology, genomics and bioinformatics or forensic science.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO2071 | Research Skills and Bioethics | 15 |
| BIO2085 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II | 15 |
| BIO2086 | Metabolism | 15 |
| BIO2090 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | 15 |
| BIO2091 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BioS S2 BSc-MSci BMC opt 2023-4 | ||
| BIO2066 | Forensic Science | 15 |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 |
| BIO2089 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 15 |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 |
| BIO2101 | Advanced Microbiology | 15 |
| CSC2005 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 15 |
| BIO2106 | Employability and Workplace Learning | 15 |
| CSC2026 | The Biology of Cancer | 15 |
| CSC2027 | Experimental Pharmacology | 15 |
Find out more about placement and study abroad options under Course variants.
with Industrial Experience
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO3048 | Learning from Professional Placement Experience | 30 |
| BIO3049 | Professional Placement and Report | 90 |
with Study Abroad
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO3062 | One Year Study Abroad | 120 |
You will study, amongst other things, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and drug design, and you will choose an independent research project centred on the expertise of academic staff in the areas of biological science, chemistry, biochemistry or clinical research.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO3096 | Biosciences Research Project | 45 |
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 |
| BIO3089 | Organic Synthesis and Drug Design | 15 |
| BIO3090 | Secondary Metabolites | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BioS SF BSc-S3 MSci BMC opt 2022-3 | ||
| BIO3073 | Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences | 15 |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 |
| BIO3082 | Science Communication | 15 |
| BIO3085 | Horizons of Biochemical Research | 15 |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease | 15 |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 |
| BIO3093 | Energy Metabolism | 15 |
| BIO3058 | Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology | 15 |
| BIO3059 | Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection | 15 |
This course was in a unique position of being chemistry-based but being part of the Biosciences department. As a result, the teaching was fantastic. The fundamental chemistry was taught in small groups with expert lecturers. I have now moved into an engineering environment which requires a number of different disciplines.
I have used my biology knowledge, chemistry knowledge and some of the engineering and business concepts that I picked up through my year in industry.
Ruth
Biological and Medicinal Chemistry graduate
Course variants
UCAS code: FC17
Why choose a year in industry?
The ‘with industrial experience’ degree programme accommodates an industrial placement year during the third year of the degree, making a four year degree overall.
You’ll spend a year working on a research project in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sectors, gaining valuable experience, improving personal and transferable skills, making new contacts and enhancing your employability.
Where can I do my placement?
We have established collaborations with local, national and multinational companies, and have successfully placed students within multinational organisations.
Previous placement destinations include:
- Abbott Diabetes
- Astra Zeneca
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl)
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Jansen Pharmaceuticals
- Johnson and Johnson
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Pfizer
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Shell
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals
What support is available during my placement?
During your year in industry you are paid by the company and take two modules: Learning from Industrial Experience and Industrial Placement and Report. You will have regular contact with an academic supervisor in addition to an industrial supervisor at the company.
Is the year in industry paid?
It is your responsibility to decide which placements will be suitable for you financially. We present ideas of paid placements and those that have a stipend and/or accommodation.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more information.
How do I apply?
You can apply to BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Experience directly through UCAS. Once at Exeter, progression to the Industrial Experience year is dependent upon successful completion of your Year 1 studies, with an average mark of at least 60%.
How are the placements organised?
The placements are sought during the second year of study and commence the following October. You are responsible for applying for positions, with direct guidance from the Industrial Placements Co-ordinator.
UCAS code: CF7C
Why study abroad?
Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.
Where can I study abroad?
If you choose to take the four year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, you have the option to spend your third year abroad, studying in a university with which we have established links. We have over 30 partner institutions around the globe; you can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.
What will I study whilst I am abroad?
All of our study abroad partners offer approved training in relevant subjects and also include new opportunities (e.g. palaeontology), programmes with specialisms (e.g. natural sciences) and courses with local expertise (e.g. shark biology). Students are also encouraged to choose subjects outside science for a (programme-specific) fraction of each term. Scuba diving, comparative theology, photography and astronomy are a few recent choices by Exeter students.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter.
Transferring to a Study Abroad programme
If you are not sure about studying abroad when you apply for your degree, it may be possible to apply to transfer to a four-year programme at the end of the first year of a three-year programme. Permission to take part in Study Abroad in all cases will depend on your academic progress and the places available in your chosen country.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more information.
How do I apply?
You can apply to Sc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad directly through UCAS using the code above. Once at Exeter, progression to the Study Abroad year is dependent upon successful completion of your Year 1 studies, with an average mark of at least 60%.
Further information
See our study abroad information on the Biosciences Current Students page for information about your tuition fees and additional information from some of our students who have studied abroad during their Biosciences degrees.
For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.
Last year I carried out my year in industry placement at Maybridge, in Tintagel, Cornwall. My job as a Junior Chemist was to synthesise Reactive Intermediates – Heterocyclic Building Block compounds for use in the Drug Discovery industry.
I decided to apply for the ‘with industrial experience’ programme as it provides an extra practical chemistry aspect to the Biological and Medicinal Chemistry degree, and of course very useful experience and references for gaining a good job in industry after graduation. I chose Maybridge as the chemistry that they focus on is organic synthesis, and this was one of the modules that I found most rewarding as a second year undergraduate. Working at Maybridge, I had the opportunity to use very expensive and hi-tech equipment that is not available at the University, as well as carrying out many reactions that I had not encountered before. Now, in my final year, I am able to combine this practical knowledge that I have gained with the theory that I am learning in lectures, and I feel it has given me a much deeper understanding of my topic. I would strongly recommend the Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Experience programme at Exeter, as it provides an excellent balance of theoretical and practical chemistry and biosciences, and an opportunity to discover what it is like to work as an industrial chemist.
Jessica
BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Experience
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year
Year abroad or on work placement
If, as part of your four-year degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
Over the course of your degree, you will participate in a mix of larger lectures to smaller, focused sessions based around the latest research topics. In the teaching laboratory you will develop the necessary skills to become a professional biologist; you will then put these to use while undertaking your independent research project. We encourage students to publish their results in the scientific literature and make a real contribution to the fields of Biosciences.
We frequently introduce new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment, where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. You can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
Learn from experts
We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be an active member of a research team. Our academics bring their results from the laboratory and the field directly to their teaching, and our students also help to collect this data. The complementary expertise of our staff ensures a vibrant, collaborative research culture within our research groups, made up of researchers at all stages, from Masters to Post-doctoral scientists.
Our staff have close links with a wide range of industrial, medical and conservation organisations, with whom there may be the chance to collaborate for your final year research project. Many of our students work with these organisations during their vacations and others build experience through one of our four-year programmes with industrial experience.
Assessment
Your first year does not count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress. All marks after your first year count towards your final classification.
Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation.
Academic support
As well as more than 15 hours per week of direct contact time with your lecturers, all students have a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also a number of services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Facilities
Over the course of your degree programme, you will have access to our multi-million pound teaching, learning and research facilities, including our:
- State-of-the-art teaching laboratories
- World-class Aquatic Resources Centre
- State-of-the-art bioimaging facility, incorporating confocal and electron microscopy
- Next-generation DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry facilities
- Plant growth rooms and greenhouse facilities
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Biochemistry will help you to develop a wide range of essential skills such as analytical problem solving, team work and organising and communicating information. Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Biosciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Supporting your career in Biosciences
Each year Biosciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options. Sector related careers and employability sessions are put on for the students over the course of their programme which include: career talks and networking events with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, employability seminar series events hosted by employers, ‘Dragons Den’ style assessment days, mock interviews and an annual Careers Fair where students can develop networking skills.
Careers services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Career paths
Many of our graduates are employed in discipline relevant roles in the UK and overseas including laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching and nursing. Others use the skills gained on their course to enter widely different career paths in law, business or management.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Biosciences undergraduate programmes*.
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Laboratory technicians
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Biochemists and biomedical scientists
- Teaching professionals
- Project support officers
- Authors, writers and translators
- Biological scientists
- Natural and social science professionals
- Chemical scientists
- Taxation experts
Recent graduates are now working for:
- Cawood Scientific
- Centrica
- Deloitte LLP
- Environment Agency
- Institute Of Physics Publishing Ltd
- Menarini Diagnostics
- Met Office
- NHS
- PA Consulting
- Thames Water
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Biosciences undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*.
-
MPH/MRes/PhD Biological Sciences
- MPH Medical Studies
- MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change
- MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
- MSc Environment and Human Health
- MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
- MSc Immunology
- MSc Marine Environmental Management
- MSc Surveying and Land/Environmental Management
- MSc Toxicology
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
