“A big motivation of mine for studying at St Andrews was the excellent research that is being carried out. As a biologist with the aim of going into research, it was important to me that the university had the facilities and people that would drive me in that direction. I love how personal the teaching style is here – students are welcome to chat to the lecturers and they are always happy to help.”
- Vienna, Austria
Entry requirements
The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAAB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry.
- Minimum entry grades:
- AABB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry.
- Gateway entry grades:
- Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAB, including Biology and Chemistry.
- Minimum entry grades:
- ABB, including Biology and Chemistry.
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- Standard entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL6 in Chemistry.
- Minimum entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL5 in Chemistry.
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
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SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Geography
- Applications of Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
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GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
Students must have studied Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications over and above the stated minimum requirements.
Alternative study options
Gateway programmes
Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades but meet the University's contextual criteria may be interested in the Gateway to Science programme.
Study abroad
Biochemistry students can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to apply to participate in our School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad website.
Work abroad
Completing a work placement abroad is a good opportunity to gain work experience in another culture or language and to enhance valuable skill sets. As part of specific degree programmes in biology, you may apply to undertake a work placement abroad for credit.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Course details
The MBiochem in Biochemistry is a five-year Integrated Masters course run by the School of Biology. Students are provided with high-tech equipment, laboratories and expertise to facilitate learning and to develop the skillset of a modern biochemist.
In the first three years of your degree you will be introduced to core material relevant to all biology degree programmes such as animal and plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology and genetics. You will also begin to focus on advanced core material in your chosen area.
Alongside biology, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.
In third year, there is a shift from core, broad-themed modules to more specialised modules that allow students to prepare for their Honours degree.
In your fourth year, MBiochem students undertake a year-long research placement away from St Andrews, in a research institute or in industry, along with an experimental design online module.
The fifth and final year of the Masters degree involves highly specialised taught courses in your chosen speciality along with an extended laboratory research project.
Centres of research within the School of Biology offer students the experience of working alongside experts and the opportunity to develop their own research in Honours years.
These facilities include:
The Scottish Oceans Institute houses a modern aquarium and laboratories for molecular, developmental and physiological studies of marine systems. The institute is ideally placed on the seashore near grey and common seal colonies and bottlenose dolphin feeding areas.
The Centre for Biological Diversity has excellent facilities for behavioural, ecological and evolutionary research on animals (including birds and insects) and plants. Many members of the CBD also run active field studies as part of their research, allowing access to field-based projects as well as laboratory studies.
The Biomedical Sciences Research Complex offers large multi-group laboratories that are focused on structural biology, molecular microbiology, virology, chemical biology, cell biology and molecular medicine.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Biology alongside modules in at least one other subject.
Typically, you will take core modules during your first two years, and advanced modules during your third, fourth and fifth years (known as Honours).
In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all biology degree programmes. You will also take two introductory Chemistry modules. The following modules are compulsory.
- Biology 1: provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, evolution, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
- Biology 2: provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and addresses key elements of organismal, behavioural and ecological aspects of life.
- Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: covers origin of the elements and the periodic table, atomic structure, shapes and properties of molecules, chemistry of the elements, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, and mathematical tools for chemistry.
- Organic and Biological Chemistry 1: covers the structure and nomenclature of simple organic compounds, basic stereochemistry, fundamental organic reaction mechanisms, organic functional groups and their reactions, introductory bioorganic chemistry, and organic spectroscopy.
In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees). Students intending to study Biochemistry at Honours level must take the following compulsory modules:
- Applied Molecular Biology: examines case studies to provide examples of how molecular biology techniques are applied in research to address real-life questions and problems.
- Biochemistry: a number of central metabolic pathways and their control are studied in detail, alongside examples of their importance in disease and recent metabolomic studies.
- Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology, covering fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA replication and repair.
- Organic Chemistry 2: covers methods for carbon-carbon bond formation and interconversion of functional groups, aromatic and heteroaromatic reactivity, retrosynthetic analysis, mechanistic biological chemistry and organic spectroscopy.
- Research Methods in Biology: develops essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. This is achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, independent data-handling workshops and group work on a mini research project.
In third year, you will continue to specialise in Biochemistry via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Infection and Disease
- Gene Regulation
- Membranes and Cell Communication
- Protein Structure and Function
In fourth year, students undertake an independent 7- to 12-month research placement hosted by an external institute or company. The external placement gives students the opportunity to practise and learn a range of scientific and generic skills, including an element of independent working outside St Andrews.
Students will find out more about these placements once they have completed their first two years of study.
During fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules in your chosen speciality. Advanced modules offered in the past include:
- Antimicrobials – Mode of Action and Resistance
- Metabolic and Clinical Biochemistry
- Structure-based Drug Discovery
- Molecular Virology
- The CRISPR system for Antiviral Defence and Genome Engineering
In fifth year, you will also undertake an advanced laboratory research project to investigate a defined biochemical challenge. The project will involve initiative and independence in experimental design and in pursuing excellent experimental and analytical techniques.
Students will be allocated to a member of staff within the School of Biology who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year. The project will be presented in the form of a proposal, a research dissertation, an oral presentation and a viva.
The modules above are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course. Please see the module catalogue for more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment.
Teaching
The MBiochem in Biochemistry is taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops, including computer-based workshops
- practical classes
- field work
- research projects
Typical class sizes include:
- First year: lectures 250 to 300 students, practicals 80 to 100 students
- Second year: lectures 80 to 175 students, practicals 40 to 60 students
- Third year: lectures 20 to 140 students, practicals 20 to 60 students
- Fourth and fifth year: 5 to 25 students per module
Students are taught in state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. Alongside the development of practical biological skills, students are also given the opportunity to expand on their presentation and IT skills.
When not attending lectures, tutorials and practical classes you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in the library or in PC classrooms
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations
During first year, Biology modules are entirely assessed by coursework.
During second and third year, most modules are assessed by an equal weighting of coursework and written examinations.
In fourth and fifth year, most modules are entirely assessed by coursework, while some still include written examinations in addition to coursework.
During the external placement in fourth year, you will be assessed by the immediate supervisor in your host institute or company and members of staff in the School of Biology.
Most examinations are held at the end of the semester during a dedicated exam diet and revision time is provided beforehand.
The School aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and knowledge of Biochemistry. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken appropriate training may also contribute to the teaching of laboratory classes and seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
You can find contact information for all Biochemistry staff on the School of Biology website.
The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man
Following the decision of the UK Government to raise undergraduate tuition fees and maintenance loans in line with inflation from April 2025, we are reviewing the consequences of that decision for fees payable by students from the rest of the UK who have chosen to study in Scotland. We will update the information on this page as soon as possible.
EU and overseas
£31,670
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Additional costs
All students need to cover the costs of a laboratory coat and dissection kit.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
In the fourth year of your programme, when you are on research placement, you will be charged your normal tuition fee for a full academic year.
For Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) funded students, a half tuition fee grant is available from SAAS.
For Student Loans Company (SLC) funded students, a half tuition fee loan is available from SLC.
Careers
Graduates with a degree in a biology-related subject are in high demand and are keenly sought after by institutions including the government, universities, research centres and major companies. Those who take an Integrated Masters degree receive advanced research training and are prepared for a career within the scientific sector.
Biochemistry graduates have gone on to find success in a wide variety of careers including:
- researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical, biomedical industries
- researchers and advisers in government
- journalists
- advisers, researchers and managers in the National Health Service (NHS)
- management consultants
- marketing and advertising experts
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
What to do next
Online information events
Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.
Undergraduate visiting days
We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 3401
- bioadmissions@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- School of Biology
Biomedical Sciences Research Complex
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST
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