Biochemistry with a Language for Science BSc
  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biochemistry with Language for Science

Combine your study of biochemistry with the chance to develop your language skills in a science context.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biochemistry with French for Science

Combine your study of biochemistry with the chance to develop your language skills in a science context.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biochemistry with German for Science

Combine your study of biochemistry with the chance to develop your language skills in a science context.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biochemistry with Spanish for Science

Combine your study of biochemistry with the chance to develop your language skills in a science context.

Focus on biology at the molecular and cellular level and understand chemical processes within living organisms

Understand the commercial aspects of the applied biochemistry and biotechnology industries including teaching from business leaders

Develop your research skills on an extended project carried out at an approved partner university abroad

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    10 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    C7R1

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    10 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    C7R2

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    10 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    C7R4

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    10 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Study option:

Course overview

Advance your understanding of biochemistry on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France, Germany or Spain. 

You'll build familiarity with key aspects of the industry, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property and patents.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of your chosen country. 

You'll also benefit from close interaction with the department's internationally leading research programme, with access to facilities including modern microscopes and tissue culture suites.

Through laboratory and computational work, you'll acquire the skills required to design, carry out and analyse data from biochemical experiments.

Your third year will be spent at a university in your chosen country, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

The final year offers you increased freedom to follow your own interests in chosen subject areas. You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as synthetic biology, cancer and bioinformatics.

You'll then apply your expertise to a substantial project or dissertation.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme, where you'll be trained in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

Advance your understanding of biochemistry on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France.

You'll build familiarity with key aspects of the industry, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property and patents.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of French-speaking countries.

You'll also benefit from close interaction with the department's internationally leading research programme, with access to facilities including modern microscopes and tissue culture suites.

Through laboratory and computational work, you'll acquire the skills required to design, carry out and analyse data from biochemical experiments.

Your third year will be spent at a French-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

The final year offers you increased freedom to follow your own interests in chosen subject areas. You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as synthetic biology, cancer and bioinformatics.

You'll then apply your expertise to a substantial project or dissertation.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme, where you'll be trained in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

Advance your understanding of biochemistry on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Germany. 

You'll build familiarity with key aspects of the industry, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property and patents.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of German-speaking countries.

You'll also benefit from close interaction with the department's internationally leading research programme, with access to facilities including modern microscopes and tissue culture suites.  

Through laboratory and computational work, you'll acquire the skills required to design, carry out and analyse data from biochemical experiments

Your third year will be spent at a German-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

The final year offers you increased freedom to follow your own interests in chosen subject areas.

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as synthetic biology, cancer and bioinformatics. You’ll then apply your expertise to a substantial project or dissertation.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme, where you'll be trained in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

Advance your understanding of biochemistry on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Spain.

You'll build familiarity with key aspects of the industry, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property and patents.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of Spanish-speaking countries.

You'll also benefit from close interaction with the department's internationally leading research programme, with access to facilities including modern microscopes and tissue culture suites.

Through laboratory and computational work, you'll acquire the skills required to design, carry out and analyse data from biochemical experiments

Your third year will be spent at a Spanish-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

The final year offers you increased freedom to follow your own interests in chosen subject areas.

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as synthetic biology, cancer and bioinformatics. You'll then apply your expertise to a substantial project or dissertation.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme, where you'll be trained in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

Study option:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Level 4 French, German or Spanish (Language for Science) History and Politics

You'll study all core modules and choose one optional module.


 

Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Level 4 French, German or Spanish (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • Challenges in Cell Biology
  • Applied Molecular Biochemistry
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying at a leading university in your chosen country.

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

Core module

  • French, German or Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field)
  • Science Communications plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You'll study all core modules and choose one optional module.


 

Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • Challenges in Cell Biology
  • Applied Molecular Biochemistry
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying at a leading university in Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse.

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

Core module

  • French Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field)
  • Science Communications plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You'll study all core modules and choose one optional module.


 

Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • Challenges in Cell Biology
  • Applied Molecular Biochemistry
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying in Heidelberg, Germany.

 

 

 

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

Core module

  • German Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field)
  • Science Communications plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You'll study all core modules and choose one optional module.


 

Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • Challenges in Cell Biology
  • Applied Molecular Biochemistry
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying in Madrid or Valencia.

 

 

 

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

Core module

  • Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field)
  • Science Communications plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Year abroad

£1,385 for that year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£41,650 per year

Year abroad

15% of the fee for that year

Your future career

Test tube with plant growing from it next to another test tube

Gain an excellent grounding in biochemistry towards more advanced study.

Speech bubbles

Develop a deeper understanding of another culture and its language by taking this course's language component.

Graduate Cap above rolled Degree

Graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.

People sitting in front of a project

Many others advance to roles in business, government and industrial research, or public health.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include healthcare, management consulting, biochemistry, and medical communications.

Course data

Compare this course – Biochemistry with French for Science BSc

Compare this course – Biochemistry with German for Science BSc

Compare this course – Biochemistry with Spanish for Science BSc

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications