Skip Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Biochemistry

Modern biochemistry uses molecular tools to investigate the chemical basis of living processes. It is a rapidly-moving field, which the course at Oxford reflects.

Undergraduates study all aspects of modern biochemistry from structural biochemistry, metabolic processes, gene function and flow of genetic information to cell biology, together with related chemistries such as biophysical and biological chemistry. In the fourth year, students carry out a laboratory-based research project on a topic of their choosing within the Department of Biochemistry – this enables them to contribute to Oxford’s internationally recognised biochemical research. Biochemistry students here show enthusiasm for the subject, and strong chemical ability. An understanding of biological systems and an innate curiosity about life are also important.

Biochemistry at Oriel is taught by a team of experienced tutors, all of whom are active researchers in the fields of molecular cell biology, molecular immunology, metabolic biochemistry and structural biology. The expertise of the teaching team means that students benefit from specialist support throughout their studies. The tutorial program in Oriel is designed to complement and extend the learning from the Departmental lectures and practical classes. Oriel Biochemists benefit from the large biomedical community within the college, which currently includes Lecturers and Tutorial, Research and Professorial Fellows. This offers a wider interdisciplinary forum for academic and social events.

Biochemists from Oxford are highly valued by employers for the skills they have acquired during the course. While many of our students become academic or industrial researchers, their logical, analytical, information-processing, and presentation skills also equip Biochemistry graduates for diverse careers which have recently included finance and patent law.

Our course focuses on the very fundamental aspects of biochemistry

Tianyi Shi|Biochemistry
Admission Criteria

Applicants must have A-level, or the equivalent, in Chemistry. Due to the course content, Biology and Maths and/or Physics at A level, though not requirements, are very helpful. The first-year course provides the necessary background in biology, physics and maths for those who have not studied these beyond GCSE.

Number of places

4

Departments

Department of Biochemistry

Teaching Staff

Mr Calin Dragoi

Stipendiary Lecturer in Biochemistry

Professor Max Crispin

Supernumerary Fellow

Dr Dominic Alonzi

Fellow & Tutor in Biochemistry

OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Biochemistry
Number of places 4 Admission Criteria Applicants must have A-level, or the equivalent, in Chemistry. Due to the course content, Biology and Maths and/or Physics at A level, though not requirements, are very helpful. The first-year course provides the necessary background in biology, physics and maths for those who have not studied these beyond GCSE.

Chemistry
Number of places 4 Admission Criteria Conditional offers: A*A*A at A-Level (or equivalent) including Chemistry and Mathematics. The A*s must be in science subjects and/or mathematics. Further information can be found on the Chemistry Admissions page.

Mathematics
Number of places 6 Admission Criteria All candidates must sit the Admissions Test for Mathematics. Conditional offers: A*A*A at A-Level (or equivalent) with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken). The majority of entrants have two A-Levels in mathematics. Applicants with only one mathematics A-level are not at a disadvantage in the competition for places, but successful candidates have more preparation to do over the summer before they start their course.

Medicine
Number of places Pre-Clinical: 5 or 6, Clinical: 4 or 5 Admission Criteria All candidates take the BMAT test. No written work is required. Oriel does not have a preference for Maths or Biology at A level, and students taking one non-science A level are encouraged to apply.

Physics
Number of places 5 or 6 Admission Criteria All applicants must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) in school or at a test centre in early November. No written work required. Typical offers: A*AA at A-Level (or equivalent) including A*, A in Physics and Maths.

Physics and Philosophy
Number of places 2 Admission Criteria Typical offers: A*AA at A-Level (or equivalent) including A*, A in Physics and Maths. Applying for Physics and Philosophy, rather than for Physics, will not reduce your chance of admission. Applicants for both degrees are considered as a gathered field and applicants to Oriel for Physics and Philosophy are automatically considered for a place to read straight Physics. All applicants must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) in school or at a test centre in early November.  

What next?

Applying to Oriel

Applying to Oriel

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

Open days

Open days