Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry with International or Placement year

at Keele University United Kingdom

The Human Biology element of this course is ideal if you’re interested in biology but are looking for a particular focus on the human body and how we’ve adapted to our environment. This course provides a broad understanding of the physiology of the body’s major systems as well as human health and disease and the relationship between the human body with the environment. The multidisciplinary approach to Human Biology is supported by input to the programme from staff with diverse expertise.

The Medicinal Chemistry element of the course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of the complex chemical and biological processes involved in the design and manufacture of drugs and other therapies for treating disease. This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology. The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. You’ll develop essential skills for employment, such as problem solving, presentation and communication.

The current uncertainty about the social and political future has led to the emergence of new forms of post-truth and conspiratorial politics, which make it extremely difficult for people to make reasonable decisions about their lives. In this context, one of the key purposes of the Social and Political Sciences programme is to equip students with the rigorous methodological, theoretical, and analytic skills that underpin the social and political sciences in order to identify real world problems, collect information about them, and produce analyses designed to suggest workable solutions moving forward into an uncertain future.

Given the situation of the contemporary world in the middle of a period of enormous transformation, these skills will be essential for students concerned with equipping themselves for employment in a rapidly changing world, but also vital for people who want to contribute to social and political transformation for the better.

Physician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals, trained in a generalist medical model to deliver care and treatment within hospital and community environments. A PA works independently, under the supervision of a senior doctor, to diagnose, manage and treat a range of patients as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Once qualified, PAs may also develop a specialist area of practice.

Keele’s PA course utilises a diverse range of teaching faculty including PAs, clinicians, scientists and researchers to maximise students’ learning potential. Furthermore, Keele’s placement providers are committed to developing PAs for recruitment into their organisations. Postgraduate medicine is closely affiliated to the North Staffordshire PA Internship Programme and is actively involved with the development of PA education nationally.

You will reflect on the ways in which individual and business consumers are affected by, and drive the development of, a range of marketing and communications techniques. Looking at this from local, national and global perspectives, you will explore the role of consumers in society and will learn how to understand and communicate with them. You’ll also examine the impact of marketing on the culture of businesses, governments and other organisations. In the marketing modules you’ll learn how to plan and implement a successful marketing strategy.

This Environmental Geoscience pathway through the Geology degree combines the study of the geological aspects of the Earth, including its structure, formation, composition, history, processes, hazards and materials, with key topics in environmental science, including climate change, contaminated land and remediation, water, soil and air quality, and the sustainable use of resources.

Environmental Geoscience is a practical subject with an emphasis on critical analysis and problem-solving. The learning environments we use include the traditional lecture setting, but you will spend more time with hands-on learning in labs, practical classes and on fieldwork using a wide variety of equipment and software. A diverse range of specialist topics are covered, and you will conduct your own research projects. All of our single honours students are offered a work placement module in year 2.

You will acquire a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources.

Psychology will teach you how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of quantitative and qualitative techniques. You will share closely the excitement of new discoveries in psychology working alongside academic staff on research projects like brain electrophysiology to studies on alcohol, and from conflict resolution and forgiveness to how young people respond to advertising. This will fit well with exploring the concepts and debates within our business modules, adding depth to subjects such as leadership, change management, strategy and business processes.  You will conduct a range of assessments and learn to reflect broadly on situations and to contextually apply what you know.

For society to tackle the environmental and sustainability problems we now face, we need people who can grapple with both the scientific and human aspects of those issues. That’s why this innovative course is taught across three different faculties, integrating a range of disciplines including the geo and environmental sciences, life sciences, chemical sciences, politics and international relations, management, and health amongst others. There is a strong emphasis on the development and application of skills, including practical fieldwork and engagement with professionals working in the environment and sustainability sector through work placement opportunities.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), meaning students can gain free membership of the to support their personal and professional development in the environmental sector. This programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Students on IEMA accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IEMA which provides a range of benefits.

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into our BSc (Hons) Biology and Data Science Degree degree, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.

The programme's interdisciplinary approach to understanding some of the world’s most pressing problems means you’ll study a wide range of subjects, including the social sciences, arts, humanities and the natural sciences. We adopt an innovative approach to teaching, for example, previous students have engaged in 'living labs' where students have explored local issues and their potential solutions through field trips.

You will have the opportunity to apply knowledge and generate evidence and understanding by engaging with living communities and landscapes. Students will pursue hands-on research into Britain’s industrial, social, economic and cultural history as well as current/future-oriented issues which may include economic regeneration, social and political challenges and environmental sustainability, citizenship and creativity with opportunities for learning analytical, communication, presentational, writing and research skills. Whilst hosted in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies, Liberal Arts is closely associated with the Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS). As part of ILAS, our Liberal Arts students are encouraged to engage fully in the Institute's lively events programme, including the Grand Challenges Lectures series, interdisciplinary workshops, discussion groups and research seminars.

Biology at Keele focuses on the amazing world of organisms – from how they’ve evolved to their relationships with the environment and each other. Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of biological concepts which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, and the related philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll engage in activities to strengthen your skillset which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

BSc (Hons) Geography Combined Honours at Keele allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of physical geography. This course explores the Earth's varied landscapes and the complex, potentially fragile, global systems that connect them. As a student at Keele you will learn about the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. 

Our focus on climate change, global responsibility, sustainability, and the application of professional geographical skills to real-world situations will prepare you for a wide range of careers and for life as a responsible global citizen. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.