UCL Biochemical Engineering AMA

I watched the webinars last summer for biochemical engineering/ synthetic biology at UCL and found them really interesting, I’m just not interested in living in London so I applied to do natural sciences instead. What modules would you recommend for someone interested in going into biochemical engineering or biotechnology? At the moment I’m thinking of doing biochemistry, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry but would some maths and computer science be helpful?

Hi!
I want to know if I will be at a disadvantage if I haven't done physics A level? And also how much biology content is there in this degree? And is it really academically challenging, or would you say it's manageable?
Thank you

The course is challenging and that is a very good thing! Any university degree which fails to stretch you isn't worth your time/money.

Biochemical engineering is a very diverse field which draws on knowledge from many other fields. Whether it's physics or something else, there will be elements of your studies which you find tough. However, there are so many smart people here at UCL willing to support you. If you approach your learning with curiosity and a positive attitude then you'll succeed. I didn't take physics at A level, and some of the physics-based modules have been among my favourites / highest scores.

In terms of biology content, biology is integrated into most of what we do as biochemical engineering students. If you mean specifically how many pure biology/biochemistry modules are there and of what kind, then I encourage you to look at the course breakdown linked below. It's worth noting that you may also end up doing more bio through your 'minor' (your elective modules) if you choose one of the bio-focussed paths.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biochemical-engineering/study/undergraduate/engineering-biochemical-meng

May i know what alevels you took?

Thank you for the reply im taking maths chem and bio. Does this course focus on biofuel and renewable energy ?

Hi,
What does your typical day to day look like during this degree? How may people are in your lessons? And what's the boy to girl ratio for this course? Thank you

Hi there, I'm a current undergraduate student studying biochemical engineering at UCL.

I'm happy to answer any questions prospective students might have so ask away and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I'm just doing this because I would've appreciated it before applying - I haven't been asked to or anything.

If you just want to know whether it is good and would I recommend it, the answer is definitely yes I would

I also meant to ask, if I did do maths and get the A, do you think the fact that I don't really like it would cause me problems? Also, do you think studying a master's at UCL gives a significant career advantage as opposed to going somewhere a little lower on the league table like York? Although I'm thinking of doing a general undergrad bio degree and specialising through an master's, any insight you have as an undergrad student would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! I recently got an offer for this course and I was wondering if you would recommend Imperial or UCL. I’m aware that Imperial has a slightly better reputation but would you recommend UCL above it as a student?