Biochemistry

This course has been awarded Interim Advanced Accreditation status. This will become Advanced Accreditation when the first cohort of students graduate from the MBiol degree courses in the summer 2018 (subject to final confirmation from the Royal Society of Biology).

Why study MBiol Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

• This degree will give you a solid foundation in the study of cellular, molecular and chemical biology.
• We will nurture both your intellectual curiosity and your general scientific practice.
• The subject is taught within an internationally recognised centre of excellence, by experts in the Biochemistry field.
• The University has modern teaching facilities with over £55 million pounds invested.
• The Biochemistry teaching staff are recognised as expert and innovative educators.

Want to study in Welsh?

Students can elect to study a number of IBERS modules in the medium of Welsh. Ask the department for further details.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Employability

Upon successful completion of the MBiol Biochemistry, you will have improved your employability prospects by successfully obtaining a Master's qualification. 

What opportunities are available for me?

 Some of our graduates have pursued career paths with the following: 

• GlaxoSmithKline;
• Astra Zeneca;
• Education;
• Research;
• Laboratories. 

What will I get from my degree?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. We are linked closely with the Biochemical society, which is a great platform for students to network with others in their discipline.

Our students leave Aberystwyth University with the skills including: 

• research and data analysis skills;
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
• a thorough grounding in information technology skills;
• the ability to work independently;
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines the ability to express ideas and communicate;
• information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
• self-motivation and self-reliance;
• team-work, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In your first year you may explore:

• The diversity of biological disciplines which includes:
• Structure and function of plants;
• Animals and microbes at the organismal, cellular molecular levels.
• Major animal vertebrate and invertebrate which will focus on:
• Physiology, muscle and locomotion, nutrition, endocrinology, cardiovascular respiratory systems and homeostasis;
• The diversity of microbial;
• Vegetation and ecosystems.

In your second year you may discover:

• Cell biology;
• Immunology;
• Chromosomes;
• Molecular biology;
• Qualitative and Quantitative procedures of data analysis.

In your third year you may study and undertake:

• Bioinformatics;
• Genomics;
• Pharmacology;
• Microbes;
• A compulsory dissertation.

In your final year you may:

• Undertake your MBiol Research project;
• Take part in field and laboratory techniques; 
• Explore the frontiers in the Biosciences.

How will I be taught?

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. 

You will be assessed through;

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercies
• Dossiers
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Reflective diaries
• Literature reviews
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks
• Exams