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If you are interested in studying the science behind the
latest advances in medicine, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, then Aberystwyth’s
Biochemistry programme is for you. In this degree, you will explore the
techniques that have revolutionised the study of cell biology, biological
chemistry, metabolism, and molecular genetics. The Biochemistry degree will
qualify you for careers in areas specifically related to the discipline, such
as biomedical science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. In addition,
the skills acquired from this course are highly demanded by employers in all
fields, from teaching to management.
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.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
Employability
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-working, 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.
Learning & Teaching
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 will 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
Microbial diversity
Vegetation and ecosystems.
In your second year you will discover:
Cell biology
Immunology
Chromosomes
Molecular biology
Qualitative and Quantitative procedures of data analysis
In your third year you will study and undertake:
Bioinformatics
Genomics
Pharmacology
Microbes
A compulsory dissertation
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
Student Views
The Genetic and Biochemistry course improved my professional performance and influenced my future achievements. Understanding of the sciences process helped me to develop a scientific point of view on life. I was fully satisfied with my course and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about science and plans to start a career in a science-related environment.Zofia Slowik
The course curriculum of Biochemistry managed to get the balance between studying wider concepts key to the bigger picture of life science and the much more exact details of specific areas of molecular biology perfectly. It was great to be learning about very specialised topics of biology, whilst also studying an approach to research that has wider applications. Studying Biochemistry was thoroughly enjoyable, and gave a range of module choices whilst always keeping the core subjects and concepts at the heart of the course. Alex Pike
My course offers a range of module options allowing me to follow my interests as well as a large amount of practical work to reinforce the theory. Carwyn John Evans
Biochemistry is a very interesting and competitive course which helps me to develop my knowledge and understanding of science and the medical field. Throughout the Biochemistry course I have developed my practical skills because I have spent a lot of time in the laboratories, taking part in many experiments during the academic year. Madalina Dragomir
My degree in Genetics and Biochemistry gave me a good grounding that prepared me very well for my PhD. In fact, one of the courses, Gene Expression and Developmental Genetics inspired me to work in the area of Developmental Biology, which is what I work at today. I will be eternally grateful for the chance I was given and the teaching I received. Roger – Professor of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen