BSc

Biochemistry

Key Facts

C700

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

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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. 

Course Overview

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree

Why study 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.

If you are interested in this course BSc Biochemistry C700, then you may well be interested in our MBiol Biochemistry (C709) and our BSc in Genetics and Biochemistry (CC47).

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2023

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.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Research Methods BR27520 20
Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics BR20620 20
Cell and Cancer Biology BR25920 20
Practical Skills for Biochemists BR22920 20
Proteins and Enzymes BR26620 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Chromosome Dynamics BR21820 20
Evolution and Molecular Systematics BR21720 20
Immunology BR22220 20
One Health Microbiology BR26520 20
Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology BR24720 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biotechnology BR35520 20
Research Project BR36440 40
Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics BR37120 20
Molecular Pharmacology BR36120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Microbial Pathogenesis BR33720 20
Molecular Biology of Development BR36020 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

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. 

Teaching & Learning

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 Testimonials

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

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Chemistry

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Chemistry at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Chemistry

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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