Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Biochemistry (C700). Your placement will be relevant to the degree and the year is assessed, counting towards your final degree grade.
• Students will organise their work placement under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. (If you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to the sister course BSc Biochemistry C700).
• During your year in industry, you will pay a discounted tuition fee.
• 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 enthusiastic experts in the Biochemistry field.
• The University has state-of-the-art teaching facilities with over £55 million pounds invested.
• The Biochemistry teaching staff are recognised as experts and innovative educators.

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.

A degree in Biochemistry will prepare you for a career in Biomedical science, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical research.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

What will I learn?

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

In your first year you will explore:

• Genetics and the chemical basis of biology and metabolism;
• Animals, plants and microbes at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels;
• Physiology, muscle and locomotion, nutrition, endocrinology, cardiovascular respiratory systems and homeostasis.

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 undertake your work experience in an industry that is relative to this degree BSc Biochemistry.

In your final year you will study and undertake:

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Pharmacology
• Microbes
• A research 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
• Posters
• Literature reviews
• Exams