BSc

Genetics and Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry)

Genetics and Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry) Code CC48 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

In choosing to study the Genetics and Biochemistry Degree with the integrated year in industry at Aberystwyth University you will work at the forefront of this exciting discipline. By undertaking a year in industry, you will develop the skills and knowledge that employers are desperately seeking. Genetics has almost limitless potential to help understand and treat genetic disease and develop new medicines. Additionally, you will explore genetically modified organisms and evaluate their benefit to humankind. Building upon a foundation that includes key genetics and biochemistry understanding you will soon start to specialise into genetics, human genetics, gene expression, pharmacology, and data handling. Upon successful completion of the Genetics and Biochemistry Degree you will have the skills and attributes necessary for diverse careers that include biomedicine, forensic science, DNA profiling, clinical cytogenetics, genetic counselling, and food production amongst others.

Course Overview

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree Why study Genetics and Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

  • Study in a University that’s in the top 5 in the UK and 1st in Wales for student satisfaction (NSS,2017).
  • The syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course BSc Genetics & Biochemistry (CC47) however you will spend an additional year in industry after the second year. 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 Genetics & Biochemistry CC47).
  • During your year in industry, you will pay a discounted tuition fee.
  • Learn and live in an exceptional environment where you will be surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain, waterways, grassland and coast.
  • The Cambrian mountains as a backdrop and just a stone throw way from Cardigan Bay and its bottlenose dolphins.
  • We place great emphasis upon practical skills, so that our graduates become practitioners from the word go.
  • We have extensive research and teaching labs equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including bioimaging facilities, high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, phenomics and spectroscopic platforms.
  • The subject is taught within an internationally recognised centre of excellence, by enthusiastic experts.
  • We ensure that our graduates have the skills to communicate their science effectively, so that they can join the often controversial genetics debates
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 - 2024

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
Biological chemistry BR17320 20
Cell Biology * BR17520 20
Comparative Animal Physiology BR16720 20
Genetics, Evolution and Diversity BR17120 20
Microbial and Plant Diversity * BR19920 20
Skills for Biologists * BR16820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics BR20620 20
Cell and Cancer Biology BR25920 20
Chromosome Dynamics BR21820 20
Practical Skills for Biochemists BR22920 20
Proteins and Enzymes BR26620 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Integrated Year in Industry BRS0060 60

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics BR37120 20
Biotechnology BR35520 20
Molecular Biology of Development BR36020 20
Research Project * BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Frontiers in Plant Science BR35820 20
Molecular Pharmacology BR36120 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Employability is embedded in our teaching. This scheme offers you an avenue into employment in the growth areas of biomedicine, forensic science, DNA profiling (humans, animals and plants), clinical cytogenetics and genetic counselling, biotechnology and food production, and aspects of biodiversity and the conservation of genetic resources and endangered species. This scheme can also lead to postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.

Your year in industry:

In the 2016 Highflyers report, 32% of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or/ a internship.  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. 

Teaching & Learning

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:

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

In your second year you will discover:

  • Cell biology
  • Immunology
  • Chromosomes
  • Molecular biology
  • Qualitative and quantitative procedures for data analysis

In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that is relative to this degree BSc Genetics and Biochemistry.

In your final year you will study and undertake:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Genomics
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbes
  • Developmental genetics
  • 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

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Chemistry

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Science 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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