BSc

Genetics and Biochemistry

Genetics and Biochemistry Code CC4F Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

Key Facts

CC4F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

This course includes an integrated foundation year.

In choosing to study the Genetics and Biochemistry degree at Aberystwyth University you will work at the forefront of these exciting disciplines. Genetics has almost limitless potential to help understand human health and disease, evolution, and the diversity of living things. Complementing this, biochemistry provides a mechanistic understanding of how genes dictate the biology of an organism. The Genetics and Biochemistry Degree combines these two disciplines, with a focus on studying the molecular genetics of health and disease. Building upon a foundation that includes key genetics and biochemistry understanding, you will soon start to specialise human genetics, gene expression, developmental and cancer biology, biotechnology, genetic engineering and pharmacology. Upon successful completion of the Genetics and Biochemistry Degree you will have the skills and attributes necessary for diverse careers that include biomedical research, forensic science, DNA profiling, clinical cytogenetics and genetic counselling amongst others.

Course Overview

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Genetics and Biochemistry (CC47)

Why study Genetics and Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

  • We place great emphasis upon practical skills, so that our graduates become practitioners from the word go.
  • We ensure that our graduates have the skills to communicate their science effectively.
  • We have extensive research and teaching labs equipped with the latest equipment, including bioimaging facilities, high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and spectroscopic platforms. We have also recently invested over £55 million in our teaching facilities on campus.
  • 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 and Genetics fields.

If you are interested in this course BSc Genetics and Biochemistry CC47, then you may well be interested in our BSc Biochemistry (C700)and our MBiol Biochemsitry (C709). We also offer students the option to study Genetics and Biochemistry with a year in industry (CC48), this course is identical to its sister course CC47, however you will have an additional year to undertake a work experience placement.

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.

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 - 2025

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
Communication Skills BR01520 20
Molecules and Cells BR01340 40
Organisms and the Environment BR01440 40
Practical Skills for Biologists BR01220 20

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
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. We are linked closely with The Biochemical Society and the Genetics Society, which are great platforms for students to network with others in their discipline.

Our students leave Aberystwyth University with 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. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I study?

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 and molecular levels;
  • A solid grounding in biological chemistry and the molecules of life;
  • The principles underpinning modern genetics and inheritance;
  • The metabolic flow of energy and matter through living systems.

In your second year you will discover:

  • Cell biology and developmental biology;
  • Immunology and cancer biology;
  • Molecular biology and its applications;
  • Practical –based modules developing your research skills.

In your third year you will study:

  • Functional Genomics and other ‘omics technologies;
  • Gene expression and developmental genetics;
  • Pharmacology and toxicology;
  • And undertake a major research project.

How will I be taught?

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

  • Essays
  • Practical exercises
  • Worksheets
  • Literature reviews
  • Magazine articles
  • Reports
  • Statistical exercises
  • Posters
  • Presentations
  • Online tests
  • Reflective diaries
  • Exams


Student Testimonials

Genetics is at the cutting edge of the biological sciences. In the post genomic era, we are able to truly examine our biological programming at a molecular level. What I really enjoy about the course is that you have the ability to tailor it to your particular areas of interest, choosing your own combinations of modules which reflect the areas you want to explore most, all the while gaining valuable knowledge and practical experience to help shape your career path. Richard Cleverley

Biochemistry is a very interesting and competitive course which helps me to develop my knowledge and understanding of science and medical fields. 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

A Levels Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

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

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

International Baccalaureate:
Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

European Baccalaureate:
Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

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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