MBiol

Biochemistry

Key Facts

C709

  • UCAS Tariff

    128 - 120

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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At Aberystwyth University, the Biochemistry degree places special emphasis on the practical skills required by employers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. During your studies, you will explore the techniques that have revolutionised the study of cell biology, biological chemistry, metabolism and molecular genetics, through expert tuition in scientific protocol and hands-on lab work. You will also work on tasks designed to emulate the requirements of professional practice in biochemistry.

You will examine the structure and functions of the molecules that make up a cell and understand the way in which they interact in living processes. Our lecturers are active researchers, with first-hand experience of drug discovery, the investigation of diagnostic techniques, active synthesis of compounds and more.

This four-year course includes three years of undergraduate study and a further year of postgraduate-level study, leading to the qualification of MBiol (Biochemistry). The course is ideal if you aspire to a career as a research scientist in Biochemistry or just wish to take your Biochemistry knowledge to a higher level.

Course Overview

Why study Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

  • This degree will give you a solid foundation in the study of cellular, molecular and chemical biology.
  • You will become familiar with the application of molecular techniques including DNA extraction, sequencing and analysis; gel electrophoresis for the separation and functional analysis of proteins; and biophysical characterisation of enzyme-catalysed reaction kinetics and thermodynamics.
  • The University has extensive research and teaching labs equipped with the latest equipment, including bioimaging facilities, high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and spectroscopic platforms.
  • Our Biochemistry teaching staff are recognised as expert and innovative educators.
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
Biological chemistry BR17320 20
Cell Biology * BR17520 20
Comparative Animal Physiology BR16720 20
Genetics, Evolution and Diversity BR17120 20
Skills for Biologists * BR16820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Microbial Diversity and Disease BR19020 20
Microbial and Plant Diversity * BR19920 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics BR20620 20
Cell and Cancer Biology BR25920 20
Practical Skills for Biochemists BR22920 20
Proteins and Enzymes BR26620 20
Research Methods * BR27520 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
Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics BR37120 20
Molecular Pharmacology BR36120 20
Research Project * BR36440 40
Biotechnology BR35520 20

Options

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

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Field and Laboratory Techniques BRM4820 20
Frontiers in the Biosciences BRM0220 20
MBiol Research Project BRM2860 60

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Hot Topics in Parasite Control BRM0920 20
Infection and Immunity BRM1620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

As a graduate of this degree, you will have developed the skill set needed to work safely and independently in both research and industrial laboratory environments. As such, you will be well prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Many of our graduates also follow careers in education or pursue further studies at PhD level.

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 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? 

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme.

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:

  • 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:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Genomics
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbes
  • A compulsory dissertation.

In your final year you will:

  • Undertake your MBiol Research project
  • Take part in field and laboratory techniques
  • Explore the frontiers in the Biosciences.

How will I be taught?

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

You may be assessed through:

  • Essays
  • Practical exercises
  • Oral presentations
  • Worksheets
  • Reports
  • Statistical exercise
  • Dossiers
  • Posters
  • Portfolios
  • Wikis
  • Reflective diaries
  • Literature reviews
  • Magazine articles
  • Field notebooks
  • Exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 - 120

A Levels ABB-BBB with B in Chemistry and B in Biology or Human Biology

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

BTEC National Diploma:
BTEC not accepted for this scheme

International Baccalaureate:
32-30 points overall with 6 points in Chemistry and 6 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75% overall with 7 in a relevant science

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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