Biochemistry and Genetics

UCAS code: CC4R

Here's what Swansea University says about its Biochemistry and Genetics course.

This advanced undergraduate joint honours degree brings together two complementary and overlapping disciplines, giving you in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research which are the basis for understanding all forms of life.

The 4 year MSci is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to a 3 year BSc. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. The MSci programme follows our BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics course, but offers specialist training in a broad range of laboratory techniques. In the additional year you will develop an extended, research project.

Molecular biology is a growing subject which is making enormous impact in many scientific areas that overlap with biochemistry, including the study and treatment of many human diseases, pharmaceutical development, and the complex relationships between our environment and ourselves.

You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms and how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels so gaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans. You will develop excellent project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

We were one of the first universities in the UK to introduce Genetics as a BSc discipline in the 1960s so we have a very long and respected track record in this field.

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including bioanalytical equipment such as HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics & Evolution Chemistry for Biochemists Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life Microbiology Human Physiology Organic Chemistry: An Introduction for Life Sciences. Population Genomics Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease Chemical Analysis: From Composition to Structure Elucidation; An Introduction for Life Sciences.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Microbial Molecular Genetics Human and Medical Genetics Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction Human Immunology Molecular Evolution Bioethics Introduction to Neuroscience Biostatistics Advanced Metabolism Techniques in Molecular Biology

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Membranes and Energy Transduction Capstone Project Teaching Science Animal Development Membrane Trafficking Advanced Biostatistics Medical Genetics Genetic Toxicology Genetics of Cancer Nucleic Acids: Components, Metabolism and Modification Human Immunopathology Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Science Communication Research Innovation and Management Advanced Research Project

A wide variety of assessment methods is used in addition to the more traditional written exams, essays, lab reports and project dissertations. Students may undertake coursework such as: online web assignments, online problem solving, poster production, talks, slide presentations, screencasts, and literature reviews. Some of these tasks develop groupwork skills.