Biochemistry and Genetics, MSci (Hons)

Program Overview

This advanced MSci degree combines Biochemistry and Genetics, providing in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques and research. Students develop project management skills, learn experimental design, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory practicals and small group work, preparing graduates for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other scientific fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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

Outline:

Year 1

Compulsory Modules:

• Academic support and professional development
• Genetics, Genomics & Evolution
• Chemistry for Biochemists
• Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life
• Microbiology
• Human Physiology
Optional Modules:
• Population Genomics
• Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease
• Chemical Analysis: from Composition to Structure Elucidation; an Introduction for Life Sciences
OR
• Fundamental Research Skills
• Eukaryotic Cell Biology
• Introductory Biochemistry

Year 2

Compulsory Modules:

• Microbial Molecular Genetics
Optional Modules:
• Human and Medical Genetics
• Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction
• Human Immunology
• Molecular Evolution
• Bioethics
• Introduction to neuroscience

Year 3

Compulsory Modules:

• Membranes and Energy Transduction
• Practical Quantitative Research
Optional Modules:
• 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

Year 4

Compulsory Modules:

• Science Communication
Optional Modules:
• Advanced Research Project A

Teaching:

Learning will be facilitated using an approach that includes lectures, laboratory practicals, independent learning and small groups. Whilst the programme will be academically rigorous, there will be support from Personal Academic Mentors who are dedicated to helping you succeed in your studies and future career in science and medicine. We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

Careers:

A degree in Biochemistry and Genetics opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in diverse fields including: Industrial biotechnology Pharmaceuticals Diagnostics Evolution Bioinformatics

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 20,600 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 21,650 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.