Biochemistry with Professional Training Year (BSc)

Program Overview

This four-year BSc program in Biochemistry with Professional Training Year provides a comprehensive study of the molecular basis of life, emphasizing hands-on laboratory training and transferable skills. Students engage in a year-long research experience, developing their research abilities and gaining firsthand industry knowledge. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, and various industries, with a strong foundation in biochemistry and transferable skills.

Program Outline

Biochemistry with Professional Training Year (BSc)

Degree Overview:

This four-year BSc program offers a comprehensive study of the molecular basis of life, encompassing classical and contemporary advancements in biochemistry and biomolecular sciences. It emphasizes hands-on training in laboratory techniques, equips students with valuable transferable skills like computing, statistics, data analysis, and presentation, and offers a professional training year for firsthand research experience.

Outline:

• Year 1: Common year covering all aspects of the biosciences with a modern, modular syllabus delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes.
• Year 2: Greater emphasis on the experimental basis of biochemistry and related areas, with practicals encompassing modern research techniques, data analysis, and interpretation.
Students choose three from up to 12 available modules.
• Year 3: Professional Training Year: Students engage in research for 9-12 months in an academic, clinical, or industrial/commercial setting, gaining firsthand experience, designing experiments, acquiring and analyzing data, and presenting results.
• Year 4: Strong emphasis on independent learning, investigating current areas like synthetic biology, protein structure, genetic engineering, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering.
Research skills are developed through a final year project delving into a specific topic in depth.

Assessment:

Modules are typically assessed through coursework and examinations, including written practical reports, structured reports, class tests, structured answer tests, group work, posters, oral presentations, and computing/statistical problem-solving exercises. Feedback is provided through comprehensive online systems and discussions with tutors. The research project is assessed based on supervisor evaluation and a written report.

Teaching:

Leading researchers in the field provide instruction through lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops, and small-group teaching sessions. The program values inclusivity and supports students with disabilities in coordination with the University's Disability and Dyslexia Support Service.

Careers:

Graduates have pursued careers in research, development, publishing, pharmaceutical industries, molecular biology, teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, accounting, and more. The program's strong foundation in research and transferable skills makes graduates highly competitive in various fields.

Other:

The program provides flexibility by allowing students to switch to another bioscience course or transfer to the MBiochem integrated master's degree after the second year, depending on academic progress and availability. Students can also participate in field courses to gain practical experience in field biology techniques. The program offers a welcoming and diverse environment with a commitment to student support and academic excellence.

Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Costs for sandwich years

During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.

Additional costs

Field courses which take place abroad will incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We also offer some excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course. Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.

Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.