Biochemistry (MBiochem)

Program Overview

The MBiochem program at Cardiff University is a four-year integrated master's degree designed for aspiring researchers and those seeking a career in science. It provides a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry and biomolecular sciences, with extensive hands-on training in laboratory techniques and research methods. Graduates are highly employable in research and commercial bioscience sectors, as well as in careers requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Program Outline

Biochemistry (MBiochem) - Cardiff University

Degree Overview:

The MBiochem program at Cardiff University is an integrated master's degree designed for aspiring researchers and those seeking a career in science. This four-year undergraduate course explores the current frontiers of knowledge in biochemistry and provides training in advanced research techniques. Through this program, you will learn how biochemistry and biomolecular sciences contribute to advances in all biological disciplines, including medicine and biotechnology. You will receive extensive hands-on training in laboratory techniques and gain practical experience in data analysis, presentation, and scientific writing. The program aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in research or the commercial bioscience sector.

Outline:

This full-time program spans four years and is divided into modules.

Year One:

• Focuses on foundational knowledge in biological disciplines, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
• Modules include: Skills for Science, Structure and Function of Living Organisms, Organisms and Environment, The Dynamic Cell, Biological Chemistry, Genetics and Evolution.
• Delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes.

Year Two:

• Emphasizes the experimental basis of biochemistry and related areas.
• Offers a choice of three modules from a selection of 12.
• You can also opt to switch to a five-year Master's degree with a Professional Training Year after the second year.

Year Three:

• Allows you to specialize in a research theme of the School.
• Involves an extensive degree of self-directed study and independent work.
• Modules include: Advanced Research Techniques, Genes to Genomes, Synthetic Biology and Protein Engineering.
• Optional modules available in areas such as plant science, ecosystems, evolution, infection biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, and development.

Year Four:

• Consists of an extended research project conducted in an active research laboratory.
• Includes modules: Advanced Research Project, Advanced Research Methods, Frontiers in Biosciences.
• Your research project will contribute to your high degree of subject specialization and knowledge, making you highly employable in research and commercial bioscience sectors.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include:

• Coursework: written reports, structured reports, class tests, group work, presentations, problem-solving exercises
• Examinations: machine-marked structured answer section, written answer section
• Research project: supervisor evaluation, written report, presentation

Teaching:

• You will be taught by experienced researchers and academics passionate about sharing their knowledge.
• Teaching methods include lectures, practical classes, workshops, small-group tutorials.
• You will be assigned a Personal Tutor for academic and pastoral support.
• Each year of study also has a dedicated coordinator for administrative support.

Careers:

Graduates of this program pursue careers in:

• Biotechnology research and development
• Scientific publishing
• Pharmaceutical and biological industries
• Jobs requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Teaching
• Medicine
• Veterinary science
• Public service

Other:

• Students are encouraged to undertake informal summer placements to enhance their employability.
• You will develop scientific competencies and key transferable skills, such as independent learning, critical analysis, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• The program provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies and research careers.

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas. Learn how we decide your fee status 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. Additional costs All field courses which take place abroad 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. Course specific equipment 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.