Biochemistry with Placement Year

Biochemistry is crucial to the study and treatment of diseases, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the complex relationships with our environment. On this BSc programme, you will learn about the chemical processes that occur within living organisms and how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels. You’ll gain 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.

In the final year, you will complete a research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist. By working as an independent researcher, you will develop effective project management skills and will be trained to design experiments and plan work programmes.

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies, and a powerful supercomputer facility.

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of biochemistry research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting-edge practice. In addition to your formal studies, we hold regular research talks with Swansea University staff and guest expert speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS and research institutions.

A degree in Biochemistry will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical and food industries.

Course Modules

Your first year is made up of modules covering the essential foundations of biochemistry, including energy and metabolism, biochemistry skills development, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, and microbiology. As you progress, you will further develop your knowledge, studying specialised topics including metabolic regulation, techniques in molecular biology, membranes and energy transduction, membrane trafficking, and bioinformatics. In your final year you will complete an independent research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist.

Year 1

Genetics, Genomics and Evolution
Chemistry for Biochemists
Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life
Microbiology
Human Physiology
Organic Chemistry: An Introduction for Life Sciences.
Chemical Analysis: From Composition to Structure Elucidation; An Introduction for Life Sciences

Year 2

Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction
Techniques in Molecular Biology
Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology
Advanced Metabolism
Skills for Researchers
Biostatistics
Human Immunology
Introduction to neuroscience
Human and Medical Genetics
Infectious Diseases
Microbial Molecular Genetics

Year 3

Membranes and Energy Transduction
Practical Quantitative Research
Nucleic Acids: Components, Metabolism and Modification
Teaching Science

Capstone Project
Animal Development
Membrane Trafficking
Advanced Biostatistics
Human Immunopathology
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry
Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function

Assessment will take place through examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations. A wide variety of assessment methods is used in addition to the more traditional methods such as: online web assignments, online problem solving, poster production, talks, slide presentations, screencasts, and literature reviews. In your final year you will undertake an independent research project, potentially contributing to scientific research at the school, under the guidance of professional research scientists