Biochemistry and Genetics with a Foundation Year

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

This interdisciplinary joint honours degree combines two complementary and overlapping disciplines, providing you with in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research, which are the basis for understanding all forms of life.

You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms, and study how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels, gaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

You will also develop excellent project management skills, learning how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

You will study at one of the UK’s leading Medical School, located on our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

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

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc or MSci.

In Year 0, you will typically study areas including: Cells & Systems; Chemistry of Life; Scientific Skills: Lab to Literature; Principles of Microbiology; Data: Collection to Communication; Molecular & Cellular Biology.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics & Evolution; Organic and Analytical Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences; Population Genomics and Clinical Applications; Introductory Biochemistry; Human Physiology; Skills for being a Medical Scientist; Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Microbial Molecular Genetics; Metabolic Regulation, Enzymology and Endocrinology; Human Immunology; Molecular Evolution; Metabolaeth carbohydrad a lipid; Human & Medical Genetics.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Membranes and Energy Transduction; Practical Quantitative Research; Animal Development; Membrane Trafficking; Advanced Biostatistics; Medical Genetics; Genetic Toxicology; Genetics of Cancer.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory classes and independent projects Assessment will take place through a variet of differenr methods including examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations. 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.