Course summary
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.
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 method
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
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C700
- Institution code:
- S93
- Campus name:
- Singleton Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
This Course is Open to UK, EU and international students.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - AAB - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma - D: 24 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 34 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
GCSE requirements: English/Welsh and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017) For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English Language Requirements at Swansea University
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP