Biochemistry with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad

Biochemistry is crucial to the study and treatment of diseases, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the complex relationships with our environment. If you’re interested in Biochemistry but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Biochemistry.

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.

Year 0
• Foundation Biological Chemistry
• Metabolism and Homeostasis
• The Human Cell
• Foundation Skills Development
• Introduction to Molecular Biology
• Fundamentals of Microbiology & Disease
• Foundation Skills Development 2
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Year 1

• Genetics, Genomics & 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