Biochemistry and Genetics, MSci (Hons)

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Key Course Details

UCAS Code: CC4R
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): AAB
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 9,250

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: CC4R
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: AAB - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 22,750

Biochemistry and Genetics, MSci (Hons)

Understanding the Molecular and Genetic Processes Underpinning Life

Course Overview

This advanced undergraduate joint honours degree brings together two complementary and overlapping disciplines, giving you in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research which are the basis for understanding all forms of life.

The 4 year MSci is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to a 3 year BSc. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. The MSci programme follows our BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics course, but offers specialist training in a broad range of laboratory techniques. In the additional year you will develop an extended, research project.

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

You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms and how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels so gaining 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

Why Biochemistry and Genetics at Swansea?

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

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including bioanalytical equipment such as HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.

Your Biochemistry and Genetics Experience

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of molecular biological 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.

You may also have the opportunity to spend time undertaking research in industrial or medical laboratories either in the UK or abroad.

A mix of compulsory and optional modules gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Biochemistry and Genetics Employment Opportunities

A degree in Biochemistry and Genetics opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in diverse fields including:

Industrial biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Diagnostics
Evolution
Bioinformatics

Modules

Your first year is made up of modules covering the essential foundations of biochemistry and genetics, including energy and metabolism, genetic analysis or biochemistry skills development, evolutionary & molecular genetics, and microbiology.

As you progress, you will further develop your knowledge, studying specialised topics including infectious diseases and parasitology, molecular evolution, microbial molecular genetics, biotechnology & protein engineering and bioinformatics.

In your final year you will complete an independent research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist.

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Academic support and professional development	September-January (TB1)	0	PM-143
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-149
Chemistry for Biochemists	September-January (TB1)	10	PMC100
Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-127
Microbiology	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-134
Organic Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences.	January-June (TB2)	10	PMC101

Optional Modules

Year 1 Biochem-Genetics optional modules

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must choose ONE of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Population Genomics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-152
Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-153
Chemical Analysis: from Composition to Structure Elucidation; an Introduction for Life Sciences.	January-June (TB2)	10	PMC102

AND

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Fundamental Research Skills	September-June (TB1+2)	10	PM-130
Sgiliau Ymchwil Sylfaenol	September-June (TB1+2)	10	PM-130C

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Eukaryotic Cell Biology	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-132
Bioleg Celloedd Ewcaryotig	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-132C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introductory Biochemistry	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-150
Cyflwyniad i Fiocemeg	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-150C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Human Physiology	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-154
Ffisioleg Ddynol	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-154C

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Microbial Molecular Genetics	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-251

Optional Modules

Year 2 Biochem-Genetics optional modules

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must choose THREE of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human and Medical Genetics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-226
Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-245
Human Immunology	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-249
Molecular Evolution	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-252
Bioethics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-260
Introduction to neuroscience	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-275

AND

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Biostatistics	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-238
Ystadegau Biolegol	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-238C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Metabolism	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-278
Metabolaeth Uwch	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-278C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Skills for Researchers	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-280
Sgiliau i Ymchwilwyr	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-280C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Techniques in Molecular Biology	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-277
Technegau Bioleg Foleciwlaidd	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-277C

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Membranes and Energy Transduction	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-319
Practical Quantitative Research	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-363

Optional Modules

Year 3 Biochem-Genetics optional modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must choose FOUR of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Animal Development	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-308
Membrane Trafficking	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-331
Advanced Biostatistics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-364
Medical Genetics	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-300	Only available to students who studied PM-226 in Year 2.
Genetic Toxicology	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-316
Genetics of Cancer	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-317	Only available to students who studied PM-226 in Year 2.
Nucleic acids: components, metabolism and modification	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-330
Human Immunopathology	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-347	Only available to students who studied PM-249 in Year 2.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-358
The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-371
Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-376

AND

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Biomedical Laboratory Techniques	September-June (TB1+2)	40	PM-378
Technegau Labordy Biofeddygol	September-June (TB1+2)	40	PM-378C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-361
Biowybodeg: O ddilyniant i swyddogaeth	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-361C

Year 4 (Level 7)

FHEQ 7 Advanced Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Science Communication	September-June (TB1+2)	10	PM-401

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Research Project A	September-June (TB1+2)	50	PM-400
Prosiect Ymchwil Uwch A	September-June (TB1+2)	50	PM-400C

AND

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Research Project Dissertation	September-June (TB1+2)	60	PM-405
Traethawd Hir Prosiect Ymchwil Uwch	September-June (TB1+2)	60	PM-405C

Entry Requirements

A-levels/Welsh Baccalaureate: AAB. Biology and Chemistry essential

IB: 34 to include Higher Level grades in Biology and Chemistry

As well as one of the above qualification types all applicants are required:

GCSE: English/Welsh and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017)

We accept Swansea University approved equivalent qualifications.

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.

How You're Taught

Learning will be facilitated using an approach that includes lectures, laboratory practicals, independent learning and small groups. Whilst the programme will be academically rigorous, there will be support from Personal Tutors who are dedicated to helping you succeed in your studies and future career in science and medicine.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Meet Your Lecturers

Biochemistry and Genetics students will be taught by a range of world leading researchers based at the Medical School, giving you unrivalled access to teaching on our latest biochemistry research.

Principle teaching staff for the Biochemistry and Genetics programme are:

Course Director: Dr Ed Dudley
Admissions Tutor: Dr Aled Roberts
Professor Paul Dyson
Dr Hugh Jones
Dr Mathew Hitchins
Dr Ricardo del Sol
Dr Miranda Whitten

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 9,000	£ 21,650
September 2025	£ 9,250	£ 22,750

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Personal Tutor:

You will be assigned a Personal Tutor from a pool of trained personnel drawn from academic staff in the Medical School, or possibly clinical staff from Health Boards for GEM and PA.

Personal Tutors are your first point of contact while studying at the Medical School and can provide assistance and guidance on a range of issues that may affect your wellbeing, attendance and educational progress. Personal Tutors may also help with your personal development planning and careers advice. Your tutor may also direct you to Welfare and other support services as appropriate.

Student Life Officer:

Our Student Life Officer focuses on student support and identifying students who may need to be referred on the services both within and outside of the University, and working with these students to put a plan in place to manage their welfare. This officer is trained to recognise signs of domestic abuse, hate crimes through to dealing with homesickness and any other pastoral issues.

Medical School Information Office:

Our team of administrators and student information co-ordinators are on hand to support with your academic queries and signpost you to additional services where required.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.