Genetics and Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University

In choosing to study the Genetics and Biochemistry degree at Aberystwyth University you will work at the forefront of these exciting disciplines. Genetics has almost limitless potential to help understand human health and disease, evolution, and the diversity of living things. Complementing this, biochemistry provides a mechanistic understanding of how genes dictate the biology of an organism. The Genetics and Biochemistry Degree combines these two disciplines, with a focus on studying the molecular genetics of health and disease. Building upon a foundation that includes key genetics and biochemistry understanding, you will soon start to specialise human genetics, gene expression, developmental and cancer biology, biotechnology, genetic engineering and pharmacology. Upon successful completion of the Genetics and Biochemistry Degree you will have the skills and attributes necessary for diverse careers that include biomedical research, forensic science, DNA profiling, clinical cytogenetics and genetic counselling amongst others.

Why study Genetics and Biochemistry at Aberystwyth University?

• We place great emphasis upon practical skills, so that our graduates become practitioners from the word go.
• We ensure that our graduates have the skills to communicate their science effectively.
• We have extensive research and teaching labs equipped with the latest equipment, including bioimaging facilities, high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and spectroscopic platforms. We have also recently invested over £55 million in our teaching facilities on campus.
• This degree will give you a solid foundation in the study of cellular, molecular and chemical biology.
• We will nurture both your intellectual curiosity and your general scientific practice.
• The subject is taught within an internationally recognised centre of excellence, by experts in the Biochemistry and Genetics fields.

Employability is embedded in our teaching. We are linked closely with The Biochemical Society and the Genetics Society, which are great platforms for students to network with others in their discipline.

Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills including:  

• research and data analysis skills;
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
• a thorough grounding in information technology skills;
• the ability to work independently;
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
• self-motivation and self-reliance;
• team-work, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.