Genetics with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad

Genetics is an exciting and fast moving field that is transforming our understanding of life and driving innovation across science and medicine. From diagnosing and treating diseases to developing new pharmaceuticals, personalised therapies, genetic engineering, biotechnology and the study of evolution, biodiversity and pathogens, genetics now underpins many of the most important scientific advances of our time.

Our Genetics BSc (Hons) / MSci (Hons) provides an in depth understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life on Earth. You will gain hands on experience with techniques used to analyse gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, and biomolecular and cellular imaging, alongside advanced computational approaches used in modern genetic research.

Throughout the programme, you will develop strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills, and learn how to design experiments and plan effective research programmes.

This single honours, interdisciplinary degree draws on shared modules across the Department and wider School, giving you a broad and diverse learning experience. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your academic and professional development through an intercalary year abroad or a year in industry.
Throughout your 3 year BSc (Hons), you will undertake a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a Year Abroad with our partner institutions, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, this programme is available as a 4-year MSci, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MSci leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

Whichever qualification you choose, you will benefit from the expertise of our academic staff who are active in a diverse range of molecular biological research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting-edge practice.

An optional Foundation Year is also available. This provides an excellent 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 (Hons)/ MSci (Hons).

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: Academic support and professional development; Genetics, Genomics & Evolution; Population Genomics and Clinical Applications.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Microbial Molecular Genetics; Enterprise and Creativity: Entrepreneurship in Practice; Skills for Researchers; Techniques in Molecular Biology; Molecular Evolution; Biostatistics & Applied Research; Human & Medical Genetics.

In Year 3, Modules will be dependent on which partnership University you choose to study at.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Practical Quantitative Research; Genetic Toxicology; Genetics of Cancer; Capstone Project; Teaching Science; Animal Development; Advanced Biostatistics; Medical Genetics; Human Immunopathology; Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; The biology of ageing in health and disease; Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function.

Assessments will include Laboratory practicals, written exams, oral presentations, written assignments, and clinical skills assessments. The range of assessment methods is chosen to develop and demonstrate a range of skills transferable to the modern healthcare environment including reflection, oral and written communication, confidence and competence.