Medical Genetics with a Foundation Year

Studying a Medical Genetics degree at Swansea University will give you an in-depth knowledge of these essential building blocks of life. 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 Medical Genetics.

You will learn techniques for analysing gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, image analysis of biomolecules and cells, and advanced computer analytical methods.

During the course you will develop excellent analytical and project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

The study of medical genetics is an exciting and fast-moving field that is making an enormous impact on medicine, helping us to understand, diagnose, and treat many human diseases.

You will benefit from access to the Medical School’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, and computer-based image analysers for molecular and cellular studies.

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of genetics 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 Medical Genetics opens up a range of exciting careers and opportunities for further study in diverse fields and many of our students have gone on to study Graduate Entry Medicine at Swansea.

In Year 0, you will typically study areas including: Foundation Biological Chemistry, Metabolism and Homeostasis, The Human Cell, Foundation Development Skills, Introduction to Molecular Biology, Fundamentals of Microbiology & Disease, Foundation to data handling and analysis.
In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics & Evolution, Population Genomics, Skills for Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, and Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Human and Medical Genetics, Microbial Molecular Genetics, Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine, Molecular Evolution, Bioethics, Pharmacogenomics: Genes on Drugs, Introduction to Health Data Science and Practical Epidemiology.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Practical Quantitative Research, Medical Genetics, Human Immunopathology, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Capstone Project, Teaching Science, Animal Development, Advanced Biostatistics, Genetic Toxicology, Genetics of Cancer, 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.