Medical Genetics with a Foundation Year

Medical genetics is a section of a broad area of modern biomolecular sciences, which covers a range of subjects. The field as a whole generates a wide range of graduates who go onto a range of careers, including work in an academic or industrial research laboratory, pharmaceutical sales, patent law, medical writing, consultancy, or following additional training, medical practice.

Our Medical Genetics BSc (Hons)/ MSci (Hons) will give you an in-depth knowledge of these essential building blocks of life. 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.

Throughout the programme, you will develop excellent analytical and project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes. You will study a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

This degree forms part of our ‘Medical Science in Practice’ Pathway to Medicine programme. Students who meet the entry requirements and complete the Pathway will be guaranteed for an interview for the School’s flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

By studying at Swansea, you will learn from academic staff who are actively engaged in a wide range of cutting edge genetics research. Their expertise offers you an exceptional mix of academic excellence and real world scientific practice. Alongside your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to attend regular research talks delivered by Swansea University academics and guest speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS, and leading research institutions.

You will also benefit from access to the Medical School’s state of the art research facilities, supporting advanced molecular and cellular studies. These include DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer based image analysers, and a powerful high performance computing facility for large scale data analysis.

An optional Foundation Year provides an excellent introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will 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; Skills for being a Medical Scientist; Introductory Biochemistry; Human Physiology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Microbial Molecular Genetics; Enterprise and Creativity: Entrepreneurship in Practice; Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine; Skills for Researchers; Human Immunology; Molecular Evolution; Biostatistics & Applied Research.

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.

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.