With a degree in Genetics, you will be playing a vital part in the development of genetic engineering and the decoding of the human genome. Take on the ‘grand challenges’ of medicine and agriculture as you gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature, transmission and expression of genetic information in living organisms.
Genetics is at the core of biological and medical sciences and so upon completion of this degree, you will be suitable for opportunities in a wide range of careers including research, industry, healthcare, forensics and the development of improved crops to address food security. You’ll also develop extensive knowledge and understanding of related disciplines through optional modules such as human genetic disorders and cancer genetics.
Year 1
You’ll establish your foundation of knowledge and expertise with a set of core modules including genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. Other modules from biology and microbiology will serve to enhance your development in the relevant fields. Modules will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practicals allowing you to develop the research skills necessary for completing your degree.
Modules cover globally relevant topics including sustainable agriculture, marine biology, conservation of tropical forests, genome engineering with CRISPR Cas technologies and intracellular signalling. Choose from an extensive range of optional modules including immunology, virology or even learning a new language in a discovery module.
Practical skills include the core techniques for genetic engineering, from isolating DNA, amplification by PCR, molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression and purification, you will cover the essential techniques used routinely in research labs and industry.
Year 2
In year 2 you will focus more specifically on genetics with compulsory modules covering topics in sequencing and big data, genetic engineering and human genetics. In the core skills module, you will gain transferable skills including problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork and communication skills, working in small group tutorials. These will support the rest of your studies through enhanced presentations, producing high-quality reports and effective use of scientific literature. This module also provides training in statistics and experimental design, supporting your level 2 studies and preparing you for projects later in the course.
You’ll have the choice to study human genetics including virology, microbiology and cell biology. For example, Molecular Virology introduces students to techniques used for the study of viruses, the structure of viruses and the processes of their replication and evolution. The module also considers how we can exploit virus biology for gene expression and gene therapy.
Alternatively, you can focus on the fundamental aspects of genetics, exploring model systems and how genes underpin all aspects of life from development to adaption and evolution. These modules take examples from diverse organisms including plants and animals.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad or combined study and work abroad . This adds an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
In year 3 you will study core genetics modules, including advanced-level human genetics and biotechnology. These modules bring you up to date with the latest research in Genetics, for example, the development of a new range of anti-cancer drugs that exploit weaknesses in certain types of cancer cells that are deficient in the repair of DNA damage.
Those continuing from studying model systems in year two will have options in d
evelopmental biology, plant science and food security and applied genetics.
Students who studied human genetics in year two will have the option to study microbiology (which includes viruses, immunity and disease), applied genetics or cancer biology.
In Applied genetics you will discover the importance of genetic technology in research, medicine, biotechnology and crop development. Topics include recombinant protein production, genetic engineering and plant breeding. Practical skills are developed with lab experience in transient gene expression in cells.
Students studying model systems will also select from animal developmental biology, social biology or evolution and population genetics together with a discovery module.
Year 3 BSc project
You will conduct a research project that you choose from a wide range of topics, reflecting the breadth of research undertaken and the expertise of the lecturers on your course. Projects can be laboratory-based, field research, data analysis or literature-based investigations. The choice of projects reflects the diversity of genetics, including molecular genetic studies in plants or animals, clinical genetics, CRISPR-Cas genome engineering or recombinant DNA technologies. You’ll receive dedicated supervision from a leading expert in the area and work alongside researchers including post-graduate and post-doctoral staff.
This 3-year BSc can also be converted into a 4-year integrated Masters (MBiol), subject to suitable academic performance and availability. In years 3 and 4 you would receive additional specialist training, study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1128 | Living Planet | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1308 | Unlocking Scientific Success | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| BLGY1330 | Laboratory and Experimental Skills | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MICR1202 | The Microbial World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR1221 | Introduction to Immunology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may study 10 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1212 | Using Biology to Feed the World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BMSC1200 | Biology of the Mind | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BMSC1216 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Alternatively, students may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules as part of optional module selection.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL2109 | Intermediate skills in the molecular biosciences | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BIOL2114 | Omics and Big Data Biology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2266 | Human Populations and Disease | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2305 | Developing Scientific Excellence | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Students will choose between either human genetics or model systems:
Human Genetics:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules in the table below:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICR2121 | Molecular Virology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MICR2221 | Medical Immunology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Human Genetics:
Candidates will be required to study 20 credits of optional modules in the table below:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL2221 | Fundamentals in Cell and Cancer Biology | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2211 | Medical Microbiology | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Model systems:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules in the table below:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2220 | Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
For Study Abroad Students
If you register for Study Year Abroad, you will select one of the following modules. You will be expected to select mostly Biology courses at a non-UK University.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL9001 | Study Year Abroad | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| BIOL9002 | Combined Study Abroad and Work Placement Year | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
OR
For Horizon Year Abroad Students
If you register for Horizon Year Abroad, you will take LEED9000 Horizon Year Abroad (100 credits) and you will also be required to register for MODL3150 Intercultural Communication and Global Citizenship: A Critical Approach for the Horizon Year Abroad (20 credits). Both of these modules must be passed.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEED9000 | Horizon Year Abroad | 100 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| MODL3150 | Intercultural Communication and Global Citizenship: A Critical Approach for the Horizon Year Abroad | 20 | 1 Jun to 30 Sep | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3153 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3346 | Biology Research Projects | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates studying human genetics will be required to study 40-60 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL3215 | Cancer Biology | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3111 | Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MEDM3221 | Reproductive Medical Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR3202 | Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates studying model systems will be required to study 40-60 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3111 | Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3222 | Social Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3223 | Animal Developmental Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3334 | Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates may take up to 20 credits of Discovery modules, in discussion with the Programme Leader.
Students may also take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Last updated: 06/03/2025 09:47:21
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