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
developmental 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 studying 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 or social biology. In addition, evolution and population genetics will be available for students on both pathways, together with a discovery module.
Year 3 MBiol project
You will also undertake a preparatory research project introducing you to the advanced research skills you’ll use in year 4. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with specialised knowledge along with broader transferable skills ideal for succeeding in the graduate job market.
Year 4 (MBiol)
You’ll carry out an extended research project focused on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to genetics. This will provide you with invaluable experience in developing the high-level skills necessary for a career in research. Alongside this, you will study a range of Masters-level modules including high-throughput technologies, plant biotechnology and conservation genetics.
[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
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) | |
| BLGY3397 | Advanced Research Skills and Experience | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates studying human genetics will be required to study up to 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 up to 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 take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 120 credits.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY5381M | Extended Research Project | 90 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL5178M | High-Throughput Technologies | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BIOL5201M | Advanced Biomolecular Technologies | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL5209M | Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5121M | Advanced Statistics | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5138M | Global Challenges in Food Security | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Last updated: 25/06/2025 16:05:51
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