Genetics is important in many aspects of society including human health, food production, quality of the environment, conservation, ethics and the law. The aim of the Genetics course is to provide a balanced coverage of modern genetics focusing on the organisation, inheritance, expression and evolution of genes in organisms ranging from bacteria to man.

When you register for a degree in Genetics you will become affiliated with the Department of Genetics. This means that you will have the benefit of informal contacts with staff and post-graduate students, participation in departmental events and seminar programmes, and the use of some of the department's facilities.

Course Structure

First Year

In the first year you will learn how genes function and are inherited. All Biological Sciences students take the same modules covering the breadth of modern biology.

Second Year

In the second year you will learn how genomes are organised and investigated in organisms ranging from bacteria to man. You will gain experience of the range of techniques and approaches that can be used to investigate the roles of genes in complex biological situations such as the development of complex organisms and response of organisms to their environment. You will also be introduced to the expanding role of genetics in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Final Year

In the final year you will have the opportunity to study specialised topics in genetics to an advanced level. These include human genetics, microbial genetics, evolution and the study of gene function in development. You will also undertake a laboratory or library-based research project in which you have the opportunity to carry out an in-depth study of a topic in genetics that interests you, under the supervision of an acknowledged expert in the field.

Careers

Genetics has profound implications - ethical, legal, commercial and medical - for modern day society. There are career opportunities in research, teaching and industries operating in the healthcare, food and drink, and biotechnological sectors. Also, the analytical skills central to genetics provide an excellent background for a broad range of careers not related to Biological Sciences. For example, our graduates have followed careers in accountancy, computing, publishing, patent law, administration and management.

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