Program Overview

Genetics is at the forefront of modern biology, driving progress in medicine and synthetic biology. Thanks to recent developments in genetic analysis and manipulation, we are now able to explore the interaction between genes and the environment at an unprecedented level: from developmental processes to the epigenetic effects of the environment in our genome.

Teaching on our BSc Genetics course focuses on real-world applications, including medicine, biotechnology and genomics.The study of genetics includes understanding how genes are passed from one generation to the next, how DNA works, and the effects of variation and natural selection.

You study topics including:

• The structural organisation of a genome, the process of transcription, and the regulation of gene expression
• The contribution of genome science to the diagnosis and prevention of disease
• Evolutionary biology, from Darwin to genomics
• Molecular cell biology
• The human genome
• Bioinformatics and genomics

You will be trained in genetics and genomics. Depending on your choice of modules, you will focus on biomedical aspects, on the study of genomes or on a combination of both areas. Our optional modules also cover a wide range of topics including plant biotechnology, stem cells and microbiology.

Some of the most exciting and important advances in biology are now being made in the field of genetics, and at Essex you have the opportunity to be part of this revolution.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation. This is usually focussed around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

Organisations our students have recently been placed with include GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Aquaterra, Astrazeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermofisher, and Isogenica.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.