Program Overview

This course gives you a broad understanding of genetics, with an emphasis on topics of medical relevance. You’ll learn how genetic information can be used in medicine.

The course spans human, plant and microbial genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. You’ll explore the genetic basis of cell function and disease, and the structure and expression of genes, inheritance and mutations. You’ll also learn about the latest molecular techniques for modifying genes, including CRISPR. We'll introduce you to how modern genetics is helping us understand and treat a range of diseases, and tackle global challenges like food sustainability and security.

From your first year, you’ll study modules that span the molecular biosciences covering genetics, biochemistry and molecular and cell biology. Alongside these modules you’ll have the freedom to explore complementary topics across the breadth of bioscience, such as microbiology, biomedicine, ecology, plant science and zoology, so you have the option to study medical genetics in greater depth, keep your interests broad or even switch to another degree programme within the biosciences.

No matter what modules you choose to study, you’ll develop the practical laboratory and transferable skills that make our graduates attractive to employers including project management, problem solving, communication skills and data analysis.

We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to apply your new skills and knowledge too. You’ll be in the lab completing in-depth practicals across molecular genetics, DNA manipulation and protein structure analysis and you’ll get the chance to use cutting-edge equipment to run your own research projects in an area such as clinical diagnostics or brewing biotechnology.

Whether you choose to focus solely on medical genetics or study a range of topics across the molecular biosciences and beyond, your personal tutor will assist you in tailoring your degree to your interests and career goals.