Introducing BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics)
Genetics is the study of biological variation and its inheritance, and hence of the fundamental control mechanisms of living systems. It is central to biology and disease formation and relates to other subjects, including:
- biochemistry
- molecular biology
- microbiology
- plant biology
- zoology
Applications of genetics
Genetics impacts on almost every aspect of our lives - from human genetics and health, infectious disease, what we eat and drink, how we live - to how we think of ourselves. It is involved in controversial areas such as the use of genetically engineered crops and the biological and ethical issues around human therapeutic cloning. Genetics students, in addition to being informed about the basic science, are encouraged to consider how these issues impact on society.
Areas of study
On this programme, you will study:
- the molecular and cellular sides of genetics
- basic genetic analysis and chromosome theory
- issues of population and evolution
- disease development
Flexibility
Biological Sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.
We offer 12 different Biological sciences subject areas, including genetics. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.
How will I learn?
Usually you will take 3 courses in each semester so 6 in total over the year. Most courses use a combination of class types that you will have a mix of each week. The main ways we teach are through:
- lectures
- tutorials
- practical or workshop sessions
- individual study
- team projects
Teaching time
Depending on the courses you choose, your weekly timetable in Years 1 and 2 is likely to involve around:
- nine hours of lectures
- eight hours of practicals or workshops
- two hours of tutorials
The timetable can vary from week to week, often practical classes are every other week. Classes are designed to complement each other - usually what's being taught in lectures will be reflected in the tutorial and practical work, giving a chance to apply knowledge to real scenarios.
As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend some time outside of class consolidating what you've learnt, preparing for practicals or tutorials, or completing coursework. This could be around 15-20 hours of individual study each week.
In later years, you will undertake more personal study and research. You will also be linked with a research group and complete an in-depth project as an important part of your final-year assessment.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. Often the purpose of our assessments are to see how you apply the knowledge you have learnt to the questions or assignments you are given.
Types of assessment could include:
- practical reports
- problem solving questions
- scientific paper analysis
- tutorial presentations
A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your final-year assessment.