Genetics, Cancer and Personalisedicine (Intercalated)

Studying medicine gives you a clear trajectory towards becoming a doctor, but what if you'd like the opportunity to study a specific topic in more detail or explore a more lab-based or theoretical area of medicine? This is where an intercalated degree could be of benefit.

With an intercalated degree, you can spend a year studying a topic of interest, which has a number of benefits: you'll be more informed about different options for your career post-graduation, you can gain new transferable skills, including research skills, and gain a deeper insight into a subject area that interests you. 

This course looks at the application of molecular genetics and personalised medicine in the context of the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. You'll look at three areas - genetics, cancer, and personalised medicine - and will gain a strong understanding of how genetics can influence how diseases spread and are treated.

You'll develop a systematic understanding of the scientific basis of clinical decision-making in oncology as well as recent translational research findings and future research priorities. You'll have the opportunity to experience specialist training in laboratory skills and statistical analysis before working on a research project of your choice to put these principles into practice.

The skills and knowledge you'll gain on this course will be useful if you are considering pursuing a career in oncology or clinical genetics post-graduation. You will also gain extra points for academic achievement that could help with applications to foundation training after you graduate from your MBChB or equivalent.