Genetics

In Year 1 you will establish your foundation of knowledge and expertise in genetics with a set of core modules including genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, with other modules from biology and microbiology. Core introductory modules will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practicals allowing you to develop the research skills that will be necessary throughout your degree.

At the end of Year 1, there are opportunities to transfer between the Genetics, Biological Sciences and Microbiology degree courses.

In Year 2 the focus is more specifically on genetics, with compulsory modules in genetic engineering, bacterial genetics, bioinformatics, human genetics and developmental biology. The degree offers the opportunity to take an industrial placement or study abroad year at the end of Year 2, which will help broaden your experience, enhance your skills and improve your employment prospects.

In Year 3 you’ll be immersed even deeper into the research-based environment here at Leeds and taught about specialised genetics subject areas. You will undertake your own independent research project under the supervision of one of our research academics as well as studying advanced level modules in areas such as cancer genetics and comparative genomics. Upon graduation you will be equipped with specialised knowledge as well as broader transferable skills ideal for succeeding in the graduate job market.

Integrated Masters (MBiol)

Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc and provide a foundation in the subject.

In Year 3 you study compulsory and optional modules, an individual research project and a literature review project.

In Year 4 you will study a range of Masters-level modules (for example, High-throughput Technologies, Plant Biotechnology, Conservation Genetics). You’ll also undertake an extended research project on an original, innovative topic that will further develop the skills that are required for a career in research, as well as helping you stand out in the graduate job market.

Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Biology Practicals and Data Analysis 20 credits
• Living Planet 20 credits
• Introduction to Genetics 10 credits
• Practical Genetics 10 credits
• Tutorials for Biology and Genetics 10 credits
• The Basis of Life 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• The Power of Genomics 10 credits
• Genetic Engineering 10 credits
• Enhanced Study Skills for Biologists 10 credits
• How Plants Work 10 credits
• Introduction to Bioinformatics 10 credits
• Animal Developmental Biology 10 credits
• Human Genetics 10 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Applied Genetics 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Human Genetics 20 credits
• Advanced Research Skills and Experience 20 credits
• Research Literature Review 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Extended Research Project 80 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Genetics MBiol, BSc in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Genetics BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching.

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.

Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.

As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.

Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course