Molecular Genetics BSc

Course detail Description

The Molecular Genetics course is continually evolving in the light of advances in the field, and reflecting the rapid rate of conceptual and technological development. The course provides knowledge and training in understanding how genetic information influences the processes of life in healthy and diseased organisms. This degree focuses on the new genetic methods and technologies that advance our understanding of mechanisms of life. You will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of genetics and the basis of human genetic disease as well as a wide variety of other disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular imaging, systems biology, bioinformatics neuroscience and psychology. During the course, you will also train in modern laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis and presentation.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

In Year 2 you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, or to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year 1’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci; or Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research MSci.

Teaching

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

Course stage Percentage of time in scheduled learning & teaching activities

Percentage of time in guided independent study

Percentage of time on placements

Year 1

25% 75% -

Year 2

30% 70% -

Year 3

41% 59% -

Year 4 (MSci only)

55% 45% -

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and practical observation.

Course stage Percentage of assessment by written exams

Percentage of assessment by practical exams

Percentage of assessment by coursework

Year 1

78% 5% 17%

Year 2

68% 4% 28%

Year 3

49% - 51%

Year 4 (MSci only)

- 18% 82%

If you choose an extra-mural placement this will be assessed through a written dissertation and a poster presentation which will be deemed equivalent to 60 credits at Level 6 (the normal level of Year 3 study).

Studying Abroad

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

• The University of Melbourne, Australia

• The University of California

• The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option.

Extra-Mural Year

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute.

Course accreditation

In recognition of its focus on research and academic excellence, our Molecular Genetics with extra- mural year BSc has been given Degree Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Graduates of an accredited course can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after just one year of practice, rather than the usual three years. This will allow you to attain the qualifications of Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist two years earlier than graduates from other degree courses.

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

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Structure

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Biochemistry (15 credits)

• Chemistry for the Biosciences (15 credits)

• Genetics & Molecular Biology (15 credits)

• Cell Biology & Neuroscience (15 credits)

• Fundamentals of Physiology & Anatomy (30 credits)

• Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Skills for the Biosciences (15 credits)

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules for this course in Year 1.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 2 You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities. See the course description for a list of partner universities. Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Gene Cloning & Expression A (15 credits)

• Gene Cloning & Expression B (Molecular Biology Research Methods) (15 credits)

• Human & Molecular Genetics A/B (30 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 60 further credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Immune System in Health & Disease (15 credits)

• Protein Structure & Function (15 credits)

• Cell Biology A (15 credits)

• Cell Biology B (15 credits)

• Essentials of Embryology (15 credits)

• Social Impact of the Biosciences (15 credits)

• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)

• Principles of Bioinformatics (15 credits)

• Drugs & Disease A (15 credits)

• Psychology (15 credits)

• Neuroscience (30 credits)

• A modern language (15 credits)

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, or take an extra-mural year. See the course description for more information.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 3 Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Molecular Genetics of Model Organisms (15 credits)

• Advanced Molecular Genetics (15 credits)

You are also required to take one of the following:

• Extended Research Project in Molecular Genetics (45 credits) or

• Molecular Biology Practical Project (30 credits)

And one of the following:

• Molecular Genetics Library Project A (15 credits) or

• Molecular Genetics Library Project B (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you will take 45 credits from a range of options, which may typically include:

• Molecular Basis of Human Disease (15 credits)

• Biology of Cancer (30 credits)

• Biomedical Diagnostics (15 credits)

• Complex Disease Genetics (15 credits)

• Cancer Genetics (15 credits)

• Epigenetics (15 credits)

• Forensic Genetics & Toxicology (15 credits)

• Immunology of Human Disease (15 credits)

• Medical Genetics (15 credits)

• Principles of Epidemiology (15 credits)

• Protein Structure & Design (15 credits)

• A Modern Language (15 credits)

During Year 3 you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Molecular Genetics. In Year 4 you have the opportunity to undertake a six month research project within a research group at the University and to take modules that introduce you to research.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.