Genetics

Our MBiolSci Genetics course is designed for students who want to pursue a career in industrial or academic research, with the majority of the fourth year devoted to a major research project either in industry or in an academic lab.

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

All of our students take compulsory modules designed to give you specialist knowledge of genetics, whilst also introducing you to biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology. As you progress through your degree and discover what you’re passionate about, optional modules will allow you to explore your chosen subject in greater depth, specialise in one area, keep your interests broad, or even switch to another degree programme within the molecular biosciences.

In your first year you’ll spend six hours in the lab each week learning the practical skills and knowledge that every bioscientist needs including how to establish bacterial cultures, assess bioenergetics and perform gene cloning. Analysis classes will equip you with the skills you’ll use outside the lab from interacting with your data to interpreting your findings. Your lectures will give you a broad understanding of the molecular biosciences, allowing you to explore what you’re most interested in.

In your second year you’ll begin learning more advanced scientific techniques both in the lab and in lectures with topics including experimental design, genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and protein purification. You’ll continue to take analysis classes to develop your data handling skills further and you can choose to study modules like “Molecules to Market”, allowing you to work in teams to come up with pioneering science enterprise ideas to launch a virtual business.

In your third year you’ll complete an extended research project in an area of molecular bioscience that interests you either in the lab or in wider society, alongside your chosen specialist modules. Depending on your interests and career goals you can choose a project from: experimental science, clinical diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, molecular systems and computing, science communication or education and outreach.

In your fourth year the majority of your time will be devoted to a major research project. You can choose between spending a year in industry and completing your project at a company such as AstraZeneca, GSK, or Unilever; or undertaking projects in one of our world-leading research labs within the department or the University of Sheffield Medical School.

Accreditation
Our four-year MBiolSci degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology which shows employers that you’ve developed the extra skills and knowledge that they’re looking for.

Genetics graduates are well equipped for jobs in universities, research institutes, businesses, the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and the growing biotechnology industry in order to begin their scientific careers. The expanding field of genomics is another popular route for our graduates, entering roles in genetic counselling and diagnostics. With a variety of key transferrable skills that employers are looking for, including teamwork skills, critical thinking, and how to present effectively, graduates are also well equipped to pursue roles outside of bioscience, from IT and business management, to finance and accounting, to events management and teaching.