Program Overview

Human Genetics: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Human Genetics program is a four-year, full-time course that leads to a B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human genetics, including the study of genes, heredity, and their effects on individuals and societies.

Overview

Human genetics is a rapidly evolving field that has developed significantly over the last decade, driven by advances in technology that enable the study of genes in greater detail. The program covers various aspects of human genetics, including medical genetics, pharmacogenomics, eukaryotic molecular genetics, genomics, and systems biology.

Course Details

• The program is offered by the Department of Genetics, which is part of the School of Genetics and Microbiology.
• The department has 12 members of faculty and a number of academic associates, working in a wide range of areas of human genetics.
• The teaching of the department is research-driven, with undergraduates taught by research-active scientists with excellent track records in their chosen fields.
• The program includes a combination of lecture courses and practical classes, with students gaining foundation information about the field of human genetics and learning about rapidly developing technologies.

Third Year

During the third year, students will learn about the fundamentals of human genetics through a combination of lecture courses and practical classes. Subject areas will include:

• Medical Genetics
• Pharmacogenomics
• Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics
• Genomics and Systems Biology
• Neurogenetics
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Molecular Genetics Laboratory
• Analytical Genetics Laboratory
• Human Genomics Data Handling
• Human Genetics tutorials
• Human Genetics Review

Fourth Year

During the fourth year, students will undertake a literature review on a topic in human genetics and will also undertake a Capstone research project, working closely with a Trinity professor in their research laboratory. Lecture topics covered will include:

• Principles of Human Genetics
• Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Genetics and Epigenetics of Cancer
• Prion-Like Proteins
• Apoptosis
• Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Evolution
• Genetics and Immunology of Neural Diseases
• Human Evolutionary Genetics
• Genetics of Neural Development
• Behavioural Genetics

Admission Requirements

To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Biological and Biomedical Sciences course page. Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, click on the relevant link.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

Many human genetics graduates go on to higher degrees (M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) and take up careers in research in either academia or industry. Opportunities exist in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical or clinical diagnostic laboratories, forensics, public health and epidemiology programs, and in teaching. Genetic counseling is a rapidly expanding field that might also interest graduates. Other graduates have gone into careers such as medicine, patent law, or science journalism. The skills of critical thinking and problem-solving provided by the human genetics degree will put graduates in high demand.

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

The Department helps students to secure internships in research laboratories (both in Ireland and internationally) over the summer period between the third and fourth years, so that they can gain valuable research experience. Some students spend all or part of the summer period in US laboratories, again between third and fourth year.

Awards

• B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Points: 545 (2024)
• CAO Code: TR060

Related Courses

• Science - TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences (other streams)
• Science - TR061 Chemical Sciences
• Science - TR062 Geography and Geoscience
• Science - TR063 Physical Sciences

Assessment

Students will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations.

Conclusion

The Human Genetics program at Trinity College Dublin provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human genetics, including the study of genes, heredity, and their effects on individuals and societies. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of human genetics, as well as the opportunity to undertake a Capstone research project and gain valuable research experience. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in research, academia, industry, or other fields, and will have developed the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.