Program Overview

Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics)

Overview

The Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics) degree at Oxford Brookes University focuses on the application of fundamental biology to real-life issues, with a strong emphasis on genetics and genomics. Students will develop analytical skills, computational analysis, and molecular and cell biology laboratory skills.

Course Details

Course Structure

• First Year: Grounding in important aspects of biosciences, focusing on applying fundamental biology to real-life issues.
• Second Year: Analysis of genomes and extraction of DNA, with optional modules in microbiology and animal development.
• Final Year: Specialization in areas of interest, with a research project that can be done in conjunction with companies from the Bioinnovation hub or within the Bioimaging or Functional Genetic and Genomic Centres.

Learning and Teaching

• Focus on applying fundamental biology to real-life issues.
• Practical settings and development of skills in lab techniques, data handling, computing, report writing, oral presentations, and teamwork.
• Teaching methods include lectures, practicals, tutorials, seminars, and surgeries.

Assessment

• Varied assessment methods, including essays, reflective portfolios, examinations, laboratory or field practicals, scientific reports, posters, and oral presentations.
• Reflective learning encouraged through self, peer, and staff formative feedback.

Study Modules

Year 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Communicating Science
  • Quantitative Skills for Life Science
  • Biodiversity
  • Intro to Biochemistry A
  • Intro to Biochemistry B

Year 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Career Development
  • Interrogating Genomes
  • Data Carpentry
• Optional Modules:
  • Animal Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry of Cell Function
  • Threatened Species

Year 3 (Optional Placement Year)

• Optional Modules:
  • Professional Placement (compulsory for sandwich year students only)

Year 4 (or Year 3 if no Placement)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Project
  • Professional Skills and Techniques
  • Advanced Genetics and Genomics
• Optional Modules:
  • Molecular Biology of Cancer
  • Advanced Cell Biology and Bioimaging
  • Advanced Topics in Wildlife Conservation
  • Genomic Medicine
  • Evolution and Animal Development
  • Science and Humanity
  • Work Experience
  • Independent Study in Life Sciences

Integrated MBiol

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Practice
• Optional Modules:
  • Advanced Molecular Techniques
  • Genome Science
  • Independent Study
  • Introductory Bioinformatics
  • Taxonomy and Identification

Careers

Graduates of the Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics) degree make a significant impact on human health and environmental conservation. They have an excellent record of employment in various roles, including data analyst, researcher, clinical trials coordinator, teacher, lecturer, lab technician, digital epidemiologist, microbiologist, and biotechnologist.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Offer:
  • UCAS Tariff Points: 104-128 (BSc) or 112-136 (MBiol)
  • A Level: BCC - ABB (BSc) or BBC - AAB (MBiol)
  • IB Points: 29 (BSc) or 30 (MBiol)
  • BTEC: DMM - DDM (BSc) and (MBiol)
• Contextual Offer:
  • UCAS Tariff Points: 88 - 96 (BSc) and (MBiol)
  • A Level: CCD - CCC (BSc) and (MBiol)
  • IB Points: 27 (BSc) and (MBiol)
  • BTEC: MMM (BSc) and (MBiol)
• Specific Entry Requirements:
  • A Level or comparable Level 3 qualification in a science subject (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Physical Education)

Tuition Fees

• 2025/26:
  • Home (UK) full time: £9,535
  • Home (UK) part time: £1,190 per single module
  • Home (UK) sandwich (placement): £1,700
  • International full time: £17,750
  • International sandwich (placement): £1,700
• 2026/27:
  • Home (UK) full time: £9,535*
  • Home (UK) part time: £1,910 per single module*
  • Home (UK) sandwich (placement): £1,905
  • International full time: £18,250
  • International sandwich (placement): £1,905

Additional Costs

• Purchase of a lab coat, safety goggles, stationery, and text books
• Living costs associated with the placement year (if opted for)