Program Overview

Overview of the Medical Genetics with Research Placement BSc(Hons) Program

The Medical Genetics with Research Placement BSc(Hons) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of genetics and its applications in medical and biological sciences research. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, genetic counseling, or medical research.

Program Structure

• The program is a four-year course, including a compulsory placement year in research.
• The course is divided into four years: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 (research placement year), and the final year.
• Students will gain a firm foundational knowledge of the application of genetics to medical and biological sciences research.
• The program includes a range of core and optional modules, providing students with a broad understanding of genetics and its applications.

Core Modules

• Molecular and Cellular Biology: This module considers genetic analyses in a number of systems, including Mendelian genetics, linkage, and pedigree analysis.
• Biochemistry 1: This module provides a basic account of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins.
• Introduction to Analytical Science and Spectroscopy: This module introduces students to the range of skills required in modern analytical science.
• Physiology 1: Structure and Function: This module covers all the major organs of the body, together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function.
• The World of Microbes: This module introduces students to the full range of microbial life and the techniques used to study microorganisms.
• Research Skills: This module provides the requisite background skills for successful completion of an Honours Degree in Biology.

Optional Modules

• Cell Biology: This module extends and develops students' understanding and knowledge of cell biology, with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity.
• Pharmaceutics and Formulation: This module introduces students to the underpinning biophysical pharmaceutics for the formulation and compounding of medicines.
• Infectious Diseases and Therapeutics: This module introduces students to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally.

Research Placement

• The research placement allows students to experience working in an active research environment and to undertake their own independent supervised research project.
• The placement can be undertaken in a research lab within the University, another Institute, or within industry in the UK or internationally.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates from this program can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing, and teaching.
• Previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Clinical Bioinformatician, Laboratory Technician, Microbiology Medical Laboratory Technician, and Nuclear Medicine Sales Executive.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations.

Accreditation and Professional Links

• This course has advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Students will be eligible for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK).
• Upon successful graduation, students will be eligible to apply for one year associate membership of the Royal Society of Biology.