BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics)

Full-time 4 years study

Genetics is the study of biological variation and its inheritance, and hence of the fundamental control mechanisms of living systems. It is central to biology and disease formation and relates to other subjects, including:

  • biochemistry
  • molecular biology
  • microbiology
  • plant biology
  • zoology

Applications of genetics

Genetics impacts on almost every aspect of our lives – from human genetics and health, infectious disease, what we eat and drink, how we live – to how we think of ourselves. It is involved in controversial areas such as the use of genetically engineered crops and the biological and ethical issues around human therapeutic cloning. Genetics students, in addition to being informed about the basic science, are encouraged to consider how these issues impact on society.

Areas of study

On this programme, you will study:

  • the molecular and cellular sides of genetics
  • basic genetic analysis and chromosome theory
  • issues of population and evolution
  • disease development

Biological Sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

We offer 12 different Biological sciences subject areas, including genetics. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

For further information please visit BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics) study.