Genetics is the study of inheritance in animals (including human beings), plants, fungi and micro-organisms at all levels of organisation from populations through single organisms and individual cells to molecules. It provides the scientific rationale for many current and exciting developments in biology, medicine and agriculture and is an excellent basis for the integration of all other branches of life sciences.

Throughout the degree pathway, specialist modules in Genetics are paralleled with modules in other aspects of biology.

Students entering at Stage 0 take two modules in Biology, take two modules in Chemistry, and two other modules. During Stage 0 a basic overview of genetics is a major component of Introductory Biology 1.

At Stage 1, Genetics and Molecular Biology is a module dealing with the genetic code, the transmission of genetic material and genetic analysis of eukaryotes. Other required modules are:

Biochemistry

Biological Diversity

Micro-organisms, which includes microbial genetics.

Skills in Biosciences

Most Genetics students take Environmental Biology as their sixth module.

This broad base in biological sciences enables students after their Stage 1 year to transfer, should they so wish, to pathways leading to degrees in Biological Sciences, Environmental Biology, Marine Biology or Zoology.

At Stage 2, the required modules are:

Genetic Systems

Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics

Molecular Genetics

Two other modules are taken from a list including:

Animal Physiology

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Applied Ecology

Applied Mycology

Behavioural Ecology

Cell Biology

Virology

In the final year, the following modules are taken:

Genetic Manipulation and Bacterial Genetics Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics

The Human Genome plus one other taught module.

Students carry out an individual research project equivalent to two modules. In addition, modules and seminars aim to develop study skills, decision making and critical independent thought.