Information for Prospective Undergraduates

Genetics degree

Genetics degree - 3 years (C400) or 4 years (through C990 Life Sciences)

Genetics degrees in the genomic era

Almost every day there is a report in the media of a newadvance or controversy involving genetics. These include genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the Human Genome Project, forensic DNA profiling, and the isolation and characterisation of genes involved in human disease and stem cell research. The study of genetics has moved from the seminal discovery by Mendel of the inheritance of genetic material, to the cutting edge analysis of the complete genome sequences of many organisms including humans.

At Aberystwyth, we are keen that graduates of our Genetics degree should be able to comment in an informed way on topical issues relating to genetics. To achieve this, the Genetics degree course has been carefully developed to cover both the fundamentals of inheritance and the frontiers of modern genetics, such as genomics and bioinformatics. Since genes are necessary for all living organisms, genetics impinges on many subject areas; by careful selection of optional modules you can specialise in topics as different as conservation and biotechnology.

Genetics degree course structure

After completing the first year, during which you will have developed a firm grounding in biological sciences, you will take a mixture of core and optional modules. These cover areas such as gene expression, developmental genetics, human genetics, genomics, bioinformatics and the important area of ethical issues in genetics. Through these modules, and your final year research project, you are able to develop your own interest in genetics. The project in particular allows you to develop experimental skills in a genetics research area of your choice.

Detailed Course Structure

Careers related to your Genetics degree

Many Genetics graduate will go on to work in specifically genetics-related careers: new and exciting opportunities for further research, genetic therapies and other branches of applied genetics are opening up across many areas. More generally, graduates from the Aberystwyth Genetics degree will have learned core skills of research, analysis, problem-solving and reporting which are vital in many careers and highly valued by emplolyers in all kinds of organisaitons in the public and private sectors.