| Term 1 October to December | Theoretical and practical work | Continuous assessment |
| Term 2 January to March | Theoretical and practical work | Continuous assessment
Class examination |
| Term 3 April to June | Problem based learning, group work | Continuous Assessment
Degree examination |
| Term 4 July to September | Personal research | Dissertation
Oral examination |
During the first two terms lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical work are
devoted to courses in
cytogenetics, biochemical/screening genetics and molecular genetics. A parallel course in clinical
genetics illustrates
the principles of each of these in context by studying a number of key genetic disorders.
In the third term, problem based learning is used.
Students work in groups of 8 and are given a real problem from the clinics or the labs. They need to discover where their knowledge is incomplete to solve the problem. As there is too much research for an individual, students need to work in teams and share the work. Finally, the problem will be solved in a variety of ways e.g. by preparing a report, making a presentation to the staff, writing a lab report to a clinical geneticist or writing a reply to a GP. Students receive a group mark for their PBL work. This method of learning ensures our graduates develop team working skills which are looked for by prospective employers.
In the fourth term, students complete a dissertation which may be based on laboratory work, audit of existing laboratory or clinical procedures or literature based research. These are designed to be of practical relevance to students’ careers. In the latter part of the course, if their time permits, medically qualified students may attend the genetics clinics and scientists may undertake attachments in the NHS labs.
Our graduates are welcome to apply for attachments in the NHS clinics and laboratories any time following graduation. These can last for several months and no charge is made apart from accommodation costs.