MSc Medical Genetics

     Medical Genetics
UNIVERSITY
        of
 GLASGOW   

MSc (Med Sci) Medical Genetics, established 1984.

This programme was established in 1984 and is one of the most successful courses of its type in the UK . Since then it has attracted over 450 home, EU and international students. The course is mainly delivered by University staff whose time is dedicated to the course. In addition, other research scientists, NHS scientists and clinicians and patients deliver guest lectures. It is designed to develop your scientific understanding of research, principles and practice in the field of medical genetics. It will prepare you for a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines. Half of our graduates enter a research career and most complete PhDs. The MSc will also prepare you for a career in health service medical genetics, either as a clinician or as a diagnostic scientist (depending on your background) and allow you to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals, families and populations with genetic disorders. For those medical graduates going on to higher specialist training in clinical genetics in the UK , the programme is accredited by the Joint Committee for Higher Specialist Training and will count for 6 months of your training requirements. Other graduates have entered careers in industry, scientific publishing and education.

Content

• Cytogenetics, including: prenatal diagnosis, postnatal diagnosis, cancer genetics and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
• Molecular genetics, including molecular pathology, bioinformatics, gene therapy, prenatal and postnatal (diagnostic and pre-symptomatic) testing.
• Biochemical genetics, including first and second trimester prenatal screening and  neonatal screening of populations, prenatal and postnatal diagnostic testing, screening and diagnostic testing, statistical assessment of genetic tests.
• Clinical aspects of medical genetics, including single gene disorders, multi-factorial common conditions, cancer genetics, dysmorphology, pedigree analysis, risk calculation, genetic counselling, ethical aspects of medical genetics.

Teaching methods

A particular feature of this course is problem based learning. Not only does this student led learning method develop study skills, it also provides experience of working in teams, which is highly valued by potential employers.

• Lectures.
• Small group tutorials.
• Problem based learning in groups.
• Student oral presentations and poster presentations.
• Taught and individual laboratory work.Individual research leading to a dissertation.
• Medically qualified students may attend some of the full range of genetic clinics.
• Students with a science background will have the opportunity to observe selected patient counselling sessions at the discretion of the NHS staff.

Entry requirements

A degree in medicine or dentistry or equivalent qualification, or an Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science.

Duration: 

12 months full time taught course commencing late September..

Assessment: 

Coursework including laboratory work; written examinations; dissertation; scientific poster, oral presentation, oral examination with internal and external examiners. 

Details: 

• Entry qualifications
• Aim of the course
• Setting of the course
• Outline of the course
• Learning objectives
• Dissertation
• Assessment
• Course Review
• Teaching Staff
• Learning resources
• Reading List

Your application:

Non UK applicants

• English Language: Students whose first language is not English are required to obtain proficiency at the IELTS level of 6.5. or a score of 650 at the TOEFL examination. Students whose first degree has been taught in English should contact the Medical Faculty as there may be an exemption from the examinations.
• English as a foreign language courses in the University of Glasgow.
• ILETS examinations in University of Glasgow. Students who are unable to sit ILETS in their home country may be given conditional entry to the MSc and be allowed to sit the ILETS examination at any of the sittings here in Glasgow in September, October, November or  December. Please note, if this dispensation is given and the student fails to gain a score of 6.5 it will not be possible to graduate, even on satisfactory completion of other parts of the MSc.
• International Student Handbook.

UK and EU applicants

• UK and EU students fees and funding Please note there are few funding opportunities for UK and EU students. Most take career development loans from banks.
• Accommodation and welfare
• Application and referees forms
• Application procedure

International applicants

• International students fees and funding
• Accommodation and welfare
• Applications and referees forms
• Application procedure

What's it like once you come?

• Some of our students!

Scotland is a great place to live, study and work in. 

Why not explore some of Scotland's beautiful countryside, mountains and coastline?

Scottish Sea Kayaking Photo Gallery

seakayakphoto.com: A log of exploring Scotland's coastline by sea kayak.

Scottish Mountain Photo Gallery

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