Our ability to determine and exploit the entire DNA sequence (genome) of an organism is revolutionising our understanding of the living world. Glasgow is one of the leading centres for teaching and research in genomics in the UK.

Genetics is the study of what genes are and how they act. The subject is approached in a variety of ways:

• inheritance patterns tell us how genes are passed from one generation to the next
• molecular studies of DNA, RNA and proteins show how genes function in the cell, and the effect they have on the whole organism
• studies of populations show how changes in their genetic composition lead to evolution.

The methods used in genetics are being applied throughout biology and impact on such diverse areas as

• the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases
• crime and forensics
• ecology and conservation.

Year 1

In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

Year 2

In your second year, you will be introduced to the study of genetics, proteins, nucleic acids and evolutionary biology. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours (third and fourth years) you will develop

• an appreciation of the continuity of genetics
• the classical foundations of molecular genetics
• the application of both to understanding of populations and evolution.

During fourth year you will develop an appreciation of the broad application of genetics within modern biology, biotechnology and medicine. You will choose four advanced Honours option courses to study in greater depth and will also undertake an independent research project with one of the genetics research teams.

Laboratory work and small group teaching are important parts of the Honours programme, allowing you to develop problem-solving, group-working and communication skills.

You can take Genetics as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.

You will undertake extensive laboratory training.

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme.

Under the Erasmus scheme you will study at a major European university, for three to ten months. As this exchange programme is partly funded by the European Union you will receive additional financial support from the EU, to cover additional travel and living costs.

The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.

Our graduates are employed in research or go on to study for postgraduate degrees. Recent graduates have taken posts in hospital or industrial laboratories, in agricultural breeding establishments, teaching, nursing, industrial management and scientific journalism.