Study location	United Kingdom, Colchester Campus
Type	Bachelor courses, full-time
Nominal duration	3 years
Study language	English
Awards	BSc
Course code	C400

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in any language

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL or other equivalent IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL (IBT): 76 CAE: B2 with 52+ CAE (from Jan 15): 169+

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided.

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. essex.ac.uk/..tercourse=UG00178&subgroup=1

Overview

Teaching on our Genetics course focuses on real-world biomedical applications, including how cells differentiate to form the specialised tissues present in complex organisms, and how the delicate regulation of cell growth can be disrupted and lead to cancer.

The study of genetics includes understanding how genes are passed from one generation to the next, how DNA works, and the effects of variation and natural selection. You study topics including:

- The structural organisation of a gene, the process of transcription, and the regulation of gene expression
- The contribution of genome science to the diagnosis and prevention of disease
- Theories of evolution, from Mendel to micro RNAs
- Molecular cell biology
- The human genome

You learn about human, microbial and plant genetics and genomics, with a strong emphasis on bioinformatics and biotechnology.

Some of the most exciting and important advances in biology are now being made in the field of genetics, and at Essex you have the opportunity to study these fast-changing areas.

Programme structure

Year 1

Scientific and Transferable Skills for Biosciences
Molecular Cell Biology
Microbiology
Biochemistry of Macromolecules
Genetics and Evolution
Animal Evolution, Ecology & Behaviour (optional)
General and Organic Chemistry
Skills in Biomolecular Science (Assessed in Following Year)

Year 2

Biomolecular Science: Skills and Employability
Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
Genome Science
Cell Biology
Metals in Biology (optional)
Membrane Biology and Bioenergetics (optional)
Proteins and Macromolecular Assemblies (optional)
Metabolism (optional)

Final year

Issues in Biomolecular Science
Human Molecular Genetics
Research Project in Biomolecular Science
Bioinformatics (optional)
Plant Biotechnology (optional)
Molecular and Developmental Immunology (optional)

Career opportunities

Our recent graduates have taken up a wide range of careers in research laboratories, consultancies, business and industry, conservation practice and environmental assessment. Others have gone on to work in sales, publishing and management, while others still have chosen to enhance their career opportunities by studying for MSc or PhD degrees.