Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Overview
View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
UCAS Code: | SRIV |
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Course Length: | 3 Years Full-Time |
Start Dates: | September 2021, September 2022 |
Subjects: | Biology and Biosciences |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Example Offers: | BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria |
Genetics incorporates the molecular and chromosomal basis of genetic expression, heredity and the role of genetic variation in evolution. Due to the rise in DNA technologies and computing power it is the most rapidly developing area of biology. On this degree you will acquire a solid understanding of theoretical concepts and expertise, while gaining relevant practical skills using the latest technologies. The programme embraces molecular, cellular and population genetics, alongside the evolutionary and biotechnological implications of these areas. In addition, you will develop relevant genetics research skills and undertake extensive practical and fieldwork activities to prepare you for your future career.
From September 2022 entry, this degree will also be available as a 4-year programme with an integrated foundation year.
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In Depth
What will I study?
Year 1 is a common year across our Biology and Biosciences degrees. You will receive a firm foundation in cell biology and genetics, with optional modules introducing you to the basics of chemistry for biologists, the fundamentals of ecology, the evolutionary origins of biodiversity, and the structure and function of human anatomy and physiology. You will also undertake residential fieldwork in Cyprus.
Year 2 examines the molecular basis of genetics and its practical applications. This is underpinned with skills in genetics research methods and data analysis, including a week of intense research on a relevant topic, allied to extensive practical work developing molecular skills.
The practical experience and theoretical background in Years 1 and 2 allow you to develop your own areas of original investigation in your Year 3 research project.
Compulsory modules in this final year include applications of genetics, ecological genetics, and genomics and bioinformatics which will deepen your specialist knowledge. Options in epidemiology, advanced tissue applications, and biodiversity and conservation allow your specialism to be developed in a human or ecological direction.
How will I study?
You will study via a combination of lectures, practical work and tutorials. The programme has a strong practical base and, in addition to the taught sessions, you will be expected to hone your practical skills using the excellent departmental facilities in your own time. The degree also involves a period of residential fieldwork in Cyprus, as well as the option to take part in a range of other overseas and UK-based fieldwork opportunities.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through a mixture of coursework and examinations tailored to suit the knowledge and skills required for each module. A wide range of coursework is employed which may include practical portfolios, project reports, individual and group presentations. Examinations include seen papers and open book assessments.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by research-active experts in genetics who take pride in the quality of their teaching and academic studies. Well-informed about current developments in their areas of interest, the programme team will share their knowledge through directly engaging you in their research. In addition, visiting speakers assist in the delivery of the programme, often presenting unique or novel aspects of particular subjects.
The Biology department is friendly and approachable and of a size that enables us to know our students personally.
A Great Study Environment
Edge Hill University has over 30 years’ experience in delivering field biology degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of genetics on this programme.
Our Biosciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best equipped facilities in the country. Resources include fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, DNA extraction and analysis equipment, and climate controlled insectaries.
A number of the best nature reserves in the country are in close proximity to the campus. You will be taught within a short travelling distance of impressive field sites such as one of the finest saltmarsh and dune systems in Europe, restored mires of international importance, hay meadows and limestone woodlands. The University also has extensive grounds including meadows which serve as a useful area for demonstrating sampling techniques.
The Department of Biology is home to an active research culture. An extensive network of relationships has been established with relevant environmental organisations and other universities in the UK and overseas, ensuring a rich, diverse and rewarding student experience.
Modules
Expand AllLevel 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)
SCI1107Biology in Practice (20 credits)
SCI1116Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
SCI1117Introduction to Cell Biology (20 credits)
You will select three of the following modules:
SCI1112Ecology (20 credits)
SCI1113Biodiversity (20 credits)
SCI1115Chemistry for Biologists (20 credits)
SCI1118Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
Language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, are available to study as an integral part of this degree. A single Language module can be studied instead of one of the optional modules above.
Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)
SCI2308Research Methods in Biology (20 credits)
SCI2319Laboratory Masterclass (20 credits)
SCI2332Molecular Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2334Biochemistry and Metabolism (20 credits)
You will select a total of 40 credits from the following modules:
SCI2317Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits)
SCI2327Marine Biology (20 credits)
SCI2330Field Botany (20 credits)
SCI2333Biogeography (20 credits)
SCI2335Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
SCI2336Biology of Disease (20 credits)
SCI2342Introduction to Food Science (20 credits)
SCI2343Human Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2344Immunology and Infectious Diseases (20 credits)
SCI2900Study Abroad Placement (40 credits)
If you studied a Language module in Year 1, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 2. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional 20 credit modules above.
Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)
SCI3014Applications of Genetics (20 credits)
SCI3015Genomics and Bioinformatics (20 credits)
SCI3311Ecological Genetics (20 credits)
SCI3352Genetics Research Project (40 credits)
You will select one of the following modules:
SCI3309Biodiversity and Conservation (20 credits)
SCI3316Pathology (20 credits)
SCI3318Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits)
SCI3321Pharmacology (20 credits)
SCI3324Epidemiology (20 credits)
SCI3325Ecological Interactions (20 credits)
SCI3327Advanced Tissue Applications (20 credits)
SCI3328Applications of Biotechnology (20 credits)
SCI3329Field Botany (20 credits)
SCI3336Plants and People (20 credits)
SCI3338Field to Fork (20 credits)
If you studied Language modules in Years 1 and 2, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 3. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Timetables
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include Biology or a related subject, such as Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Other subjects will be considered if you have demonstrable interest or experience in genetics.
Example Offers
Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.
- A Level: BBC-BBB;
- BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
- International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply;
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.
EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.
English Language Requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?
STEM Foundation Year
With effect from September 2022 entry, if you would like to study this degree but do not meet the subject-specific entry requirements, you may wish to apply to study the programme as a 4-year course with integrated foundation year. The foundation year will equip you with key transferable skills and subject knowledge. Upon successful completion of the integrated foundation year, you will be able to progress onto Year 1 of this degree.
Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education
If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.
Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.
Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.
Career Prospects
What are my career prospects?
This degree provides an ideal step towards a successful career in one of the many facets of genetics, such as working as a clinical research associate or genomics scientist for the National Health Service.
You will be well placed to work as a forensic scientist or genetic consultant, join pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, seek employment with the Environment Agency, or pursue a career in the water and agricultural industries.
A further potential career route is scientific public engagement where you can use your skills to write about topical developments in molecular biology and biotechnology methodologies.
Alternatively, you may wish to train to teach or progress onto postgraduate study in more specialised genetic disciplines.
How can I enhance my employability?
It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.
Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:
- Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
- Studying Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
- Learning a Language – you may be able to select language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as an integral part of your degree (for which you will gain academic credits). Alternatively, it may be possible to participate in Language Steps classes as additional study.
Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.
Finance
Tuition Fees
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum.
Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK full-time tuition fee rate.
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree. EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK part-time tuition fee rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide for your intended mode of study.
- Money Matters 2021/22 Full-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021
- Money Matters 2021/22 Part-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021pt
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.
Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.
Scholarships
Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.
These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.
An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.
To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.
Apply
How to Apply
If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.
If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.
Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.
Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.12th March 2021 - New Modules Added
22nd June 2020 - Change of Modules
Covid-19 - Genetics Essential Information
Genetics Course Statement
Some module elements that would usually take place in the autumn semester have been moved to the second semester. Residential fieldwork, including the Year 1 trip to Cyprus, may not be possible, depending on government guidance at the time.Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.
Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.