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Genetics BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: SRIV

Explore molecular, cellular and population genetics, alongside their evolutionary and biotechnological implications. You’ll develop practical laboratory, fieldwork and research skills on our genetics course.

Overview

Course length: 3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Start dates: September 2024
September 2025
Location: Edge Hill University
Example offers: BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s): Biology and Biosciences
Faculty: Arts and Sciences
Department: Biology
A student refers to a chart to determine the carbon source preference of newly isolated bacteria.

Genetics explains the molecular and chromosomal basis of physical characteristics, heredity and the role of genetic variation in evolution. And now, DNA technology and computing power is making genetics the most rapidly growing area of biology.

On our BSc (Hons) Genetics course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory underpinning the subject, alongside the practical techniques that enable it to be studied. Our degree will give you hands-on experience of using the latest industry-standard equipment and software.

You’ll learn about molecular, cellular and population genetics. And you’ll critically analyse the evolutionary outcomes and implications of these processes. Our degree provides you with many opportunities to complete practical fieldwork and independent laboratory research. All of this will boost your future job prospects.

Course features

  • International students can apply

  • Learn a language option available

  • Sandwich year option available

What you'll study

Trace the evolution of life, examining the diversity of plants and animals, including humans. Take part in residential fieldwork, where we’ll show you how to complete biological research. And broaden your knowledge of the discipline through modules in cell biology and genetics.

Compulsory modules:

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Biology in Practice
Genetics and Evolution
Introduction to Cell Biology

Three of:

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Anatomy and Physiology
Biodiversity
Chemistry for Biologists
Ecology
Organic Chemistry
Language 1

In Year 2, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of molecular genetics and its practical applications. You’ll develop extensive practical skills in genetics research and data analysis. This includes a week of intense research on a relevant topic which will help you prepare for your independent research project in Year 3.

Compulsory modules:

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Biochemistry and Metabolism
Laboratory Masterclass
Molecular Genetics
Research Methods in Biology

40 credits from:

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Biogeography
Field Botany
Human Genetics
Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Invertebrate Ecology
Zoo Conservation and Animal Behaviour
Language 2

The knowledge and practical experience you gain in Year 1 and 2 will help you complete your own practical investigation during your research project. Compulsory modules this year include applications of genetics, ecological genetics, and genomics and bioinformatics. These will all deepen your specialist knowledge. Optional modules will give you the choice of specialising in human or ecological research.

Compulsory modules:

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Applications of Genetics
Ecological Genetics
Genetics Research Project
Genomics and Bioinformatics

One of:

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Advanced Tissue Applications
Animal Wildlife and Conservation
Biodiversity and Conservation
Ecological Interactions
Epidemiology
Field Botany
Invertebrate Ecology
Medical Microbiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Language 3

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course 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. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

How you'll 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, as well as the option to take part in a range of other overseas and UK-based fieldwork opportunities.

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.

How you'll 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 you

Edge Hill University has over 30 years’ experience in delivering biology degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of genetics. The Biology department is friendly and approachable and of a size that enables us to know our students personally.

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.

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. Visiting speakers assist in the delivery of the programme, often presenting unique or novel aspects of particular subjects.

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

Qualification Requirement
A Level BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level Overall grade of Merit.
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.

If 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 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

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, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

How to apply

Apply full-time

Apply online through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

International

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2024 part-time.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

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.

Did you know?

If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.

Discover our accommodation

Facilities

Students walk outside the BioSciences building.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.

Where you'll study

BioSciences

Finance

Tuition fees

UK Full-Time

£9,250

a year

UK Part-Time

£77 per credit

for 360 credits

International

£16,500

a year

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.

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 tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.

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 can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

This degree is an ideal step towards a successful career in one of the many areas of genetics, such as working as a clinical research associate or genomics scientist for the NHS.

Many of our students go on to study on our MSc or MRes programmes. These can open up opportunities to work towards a PhD, allowing you to become an expert in an area of genetics you find fascinating. Alternatively, you might decide to complete teacher training to inspire the next generation of scientists.

You will also be prepared for roles in:

  • organisations such as the Environment Agency
  • scientific public engagement
  • pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies
  • the water and agricultural industries

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses 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 professional 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.

Track changes to this course

Discover Uni: Full-Time Study

Discover Uni: Part-Time Study

Download our course leaflet