Genetics is at the heart of modern developmental sciences. The drive to understand more about the processes behind inherited diseases has led to huge advances in many fields including embryology, stem cell biology and cancer research. On this course you’ll learn about genetics across the board from the foundations right up to the most recent breakthroughs. It’s a course designed to help you kick-start your career in a wide range of healthcare professions, pharmaceuticals, genetic counselling or medical research.

• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• On our Medical Genetics degree we take you through the theory and practice of applying genetics to medical and biological sciences research. The course is designed not only to build your in-depth knowledge of the topics, but also to help you develop a deep understanding of the implications of human genetic research.
• As your studies progress you’ll get the opportunity to look into how genomics and proteomics are being applied to diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and study advanced topics such as molecular evolution and next generation DNA sequencing techniques.
• Your learning will be supported by doctoral-level academics with expertise across the biological sciences. Teaching aims to help you develop your problem-solving and investigative skills and you’ll be able to get to grips with modern, scientific instruments in specialist lab sessions.
• In your third year you can take the option to apply what you’ve learned so far on the course in the real-world setting of a work placement. It’s an excellent opportunity to boost your employability and enhance your career prospects.

As a student on this course you’ll be able to apply for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK). You’ll also be eligible for student affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Biology and upon successful graduation be eligible to apply for one year associate membership, this can help open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Biological Sciences subject area have undertaken placements with Abcam plc, the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Pfizer, Solvay (Novecare), The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany) and Sooam Biotech Research Foundation (South Korea).

Your Career

Graduates from our Biological Sciences courses can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing and teaching.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Clinical Study Co-ordinator in Ophthalmology at NHS, Laboratory Technician at ALS, Microbiology Medical Laboratory Technician at IDEXX Laboratories and PhD Researcher at the University of Huddersfield.**

*Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).