Medical Genetics with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

If you’re interested in the study of Genetics and stepping into the exciting and fast-moving field that is making an enormous impact in a range of scientific areas but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Medical Genetics, following successful completion of the Foundation Year with at least a 60% overall average, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

Our Genetics degree will give you an in-depth knowledge of these fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. You will learn techniques for analysing gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, image analysis of biomolecules and cells, and advanced computer analytical methods.

You will develop excellent analytical and project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

Why Medical Genetics at Swansea?

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies, and a powerful supercomputer facility.

This degree is a Pathway to Medicine programme. Provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine. You have successfully completed this Pathway, you will be guaranteed an interview for our flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

Your Medical Genetics Experience

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of genetics research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting edge practice.

In addition to your formal studies, we hold regular research talks with Swansea University staff and guest expert speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS and research institutions.

You may also have the opportunity to spend time undertaking research in industrial or medical laboratories either in the UK or abroad, and can even extend your degree to include a whole year studying abroad. Adding a year abroad allows you to add invaluable international experience to your CV while building intercultural communication skills that will improve your ability to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds.

A mix of compulsory and optional modules gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Medical Genetics Employment Opportunities

With a degree in Medical Genetics, career opportunities are diverse and extensive. They include:

  • Medical research,
  • Pharmaceutical industry and health sciences,
  • Post graduate studies (MSc, MRes, PhD)
  • Genetic counselling,
  • Clinical scientist,
  • Graduate entry medicine
  • Physicians associate
  • Teaching
  • Scientific writer
  • Bioinformatics

This degree also provides an ideal base for further study to become a medical doctor and many of our students have gone on to study Graduate Entry Medicine at Swansea.  

Modules

In the foundation year students will learn the basics of molecular and human biology, cellular biology, data handling, and laboratory practice, giving students the knowledge to successfully progress onto year one of the BSc in Genetics.

Your second year, and year 1 of the full BSc, is made up of modules covering the essential scientific foundations, including evolutionary & molecular genetics, genetic analysis, epigenetics, population genomics and microbiology.

As you progress, you will further develop your knowledge, studying specialised topics including techniques in molecular biology, biostatistics, microbial molecular genetics, molecular evolution, biotechnology and protein engineering, and genetic toxicology.

In your final year, you will complete an independent research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist.

If you choose to undertake a year abroad, this will take place between the third and fourth years of study listed above.

Medical Genetics with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Medical Genetics with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)