Prospective Students
Genetics (BSc)
UCAS Code:
- C400 BSc/Gen3 (3 years)
- C401 BSc/Gen4 (4 years)
- C403 BSc/GenPYP (with Preliminary and Professional Training Year)
- C402 BSc/GenetP (with Preliminary Year)
3 years (4 years sandwich) (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)
The Genetics degree programme caters for anyone interested in the study of heredity, the process by which parent organisms pass on characteristics to their young. It focuses on the ways in which in recent years all areas of biological study have been revolutionised by the application of the newly developed techniques of molecular genetics.
You will learn how genetic techniques have become the cornerstone for a host of diverse investigations that include studies of inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis, transmissible diseases such as AIDS and BSE, some forms of cancer, antibiotic and insecticide resistance genetic fingerprinting, detection of bacteria and virus in the environment, animal population studies, and genetic engineering. You will receive hands-on training in modern laboratory and field research techniques, and gain practical experience of widely transferable skills in computing, statistics, data analysis and presentation.
In your first year you will follow the School's common first year Biological Sciences programme. This gives you a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines, and essential related disciplines that will give you a firm foundation for your subsequent years of study. The common first year also has the advantage of giving you flexibility of degree choice. At the end of the first year you will have a free choice of whether to continue with your original degree choice or change to one of the other programmes which is served by the same common first year programme.
Your second and final years will include advanced courses on bacterial genetics, biochemical genetics, human/cytogenetics, population genetics, genetics and development, evolutionary genetics and biotechnology. A genetic manipulation module will give you the opportunity to handle DNA in the laboratory and practise genetic engineering techniques. A choice of optional modules will enable you to combine your course with other specific areas of biology such as microbiology, cell biology, evolution or behavioural ecology.Your final year project could be in any of the areas of genetics listed above. A few students choose to do projects in medical genetics at the University Hospital of Wales.
Students taking the four year sandwich programme spend their third year on placement, typically in an industrial laboratory or similar environment which is arranged with the help of the School.
Typical Offer
AAB- ABB (340-320 points)
Entry Requirements
Two or three subjects at A level, Biology and Chemistry preferred; must have at least AS Chemistry. Two AS subjects will be accepted in lieu of a third A level.
Alternative Entry Requirements
Applications from those offering alternative/overseas qualifications (eg Access) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.
Detailed Admissions Criteria
Please click here for a full list of alternative entry requirements for this degree programme.
Next intake: September each year
School Contact
Name: Dr Matthew Baker
Telephone: 029 2087 6201
Fax: 029 2087 4372
Email: biomedical-ug@cardiff.ac.uk