Undergraduate Prospectus

BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics)

Years of Entry

2009 and 2010

The Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester is renowned for the breadth and excellence of its research. In most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008, 85% of our research activity was world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally significant. In 2002, the Department of Genetics was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in recognition of its world-renowned achievements and currently hosts a Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning. Today, Genetics pervades many aspects of society - human health, food production, quality of the environment, conservation of species, ethics and law. Our course embraces genetic engineering, molecular and developmental genetics, human genetics and evolutionary genetics. The aim is to provide a balanced coverage of modern genetics focusing on the organisation, inheritance, expression and evolution of genes in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans.

Genetics is introduced as part of the common first year. You will learn how genes function and are inherited, and how species and populations evolve. You will encounter a wide range of techniques varying from genetic crosses to gene cloning and genetic fingerprinting.

First Year

The first year is common to all our programmes, providing a sound base for advanced study across the breadth of modern Biological Sciences, from molecules to populations. Modules taken cover Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Plant and Animal Diversity, Cell and Developmental Biology, Energy Flow and Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. Tutorials and laboratory work are integral to all of these modules, enabling you to develop your critical and practical skills. There are also modules in Chemistry and skills-based teaching including ICT and Numeracy and Study and Communication skills.

Students who perform at first-class level in their first year may apply for consideration for transfer to the first year of medicine.

Second and Final Years

The principal fields of study are human genetics, microbial genetics, developmental genetics, and evolutionary genetics. In these you cover: Molecular structure of DNA, how genes are copied, translated and regulated; genetic control of the development of complex organisms and the response of cells to environmental signals; Genomes and their evolution, their variation by mutation and recombination, and factors leading to evolutionary change. Practical classes teach modern techniques for manipulating genes and investigating their properties and function. Project work provides an exciting introduction to sophisticated, novel scientific research. Recent projects have included 'Tackling the Trots' - the Molecular Genetic Basis of the Virulence of Bacteria Causing Diarrhoeal Diseases; The Molecular Evolution of Biological Clock Genes; and the Y Chromosome and Human Genetic History.

Final year students are encouraged to become involved in departmental activities through discussion sessions and seminars given by visiting scientists. You may choose to become a student member of the Genetical Society of Great Britain.