Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Genetics

Genetics is at the forefront of modern biology, driving progress in medicine and synthetic biology. Thanks to recent developments in genetic analysis and manipulation, we are now able to explore the interaction between genes and the environment at an unprecedented level: from developmental processes to the epigenetic effects of the environment in our genome.Teaching on our BSc Genetics course focuses on real-world applications, including medicine, biotechnology and genomics. The study of genetics includes understanding how genes are passed from one generation to the next, how DNA works, and the effects of variation and natural selection.You study topics including:The structural organisation of a genome, the process of transcription, and the regulation of gene expressionThe contribution of genome science to the diagnosis and prevention of diseaseEvolutionary biology, from Darwin to genomicsMolecular cell biologyThe human genomeBioinformatics and genomicsYou will be trained in genetics and genomics. Depending on your choice of modules, you will focus on biomedical aspects, on the study of genomes or on a combination of both areas. Our optional modules also cover a wide range of topics including plant biotechnology, stem cells, cancer and virology.Some of the most exciting and important advances in biology are now being made in the field of genetics, and at Essex you have the opportunity to be part of this revolution.Study abroadYour education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host universityPlacement yearAlternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation. This is usually focussed around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.Organisations our students have recently been placed with include GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, AquaTerra, Astrazeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermo Fisher, and Isogenica.If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

GCSE: Mathematics C/4 A-levels: BBB, including Biology (or equivalent). Acceptable A-level equivalents are Chemistry and Life and Health Sciences BTEC: DDD, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided. IB: 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555. Either must include Higher Level Biology or Chemistry grade 5, plus Standard Level Mathematics grade 4, if not taken at Higher Level. We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided. We also consider T-levels. IELTS - 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, TOEFL IBT - 76 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing