Genetics, BSc, University of Leeds

Course content

Year one is where you will establish your foundation of knowledge and expertise in genetics, as well as other areas including cell biology and biochemistry. Core introductory modules will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical's allowing you to develop the research skills that will be necessary throughout your degree.

In year two you will begin to specialise in the area of genetics, with compulsory modules including genetic engineering, bacterial genetics, and human genetics. Whilst you continue to hone your research and practical skills you will also have the chance to participate in an industrial placement or study year abroad at the end of year 2, a fantastic opportunity to broaden your experience and further develop your CV.

In year three you will be immersed even deeper into the research environment here at Leeds. You will undertake your own independent research project under the supervision of one of our research academics as well as studying advanced level modules in areas such as cancer genetics and comparative genomics. Upon graduation you will be equipped with specialised knowledge as well as broader transferable skills ideal for succeeding in the graduate job market.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You will be required to study 120 credits.

Compulsory modules

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA - AAB

  Including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, science in society, statistics, use of mathematics.

  Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

  GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) Maths and Grade 4 (C) English.

  • Career opportunities

    Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.

    96% of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2014/15). Recent careers include genetics research, genetic counselling, scientific publishing and science journalism, sakes and management in science-related industries, teaching, scientific administration and science policy development. Some students also go onto Masters or PhD study. According to recently collected data, the average starting salary in the field of Genetics has been estimated to be around £21,000 (DLHE 2012/2013).

    Our degree prepares you for a wide range of opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers. Graduate prospects have been seen to be high in the area of genetics, leading to a high level of graduate employment from the course.

    Recent graduate destinations include:

    Careers support

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

  • Field courses

    One of the most exciting aspects of our degrees is the range of opportunities for fieldwork on offer. Field courses offer valuable opportunities to apply your knowledge and practical research skills outside of the lab, so we offer at least the option of a field course in every year.
    Year 1: Coastal and Uplands Habitats, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
    This compulsory course takes place over the summer after your end of year exams and gives you a first taste of field research in a group setting. You'll get a taste of Yorkshire's natural history and be exposed to a wide range of natural systems: moorland plants and birds, intertidal invertebrates, freshwater fish and insects and sea bird colonies.
    Year 2: Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour, Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales
    An optional course which runs after the summer exams, this course will expand on the training you've gained in your first two years of study. You'll choose from projects on a wide range of topics in behaviour and ecology including bat behaviours, bird song and habitat preferences of small mammals. If you're feeling brave you could also take part in a caving trip - and there's our infamous treasure hunt and pub quiz.
    Year 2: Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
    Usually involves a trip to the Iberian Peninsula, this course allows you to explore issues surrounding biodiversity conservation across Europe, including the challenges of growing human populations and habitat restoration. You'll work in groups of two or three to conduct independent research projects. Recently these have included social interactions between macaque troops, the effects of feather parasites on bird performance and thermoregulation in lizards.
    Year 3: African Ecology Field Course, South Africa
    This optional course takes place in The Great Fish River Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. You'll take part in group projects collecting data and samples and analysing them, with help from both Leeds lecturers and demonstrators and staff from nearby Rhodes University. Past projects have included the diet of the black rhino, small mammal diversity and distribution and kudu-vegetation interactions.
    Find out more and view photo galleries from our Field Courses

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