Molecular Genetics BSc at Kings College London

Overview

The Molecular Genetics BSc at King’s is a multidisciplinary degree programme focusing on the advances in the field of biology that investigate how the structure and functions of genes and the genome regulate the processes and mechanisms of life. Geneticists study how DNA is replicated, repaired, and decoded to make protein and other molecules within cells and tissues, which in turn impact the physiology, behaviour, and wellbeing of living things. The course covers the broad range of genetics from the molecular basis of genes and genomes to evolutionary and ecological genetics. The understanding of how genes and genomes work provides insights into disease and avenues for developing new therapies within personalised medicine, As an expanding research area, Molecular Genetics contains many topics about our life, health and wellbeing and many issues of wide relevance for today’s society.

Studying a Biomedical Science degree with us means that you will be able to enjoy the flexibility to choose your degree after your first year with our Common Year One curriculum. All Biomedical Science disciplines are covered in the first year, making the decision for your future an informed one.

Key benefits:

• Europe's largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
• Close links with the Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Genetics service and Genomic Laboratory Hub
• State-of-the-art research facilities such as the Biomedical Research Centre’s Genomics Core Facility
• Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers
• One of the UK’s best graduate employment rates
• Contemporary approach based on our history of pioneering discoveries – including our part in finding the structure of DNA
• Flexible options to tailor your degree through overseas study, work placement or to switch to a four-year MSci

Description

The Molecular Genetics course is continually evolving in the light of advances in the field, and reflecting the rapid rate of conceptual and technological development. The course provides knowledge and training in understanding how genetic information influences the processes of life in healthy and diseased organisms. This degree focuses on the new genetic methods and technologies that advance our understanding of mechanisms of life. You will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of genetics and the basis of human genetic disease as well as a wide variety of other disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular imaging, systems biology, bioinformatics neuroscience and psychology. During the course, you will also train in modern laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis and presentation.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

In Year 2 you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, or to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year 1’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci.

Career prospects

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Our graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD.

A degree in Molecular Genetics opens the door to many career options. Graduates are in great demand in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biotechnology and healthcare industries, or in the marketing, sales and management areas.

Career destinations

Recent graduates have found employment as:

• Research Project Co-ordinators
• Company Managers
• Business Analysts
• Scientific Copy Editors

Students have gone on to further study in molecular genetics whilst others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including genomic medicine, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.