MEDICAL GENETICS & GENOMICS MSc(MedSci) at University of Glasgow

Genetics has had an enormous impact throughout healthcare. With the development of newer sophisticated technologies, this impact is rapidly increasing. Many research scientists, clinical laboratory scientists and clinicians are now needed to investigate the causes (and improve the management) of the very large (and increasing) number of diseases known to have significant genetic or genomic causes.

The aim of this programme is to provide you with a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Medical Genetics and Genomics allowing you to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals and families with genetic disease.

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
• Explore the effects of mutations and variants as well as the current techniques used in NHS genetics laboratory diagnostics and recent developments in diagnostics (including microarray analysis and the use of massively parallel [“next-generation”] sequencing).
• Learn directly from NHS staff about the latest developments to the service at the West of Scotland Genetic Services, Queen Elizabeth Campus.
• Develop your skills in problem solving, experimental design, evaluation and interpretation of experimental data, literature searches, scientific writing, oral presentations, poster presentations and team working.
• Lay the academic foundations on which you may build in pursuing research at PhD level in genetics or related areas of biomedical science or by moving into related careers in diagnostic services.
• Gain hands-on experience and guidance in using software and online resources for genetic diagnosis and for the evaluation of pathogenesis of DNA sequence variants.The widely used textbook “Essential Medical Genetics” is co-authored by a member of the core teaching team, Professor Edward Tobias.
• Access new developments in medical genetics incorporated into the lectures and interactive teaching sessions very soon after they are presented at international meetings or published.
• Collaboration between staff from the University of Glasgow and the NHS West of Scotland Genetics Service enables the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics to provide a state-of-the-art view of the application of modern genetic and genomic technologies in medical genetics research and diagnostics, and in delivery of a high quality genetics service to patients, as well as in design of targeted therapies.
• The full spectrum of genetic services is represented, from patient and family counselling to diagnostic testing of individuals and screening of entire populations for genetic conditions: eg the NHS prenatal and newborn screening programmes.
• Based on the south side of the River Clyde in the purpose built Teaching & Learning Centre, at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals (we are located 4 miles from the main University Campus).
• The Centre also houses state of the art educational resources, including a purpose built teaching laboratory, computing facilities and a well equipped library.
• Close collaboration between university and hospital staff ensures the Medical Genetics MSc provides an up-to-date representation of the practice of medical genetics and you will have the opportunity to observe during clinics and visit the diagnostic laboratories at the new Southern General Hospital laboratory medicine building.
• For doctors: The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Training Board (JRCPTB) in the UK recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics (which was established in 1984) as counting for six months of the higher specialist training in Clinical Genetics.
• The Medical Council of Hong Kong recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics from University of Glasgow in it's list of Quotable Qualifications.
• A fully up-to-date Medical Genetics degree delivered by dedicated, multi-award-winning teaching and clinical staff of the University, with considerable input from hospital-based Regional Genetics Service clinicians and clinical scientists.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduate jobs can be found in the UK, Europe, North America, Middle East, South Asia and East Asia in overseas hospitals, life science companies, the NHS and academia.

Research: About half of our graduates enter a research career and most of these graduates undertake and complete PhDs in fields such as genetics, cancer studies, biosciences, neuroscience and genome science and technology. One or two graduates have also progressed on to graduate entry routes to medicine.

The MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics facilitates acquisition of skills relevant to a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines.

Diagnostics: Some of our graduates enter careers with clinical genetic diagnostic services, often within NHS laboratories.

Several graduates have become heads of diagnostic services or laboratories, around the world.

Clinical genetics: Those of our graduates with a prior medical / nursing training often utilise their new skills in careers as clinical geneticists or genetic counsellors.

Other: The focus of teaching is on using the current technologies for genetic diagnostics within health service laboratories.

Many of these technologies are also used in diverse areas of biomedical science research and in forensic DNA analysis.

Graduate jobs can be found in the UK, Europe, North America, Middle East, South Asia and East Asia in overseas hospitals, life science companies, the NHS and academia. Many have entered careers in:

• Medicine
• Scientific publishing
• Education
• Industry, particularly with companies providing or developing genetics and genomics-related medical services.

Example job positions include:

• R&D lab technician
• product development technician
• medical technical officer (NHS)
• genetic technologist
• trainee clinical scientist (NHS)
• university lecturer
• university laboratory officer