What is the study of Genetics?

Genetics is the branch of biology that specifically looks at genes, and more broadly looks at heredity in living organisms.  Essentially it is the study of DNA and how genes encoded by DNA give rise to living organisms.  More recently, the field of genetics has evolved to help understand what happens when genes and their associated products do not function as designed, leading to various life limiting genetic disorders and cancers.

Medical Genetics is making an enormous impact in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Knowledge obtained from sequencing the human genome is allowing researchers to understand the many diseases that have genetic components. Many medical doctors who become involved in research focus on genetic aspects of human health and disease.

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Our Student Stories

Erin Macdonald
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"The course covers a variety of topics such as Immunology, Research Skills and Eukaryotic Cell Biology. Studying at Swansea has been different for me because I started during Covid-19 but I've had more lectures and face-to-face workshops on campus this year and always look forward to them. My favourite subject on my course so far is Immunology and Human Physiology. I really like learning about the body's systems and how treatments work and treat a variety of diseases and also how the body responds to the treatment."

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What careers could be open to me when i graduate?

Throughout your studies you will develop skills and knowledge on a broad range of topics to prepare you for roles in a wide variety of professions. Career opportunities can be endless due to the way in which genetics underpins all biological life, therefore a genetics degree can make you highly competitive in many biological fields. 

At Swansea University, your ability to choose modules that suit you own personal interests in genetics allowing you to shape your degree. Our family of genetics degrees will give you access to a range of exciting careers, including academia, industrial research, pharmaceuticals, genetic counselling, medical writing and the food and beverage industries to name a few.

This course is also one of our Pathways to Medicine degrees offering the opportunity of a guaranteed interview for Graduate Entry Medicine, helping you achieve your ambition to study Medicine and become a Doctor. They are ideal if you:

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Find out more information about each of our courses. On the course page you will find information on modules, entry requirements, teaching staff, tuition fees and how our Pathways to Medicine work.

Genetics

Our range of Genetics courses will give you an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. You will learn techniques for analysing gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, image analysis of biomolecules and cells, and advanced computer analytical methods. The study of genetics is an exciting and fast-moving field that is making an enormous impact in a range of scientific areas, including the understanding and treatment of diseases, pharmaceutical development, evolution, and the conservation of biodiversity.

Explore our courses:

Medical Genetics Biochemistry and Genetics