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 expression

The contribution of genome science to the diagnosis and prevention of disease

Evolutionary biology, from Darwin to genomics

Molecular cell biology

The human genome

Bioinformatics and genomics

You 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 abroad

Your 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 university

Placement year

Alternatively, 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.