Genetics (Immunology) with Industrial Placement, MSci
Introduction
Exclusive 2024 Enrolment: Open to applications for upcoming academic year only
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSci
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- C451
Enhance your undergraduate degree with a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
Genetics allows us to understand normal events such as development, growth and ageing in terms of the underlying molecular machinery of the cell. This includes the development and functioning of the Immune system which protects us from pathogens. It helps explain what goes wrong in disease and, for example, in Immunology why we may develop debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
In this degree programme we combine Genetics and Immunology, aiming to instil a broad base of knowledge in both at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Additionally, students will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Genetics and Immunology which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the School, and will be instructed in the many applications of these subjects.
In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but, in general terms, you will have the opportunity to do a placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will be able to develop a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.
What You'll Study
A degree in Genetics (Immunology) is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
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In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
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15 Credit Points
This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level and is suitable for students with different backgrounds including little or no previous study of chemistry. The basic concepts of quantitative chemistry will be covered, along with the different types of organic molecules, acids and bases, and the principles of kinetics and thermodynamics. The relevance of the course materials to life science is emphasised throughout.
Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that reinforce and complement the taught material.
The course will allow students to continue with other chemistry courses as part of their enhanced study by providing discipline breadth.
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
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15 Credit Points
- Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
- Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
- Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
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15 Credit Points
Chemistry plays a vital role in the life sciences, explaining the properties of biomolecules and how biological processes work at a molecular level. Organic reaction mechanisms give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised and methods of chemical analysis introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences. The relationship between energy, entropy and equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered and the course concludes with a survey of the molecules of life – proteins, enzymes and sugars.
Laboratory classes complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
- The Cell (SM1501)
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15 Credit Points
• Cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science.• This course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies.• All practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology.• Employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive enterprise session and our online mini course.
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
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In year 2 the basic principles of gene action and immunology are explored including Genes and Evolution and Microbes, Infection & Immunity. You also have a choice of other science courses.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
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15 Credit Points
- Physiology is the science of understanding life. It allows you to explore and understand why your body does what it does and how it does it;
- This introductory physiology course explores living processes at the level of cells and molecules;
- The course lays down many of the fundamental concepts of physiology required to appreciate advanced study of many of the medical science disciplines;
- You will gain practical experience and understanding of electrophysiological techniques required for the study of electrically excitable tissues, like nerves and muscle;
- You will also gain valuable experience in the key skill of writing formal scientific reports
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
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15 Credit Points
- this course will provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic information is stored, how it is accessed by the cell to form functional proteins and how the release of this information is controlled to produce a healthy human child;
- understanding this process is essential to understanding the basis of human disease and the course will examine how genetic differences affect disease susceptibility;
- this popular, comprehensive and cutting edge course will equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence in molecular biology required to progress on all courses undertaken in the School of Medical Sciences
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
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15 Credit Points
- this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science;
- feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability;
- numerical, analytical, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio;
- this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have been commended by employers and students alike.
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
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15 Credit Points
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The Physiology of Human Organ Systems course aims to develop and integrated understanding of human organ structure and function through:
• innovative teaching approaches covering the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems
• participation in practical classes where students act as subjects and investigators. These will reinforce lecture material, develop scientific acumen and build team working skills
• focussed and interactive problem solving sessions applying knowledge to clinical scenarios, and developing fundamental skills critically required in the final years of the degree;
• informal teaching sessions where one-to-one staff-student interactions encourage discussion in a non-threatening environment
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- Microbes, Infection & Immunity (BI25M5)
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15 Credit Points
- If you counted the bacteria in your gut, you might be surprised to find that you have 10 times more than you have cells in your body;
- The moment we are born, we become colonised with beneficial microbial life, the start of a relationship that impacts upon our health and well-being
- Pathogenic microbes represent an important health threat requiring an understanding both of infection and technology that we use to protect us.
- This course explores the positive and negative aspects of our relationship with microbes, and how our immune system helps to maintain a fragile peace with our closest neighbours
- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
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15 Credit Points
- understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines;
- this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease;
- this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications;
- you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery which will build essential employability skills in experimental design, data analysis and practical laboratory skills
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)
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15 Credit Points
- this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
- it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
- you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
- these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
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In year 3 courses will focus on genetics, immunology and cell biology.
Compulsory Courses
- Working Out? Placement & Career Skills (BT3006)
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5 Credit Points
- A pre-requisite for all students intending to apply for a year’s industrial placement.
- This course covers the skills necessary to complete placement applications by exploring CV preparation, writing covering letters, completing application forms, identification of your skill sets and good interview technique.
- The course will prepare you for the workplace by making you aware of general employability skills and by helping you identify your own transferable skills.
- The Molecular Biology of The Cell (MB3006)
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30 Credit Points
- a course detailing for the first time how a cell really works; we reveal and explain how cell biology is governed by a cell's molecular biology and biochemistry;
- a course placing a high value on its teaching and learning; all lecture material supported by non-assessed workshops – your chance to team-work, ask questions and enjoy the science;
- contains an extended research practical; you carry out lab research to understand how cells responds to starvation stress, and write up in research paper format;
- we teach how to access the scientific literature and write successful essays, preparing you for Honours year
- Genetics (GN3502)
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30 Credit Points
- this is a comprehensive course, providing an essential foundation for all advanced studies in Genetics, Chromosome Biology and Molecular Biology;
- the principles of molecular genetics and population genetics will be covered, with an emphasis on their application to the understanding of human biology. The teaching material will integrate information arising from the recent explosion of genome sequence data, equipping students with the necessary skills to engage with this rapidly developing field;
- a wide range of transferable skills are embedded within the course, including problem-solving, critical analysis of research materials, essay writing and subject-specific laboratory and computational skills;
- Fundamentals of Immunology (IM3501)
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30 Credit Points
- This course will give you a broad understanding of the immune system, the way it works and its role in health and disease;
- you will cover the core concepts which are essential for advanced study in Immunology;
- practical classes will extend your knowledge and abilities in both generic laboratory techniques and those more specifically related to Immunology;
- you will gain wider transferrable skills including team-working, improved ability to present and interpret data and write reports, and improved numerical skills all of which are key requirements for employers
- Year 4
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You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
Compulsory Courses
- Industrial Placement (BT5007)
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120 Credit Points
- an industrial placement allows students to experience workplace culture and makes them more effective employees following graduation;
- placements vary considerably but in general terms, students are placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where they obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement their degree programme;
- students are employed by their host company and can expect to work a normal 40 hour week, possibly on a number of projects, over a full calendar year;
- tutorial assistance from a member of the University academic staff is available via email and / or telephone throughout the year
- Year 5
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The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of genetics and immunology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Honours Genetics - Option 1 (GN4010)
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15 Credit Points
- this advanced course explores the genetic basis of what it is to be human;
- the course offers a comprehensive view of the human genome and how it has been shaped by human history and prehistory, using information from genetics, medicine and archaeology;
- the interplay between genetics and culture will be examined, showing how these factors are important for understanding the variation in human health and disease;
- the course explores the recent findings arising from analyses of human genome data, both individual and population-wide, and provides training in the tools used in these analyses
- Honours Immunology - Option 2 (IM4307)
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15 Credit Points
- understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in our immunity will lead to vast treatment improvements for a range of diseases, especially in the areas of autoimmunity, cancer, transplantation and infection;
- a deeper understanding of our immune system has already been exploited in so many ways – immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease, in kits that aid early diagnosis of disease, as prognostic markers of disease activity, in the development of novel vaccination strategies;
- this course which focuses on recent advances in molecular Immunology will start you on the path to further, higher studies of the immune system
- Honours Advanced Molecular Biology (MB4050)
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30 Credit Points
This course covers four main areas of advanced research-led molecular biology:
• Genome Organisation and Analysis• Proteins: Structure, Function and Engineering• Control of Gene Expression• Advanced Molecular Techniques
The course also teaches you about the scientific methods and discoveries that lie behind the above topics and covers detailed examples from the current scientific literature.
- Medical Sciences Honours Research Project (SM4501)
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60 Credit Points
- Final year Honours project offers an excellent opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or lab-based scientific research.
- With projects from disciplines throughout the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition to choose from, this is an opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers.
- The project forms the zenith of your degree and fosters development of the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, as well as heightening analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- The opportunity to be part of a novel, yet-to-be published research project can be career-defining and provides experience to prepare you for the future.
- Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)
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Data Analysis examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.
- Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)
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General Essay examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 5 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Genetics (Immunology)?
- You will spend the fourth year of your degree in paid employment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.
- Genetics has been revolutionised by the application of new genome sequencing technologies. You will benefit from the investment made in this technology from the formation of the Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine at the University, with the opportunities that it creates in the fields of genome analysis and bioinformatics training.
- Our teaching is underpinned by world leading research groups for example in immunohematology and the Immunology of Fungal Infection
- Throughout the programme there is a strong emphasis on medical and human genetics as well as Immunology.
- Training is provided in both specialist and employment-related skills.
- Innovative and flexible teaching allowing you, the student, to follow special interests.
- You will have opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA:
Applicants who achieve AAAB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers may be required.
Highers at AB from two Science or Maths subjects required.
A Level:
A minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB.
A levels at AB from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
International Baccalaureate:
A minimum of 34 points. 6 points at HL from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA:
Applicants who achieve AAAB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers may be required.
Highers at AB from two Science or Maths subjects required.
A Level:
A minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB.
A levels at AB from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
International Baccalaureate:
A minimum of 34 points. 6 points at HL from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
University of Aberdeen Genetics graduates have adopted a variety of research careers in biological and biomedical sciences, in both University and Industry.
Many of our graduates follow their degree with PhD research. Others move into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Some of our graduates have gone on to train for careers in Genetic Counselling, Biomedical Ethics and Forensic sciences.
Major employers of Genetics graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and related industries.
Students in Genetics and related disciplines at Aberdeen have taken part in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) Competition, which is held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. iGEM is a competition that gives undergraduate student experience of the exciting field of synthetic biology. Past UoA teams have won gold medals.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options are offered:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- An industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
What our Alumni Say
Abigail Hay
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Jonathan Pettitt
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Science Teaching Hub
Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX