BSc Biological Sciences in Genetics

From your very first days at Birmingham, you’ll dive straight into hands-on science. This degree combines modern lab training with collaborative, research-driven teaching—giving you the confidence and practical skills to thrive as a scientist. With access to advanced facilities, interactive modules, and real research projects, your learning goes far beyond the textbook.

Here’s what makes your experience unique:

• Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL): Work in a cutting-edge facility with wet labs, dry labs, and e-labs—all supported by digital pre-lab resources, in-lab guidance, and post-lab analysis tools that help you get the most from every experiment.
• CTL Biolabs (R27): Specialised labs dedicated to Biosciences, equipped with benchtop computers, Muse cell analysers, gel documentation systems, tissue culture cabinets, and even a 3D printer to bring your project ideas to life.
• Structured Practical Teaching: In your first year, you’ll build core experimental skills through weekly lab classes. By your final year, you’ll take on an independent research project, working alongside PhD researchers to experience science at the professional level.
• Communication & Skills Module: In Year 2, this module sharpens your ability to think and communicate like a scientist. You’ll practice writing, presenting, teamwork, and explore ethics, data analysis, and literature review—skills that prepare you for both research and the workplace.
• Research Facilities Access: As a Genetics student, you’ll gain hands-on experience with specialist equipment, from mass spectrometry and advanced light microscopy to biomolecular characterisation and genomics/omics technologies. Ecological research is also supported by dedicated containment glasshouses.
• Library & Learning Community: Beyond labs, spaces like the Bioscience Undercroft give you a vibrant hub for study and collaboration—whether it’s preparing group projects, sharing posters, or simply connecting with your peers in a supportive environment.

Graduates step confidently into roles such as Geneticist, Molecular Biology Research Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, or Biotechnology Consultant—driven by Birmingham’s powerful mix of research-led teaching, practical lab training, and tailored career support. The course not only builds your scientific expertise but also develops the professional skills that employers and postgraduate programmes value.

Here’s how Birmingham sets you up for success:

• Tailored Careers Support: You’ll have access to Birmingham’s Careers Network, which provides one-to-one coaching, mentoring from industry professionals, and sector-focused events like the STEM and autumn careers fairs. The Birmingham Award also helps you gain formal recognition for developing employability skills.
• Outstanding Graduate Prospects: Birmingham is one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top graduate employers (Graduate Market Report 2024). Within 15 months of finishing, 87.2% of students are working in graduate-level roles or continuing into further study.
• Strong Employer Connections: Graduates move into careers with leading organisations including The Binding Site, GSK, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Amgen, and AstraZeneca—reflecting the strong links Birmingham maintains with the life sciences sector.
• Accredited Quality: The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, giving your qualification professional weight and long-term recognition across research, healthcare, and industry.
• Graduation Outcomes: Alumni pursue careers in research, healthcare, conservation, and education, or go on to postgraduate training. Many progress to MBChB (Medicine), MSc programmes in Biomedical Research, PhDs, or roles within organisations like the NHS.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re considering postgraduate study, this Genetics degree gives you a strong platform. Graduates often progress to MSc or PhD programmes in genetics, molecular biology, and related areas. Others transition into professional postgraduate training in medicine, dentistry, or teaching—building on the scientific depth and career-focused support Birmingham provides.