MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) - 2024 entry

Year 1 (Stage 1)

In your first year you will explore the science that underpins the advancement of modern medical practice. The emphasis is on understanding the normal functioning of the human body, from enzymes through to whole biological systems. Without this core knowledge of how the body works, it would be impossible for us, as scientists, to devise the new diagnostic tests, drugs or treatments that will best benefit patients.

Alongside traditional lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, you will engage in small group work where you are given the freedom to explore a scientific topic under the expert guidance of one of our tutors (in the Integrated Human Physiology module). Your core laboratory skills will be developed through laboratory-based practicals that run alongside and support your other sessions. Some sessions also involve a doctor, scientist and patient to explore key clinical cases from three different perspectives.

You will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio, in which you chart your progress from a new student to a professional individual ready for the world of employment. You will do this by analysing your academic performance and the frequent feedback offered by the school to identify opportunities for personal and professional development to help you achieve your career goals. Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your Personal Tutor and through various workshops and training sessions.

Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your Academic Tutor. Additionally, training and support is provided through various workshops and seminars organised by the Programme’s Academic Lead for Careers and Employability within the compulsory core module, Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists (CSC1004, 30 credits) and the non-credit-bearing modules, Academic Tutor Group and Employability (CSC1909 and CSC1905). Some of these sessions are delivered by the dedicated Careers Consultant assigned to the Faculty. At this level, you will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism portfolio, a collection of work and feedback that documents your development into a highly employable, skilled graduate.

Please note that successful completion of the University’s training on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism, within the CSC1004 module, is compulsory in order for you to progress to Stage 2 of study. In order to pass, you must achieve at least 80% on the assessment, but you may attempt the assessment as many times as is necessary.

You will also receive lectures and information during Stage 1 to preview different specialist pathways available to inform your choice in Year 2 if you decide to study a topic in more depth.

Year 2 (Stage 2)

The second year focuses on the scientific basis of important diseases, beginning with some fundamental insights into the ways in which human biology goes awry in disease. This knowledge is then used to explore how cutting-edge scientific technologies can be exploited to advance disease diagnosis and treatment. 

Within a variety of learning environments, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals and small group learning, you will have opportunities to investigate and debate how disease develops and how healthcare can be improved. Key aspects of applied research are explored, including clinical research methods and its design and setting within healthcare environments. Your understanding of these areas develops through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities which enhance your practical research skills and knowledge of contemporary medical research issues.

If you wish to pursue the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) Pathway and be able to transfer on to the MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) at the end of Stage 2, you are required to take 75 credits of compulsory modules, tabulated below.

Year 3 (Stage 3)

To transfer and progress to Stage 3 you must achieve a credit-weighted stage average of at least 60% in Stage 2, otherwise you will be required to continue on the relevant three year BSc programme.

In your final year you have opportunities to study and undertake research to help improve current medical knowledge and practice. In addition to the core modules, you can select from a range of optional specialist advanced modules, enabling you to tailor your degree to match your own specific interests and career ambitions. 

You will look at authentic and complex clinical case scenarios and, working as a team, apply evidence-based scientific theory and explore emerging new health technologies to help improve patient health. During this year, you will undertake a clinical/medical research project, closely supervised by an expert research professional.

You will complete your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio. Support will be provided to help you consider your career options and help consolidate your CV and interview technique.

If you wish to continue on the MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) programme, you are required to complete 120 credits at Stage 3, made up of 45 credits of compulsory modules, including the 15 credit compulsory pathway module CSC3011 (Medical Genomics); you must take 45 credits from CSC3029, and at least 15 credits must be selected from the pathway-specific optional modules CSC3009 (Pharmacogenomics) and BIO3092 (Bioinformatics).  The remaining 15 credits may be chosen from the optional modules from the table below, and those developed and advertised annually on the Medical Sciences webpages. Enrolment on optional modules will be conditional on your having completed any required prerequisite modules at Stages Two.

In Year 4 (Stage 4) students must take 120 credits from the modules listed below including either HPDM042 Research Project (60 credits) or HPDM043 Research Project (Literature) (30 credits). Where students have done a literature review as their Research Project at Stage 3 we recommend they opt for HPDM042 at Stage 4.