Human Molecular Genetics - MSc

Credit: Peter Artymiuk, Wellcome Images. DNA double helix and sequencing output Molecular model of a DNA double helix showing the individual atoms (apart from hydrogen) as coloured balls. Carbon atoms are in white, oxygen in red, phosporus in purple and nitrogen in blue. The background shows the fluorescent banding of the seqencing output from an automated DNA sequencing machine.

At a glance...

Course code: A3BD

Duration: 1 year full-time

Start date: October

Entry requirements: A good honours degree in biochemical sciences, genetics or a related subject (more information)

Organised by: School of Public Health

Course Director: Professor Philippe Froguel

Organising Department: Genomics of Common Diseases

Course Coordinator/enquiries: Dr Toby Andrew

Course Administrator/enquiries: Deborah Jones

Locations: Hammersmith Hospital (primary) St Mary’s Campus / Northwick Park Campus (secondary)

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How to apply

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This course is designed to prepare you for a genetics research career, either in human gene function and genetic disease, or molecular approaches to diagnosis, or health care biotechnology. It provides a broad grounding in Human Genetics, with emphasis on molecular aspects, to give a solid basis for subsequent academic or industrial research, or for entry to NHS Genetics training.

Objectives

To provide training and skills for a career in human genetics
To provide the necessary skills and basic knowledge required to underpin a higher degree in the same or a related discipline
To facilitate the conversion of graduates from other relevant disciplines to human molecular genetics
Course content

The science of human genetics has been transformed in the past decade. Following the sequencing of the entire human genome, a wealth of resources is now available to researchers aiming to identify the genetic variants that influence human health. These findings will shed light on the underlying molecular pathology of many diseases that are poorly understood at present, eventually paving the way for novel treatment and prevention strategies. The speed at which these discoveries are being made is accelerating, and it is likely that molecular genetics will soon underpin much of modern medicine.

Career Opportunities

Approximately 50% of our students go on to do a PhD, 25% become research assistants/associates, while others go on to jobs in industry or further studies (bioinformatics/ computing medicine). Typically one or two students every year enter the NHS in clinical genetics training posts.

Imperial College works closely with employers and industry, including Industrial Advisory Panels to design Master’s courses which provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills and to encourage students to take internships and placements. All Master’s courses are designed with employer needs in mind with some Master’s courses accredited by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies. Most Master’s courses offer an opportunity to carry out research projects in industry.