Biomedical Genetics
Biomedical genetics is the branch of biology concerned with how genes work, how genetic variation arises, and how it influences health, disease, and development. The discipline lies at the heart of modern medicine: advances in our ability to sequence, analyse, and manipulate genomes are transforming our understanding of cancer, inherited disorders, infectious disease, pharmacogenomics, and reproductive medicine. Biomedical genetics combines classical genetics with molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics, and it requires both strong scientific understanding and the ability to engage with the ethical and social implications of genetic knowledge.
At the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, this three-year, full-time programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement experience, making it one of the most professionally and internationally developed undergraduate programmes in the field. The academic curriculum covers molecular genetics, genomics, developmental biology, cytogenetics, immunogenetics, and bioinformatics, developing both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills across a range of techniques including PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, and genetic analysis software. Newcastle has particular strength in translational biomedical research, and the programme reflects the university's commitment to connecting basic science with clinical and industrial application.
The sandwich placement year and work placements might be in NHS genetics laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or research institutes, giving you direct professional experience in applied genetics. The year abroad adds an international scientific perspective that is increasingly relevant in a field that is genuinely global.
Graduates work in clinical genetics, forensic science, pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, academic research, and public health genomics. Many go on to postgraduate study including PhD research in genetics, genomics, or related molecular biosciences. Those interested in clinical genetic counselling or genetic laboratory science can pursue additional professional qualifications after their degree.