爱尔兰国立高威大学

Genetics and Genomics is an exciting area of science involving the study and use of DNA based data in the life sciences. Genetics is the study of how DNA is the blueprint for functionality in every cell and is also the code that passes information from one generation to the next. New sequencing technologies can now generate vast quantities of data from DNA. Genomics is the study of these data to make important discoveries in areas such as medicine, agriculture, evolution, the environment and biotechnology.

1st Year: Students will receive a foundational scientific understanding of principles that govern the complex nature of living systems through studying biology, chemistry, and mathematics and computer science.

2nd Year: Students will learn about the biology of living cells and organisms, including their evolutionary origin. Students will be introduced to the techniques that allow us to study humans, animals, plants and microbes at a genetic level. This extends to understanding how genetics underpins and drives innovation in areas such as medicine, agriculture and the environment.

3rd Year: Within core modules, students will learn about molecular genetic processes that control cell cycle, DNA replication and gene expression. Students will learn about the application of genomic tools to study bacteria and viruses. Students will extend their knowledge of evolutionary biology. Students will develop a deeper understanding of human, plant and agricultural genetics. Students will receive practical training in molecular biology techniques and in the analysis of genetics and genomics data. Elective modules will give students the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and further develop skills in areas such as cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, microbiology, statistics, computer programming or the application of mathematical methods in genomic analysis.

4th Year: A large portion of the students’ efforts will be dedicated to an independent research project supervised by an academic member of staff, usually as part of a research team. A student-driven literature review project carried out with guidance and direction of an academic member of staff will also be completed. In parallel, students will further develop their skills in genetics and genomics and chose elective pathways.

Further Education

Graduates can pursue a higher degree (MSc/PhD) at NUI Galway or in other national or international universities. Example Masters courses at NUI Galway would include:

• MSc in Biomedical/Computational Genomics
• MSc in Biomedical Science
• MSc in Biotechnology
• MSc in Cancer Research
• MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
• MSc in Neuropharmacology/Toxicology
• MSc in Clinical Neuroscience

Career Opportunities

There is growing demand for individuals that have both an in-depth understanding of genetics and the numerical and computer skills required to investigate and interpret genomic data. This will offer our graduates opportunities in genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Study Abroad

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend one semester of 3rd Year in the United States (e.g., University of California) or in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology). At these universities, students will be able to study a range of subjects related to Genetics and Genomics as a well as experiencing student life in a different environment and culture.