MSc in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis

The programme is designed to equip students to meet the growing requirement by industry and academia for individuals with expertise in quantitative genetics and analysis of genomics data. Edinburgh has an outstanding international reputation in the field of genetics and the MSc draws on this expertise for teaching and research projects. The degree consists of a two semesters (Sept to April) of lectures, computer practicals and tutorials (approx 18 hours a week). Students are also expected to attend weekly graduate-level seminars and relevant generic skills courses in IT, scientific writing, oral presentations, research project planning etc. Assessment of the taught (Diploma) stage is by a combination of in-course assignments and written examinations held in December and May. Students who pass the taught stage at Masters level are given permission to proceed to the project stage. This is a 3-month individual research project supervised by internationally recognised academics and dissertation submission for the award of the MSc degree. Entry requirements Applicants are required to have a good UK Honours degree or equivalent in either the biological or physical sciences. Biologists are required to show evidence of strong numerical skills and non-biologists an intention to transfer into quantitative biology. Programme structure Semester 1 (Sept-Dec) 50 credits Population and quantitative genetics; Genetic interpretation; Statistics and data analysis. Semester 2 (Jan-April) 70 credits Genome analysis; QTL detection and genome analysis (practical course); Individual mini research project; Plus one course from the following: Molecular Phylogenetics Bioinformatics Plus one course from the following: Evolutionary genetics Human genetics Principles of genetic improvement (livestock genetics) Summer A 3-month research project and satisfactory research dissertation is compulsory for the Master s degree. Careers/Learning outcomes QGGA graduates have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills which provides an ideal foundation for doctoral studies. The 3-month research project gives students an authentic research experience and is a very popular element of the course. Over the past three years, 64% of QGGA graduates of known destination have gone straight on to PhD degrees; another 16% have enrolled for further postgraduate training courses such as other Masters courses and teacher training. The course also equips students with transferable skills that make them attractive to a wide variety of employers and 20% of our graduates are employed in the private and public sector.