Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge

NST II Genetics

Information for current Part II Genetics students is available on the Genetics Part II CamTools site. See also the other links on the right.

Information for staff and supervisors is available on the Department of Genetics Internal Information website [and on the Part II CamTools website for those with access]

The Part II brochure 2012 for IB students, which provides more information about the course and its organisation, is still available > DOWNLOAD HERE. NB This is not the full course handbook for incoming Part IIs, but an overview of teaching.

The Course Organisers for 2011/12 are Marisa Segal and Catherine Lindon. They can be contacted on: ptIIorganisers@gen.cam.ac.uk

Part II Genetics course overview

5 Modules, spread over the Michaelmas and Lent terms, each consisting of about 24 lectures. All modules are compulsory (we do not operate an options system), because we want to ensure that you leave with a broad view of genetics

Module 1: Chromosomes, the Cell Cycle and Cancer
Module 2: Plant and Microbial Genetics
Module 3: Developmental Genetics
Module 4: Human Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology
Module 5: Evolutionary Genetics

Outlines of each module can be found HERE

Each module has additional sessions, where students work in groups:

journal paper analysis sessions
problem solving / data handling sessions

Lecturers schedule supervisions, to help consolidate information taught in each Module
Social Aspects of Genetics [SAG] discussions, some organised by visiting scientists, allow students to tackle issues such as on GMOs, scientific fraud, bio- and medical ethics
Talks on 'supporting' subjects such as:

Applying for a PhD and careers in general
Searching genome and bibliographic databases
Bioinformatics/ Microarray data analysis
RNA interference

Part IIs also attend two series of research seminars:
- Thursday “Departmental seminar programme” where external speakers talk about their work
- “Tuesday lunchtime series” in which Departmental PhD students outline their research
An extended essay is written during the Christmas vacation. Examples of past titles can be found HERE
A project, hosted by one of the Department’s research groups, is undertaken during the Lent Term. This can be either a lab 'wet' project, or a 'dry' project. Examples of past research projects offered can be found HERE. You can find out more about research in the Genetics Department here via the listing of labs

Exams and final marks

Five Papers, one for each Module. Each paper contributes 15% of the final marks (75% in total)
A research project and the assessed extended essay together count as 25% of the final marks

For the programme specification, admission requirements and assessment: Part II Genetics go to: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/p2/gen.html

More information on the Part II BBS option is available HERE and on the BBS website

Department of Genetics

Part II Genetics course overview

Exams and final marks

Other useful links