Introduction to the Teaching of Genetics at Cambridge

We believe that as far as possible the teaching of genetics should be integrated with, and stimulated by, research in the subject - firstly because of the educational benefits; and secondly, because we feel this is the best way to interest and enthuse students, and to train and motivate good students for research.

We teach genetics in several first year (Part IA) and second year (Part IB)  courses within the Natural Sciences Tripos, in the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos, and to a class of approximately 30 third year (Part II) students wishing to specialise in Genetics. We also contribute to an interdepartmental fourth year course, Part III Systems Biology.

Biology teaching in Cambridge is organised across departmental boundaries for the first two years: So, if you are a science student with an interest in genetics, you might take courses introducing you to the principles of genetics and biochemistry and/or to the processes of evolution in the first year. This could be followed, in the second year, by  courses taking a molecular view of cells, or looking at how cells underpin multicellular organisms, or at how evolutionary processes can explain the extraordinary diversity of plant, animal and microbial life, before specialising in Genetics in the third year. The Cambridge degree system allows a considerable amount of flexibility, and there is a wide choice of possible courses in your first and second years - not just those outlined above (NST course structure).  As a result, we have students studying Genetics in their final year with a range of academic backgrounds.

Use the menu on the left to find out more about obtaining a degree in Genetics.

Links on the right lead to detailed information on other sections of the University of Cambridge website.