Molecular Genetics

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Our research lies at the interface of organismal, functional and systems biology. Our principal investigators are internationally-recognised for their research on insect functional genomics, mechanism and application of DNA-rearranging enzymes, the translational genetics of myotonic dystrophy and related unstable DNA disorders and systems biology including ‘omics analysis and computational frameworks.

Our staff have leading expertise and funding in human and model organism research including Drososophila melanogaster and microbes; as well as ‘omics - genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. They utilise a multi-disciplinary approach within the School of Molecular Biosciences with core links to Glasgow Polyomics; and have good external links with industry. Research in molecular genetics has strong alignment with the broad areas of agriculture and food security; bioscience for health; and industrial biotechnology and bioenergy.

Research topics are allied to ongoing research within the School. Projects can be related to either fundamental or translational science including clinical science and sustainable agriculture. Multi-disciplinary research approaches applied within the molecular genetics research programme include molecular genetics (human, Drosophila and microbial genetics), biochemistry, molecular biology, systems biology, ‘omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics and synthetic biology, as well as cellular imaging of biological functions using advanced technology. Specific areas of interest include:

• modelling kidney disease in Drosophila
• insect neuropeptides and GPCRs
• ‘omics and network modelling in Drosophila
• designer recombinases for genome engineering
• DNA rearrangements for Synthetic Biology
• topoisomerases and DNA topology
• mutational dynamics of unstable DNA in human disease
• new approaches to transcriptomic data analysis
• computational frameworks for omics data integration

Our PhD programme provides excellent training in cutting edge technologies that will be applicable to career prospects in both academia and industry. Many of our PhD graduates go on to research positions in academia, as well as to industry, and to policy and government organisations.

We have strong research connections with international collaborators. Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing the scientific knowledge and skill set of our PhD students.

Information for international students

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Fees and funding

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

• Re-submission by a research student £540
• Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
• Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

• External funding information