Genetics allows us to understand normal events such as development, growth and ageing in terms of the underlying molecular machinery of the cell. This includes the development and functioning of the Immune system which protects us from pathogens. It helps explain what goes wrong in disease and, for example, in Immunology why we may develop debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but in general terms, you will be placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability. You are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. Many of our graduates follow their degree with PhD research. Others move into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Some of our graduates have gone on to train for careers in Genetic Counselling, Biomedical Ethics and Forensic sciences.