Course outcomes

QGGA students acquire specialist knowledge and a range of intellectual and practical skills which equip them to meet the growing demand by industry and academia for individuals with expertise in quantitative biology. In addition there is a strong emphasis on generic skills which enhance a student's marketability whatever career path is chosen.

Knowledge and Understanding

• A thorough understanding of general concepts in population and quantitative genetics and genomics
• In-depth knowledge of the specialist area chosen in Semester 2
• A solid grounding in the statistical methods required for quantitative biology

Research and Enquiry Skills

• Interpretation of scientific papers
• Critical analysis and synthesis of scientific information
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to place findings in context and suggest new research ideas
• Ability to execute and write up an independent research project
• Reporting of research data in formats suitable for publication
• Correct application of statistical methodologies and careful interpretation of results

Technical/Practical Skills

• Identification of appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of genetic data
• Application of quantitative genomics techniques through computer-based practicals
• General IT skills including data retrieval and the use of spreadsheets and other databases
• Computing skills and experience of a variety of software packages

Communication Skills

• Acquisition of knowledge from the scientific literature
• Accessing online information sources
• Scientific writing (essays and reports of various lengths)
• Preparation of effective Powerpoint slides for oral presentations
• Delivery of oral presentations
• Responding to unrehearsed questions during oral presentations

Personal Effectiveness

• Project planning
• Time management
• Independent working
• Stress management
• Positive interaction with others in a research group environment

Personal and Intellectual Autonomy

• Assimilation of information from different sources into a single thread
• Critical assessment of reports in the scientific literature
• Performance of complex statistical analyses and logical presentation of results
• Familiarity with multiple approaches to the analysis of genomic data

Graduate destinations
Graduate testimonials
Course overview