External summary

Complex traits are determined by the combined action of several genes and the environment. They are characterised in quantitative terms using statistical methods and it is increasingly recognised that many common human diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as susceptibility to prevalent infections (in humans, domesticated & wild animals) can be so described as can most of the traits of greatest interest in evolutionary biology such as fitness, viability, and reproductive success.  The development of genomic technology in recent years has had an immense impact on all areas of genetics and evolutionary biology. Genetic mapping and genome sequencing programmes of human, mouse and other organisms have generated many markers for mapping genes influencing complex traits in human populations as well as those of wild animals and model organisms.  These developments have led to a requirement for training young researchers working in the area of genome studies in population and statistical genetics, quantitative genetics and bioinformatics in an environment which exposes them to state-of-the-art science.  

This programme is based in the internationally renowned Institute of Evolutionary Biology. It provides training in genetics and quantitative skills which are increasingly required by industry and research to exploit the explosion of information in genomics. Students gain the knowledge and skills required to apply quantitative genetics theory to practical problems in both the biomedical and animal-science industries, and to undertake research in evolutionary and quantitative genetics, population genetics and genome analysis.

Programme aims

• To provide postgraduate level education in population and quantitative genetics and in statistics
• To train students in statistical technologies used in quantitative genome analysis
• To prepare students for research by providing MSc projects in a world-class research environment in genome analysis

Educational aims of programme

To deliver a comprehensive training in basic and applied aspects of quantitative genomics to students with backgrounds in biological or physical sciences.

By specifying no particular prior knowledge except exposure to and recognition of the importance of quantitative approaches in biology, we allow students with the broadest possible background who know they are interested in genomic analysis to enter. From basic quantitative concepts in genetics and statistics we build up to the latest statistical methodologies used in genome analysis to prepare the students for projects in one of the internationally recognised research groups that contribute to the course.

Programme outcomes: 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

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Through tutorials, assessed essay writing, and extensive computer based practical classwork, students gain essential skills for work in research and industry. These include:

• 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
• Execution and writing up an independent research project
• Reporting of research data in formats suitable for publication
• Correct application of statistical methodologies and careful interpretation of results

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Critical and analytical thought is an essential element for a professional geneticist and is developed during the course through a high degree of independent working and instruction. By the end of the programme students are able to: 

• Assimilate information from different sources into a single thread

• Critically assess reports in the scientific literature

• Perform complex statistical analyses and summarise the results logically

• Become familiar with multiple approaches to the analysis of genomic data

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Communication is an essential element of training for genetics in research and industry. Students acquire abilities in:  

• Acquisition of knowledge from the scientific literature

• Accessing online information sources

• Scientific writing, in essays, short and long reports.

• Preparation of scientific posters

• Preparation of effective Powerpoint slides for oral presentations

• Delivery of oral presentations

• Responding to unrehearsed questions in oral presentation

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

The students develop as individuals and as members of a small class facing the same challenges. They gain confidence in and abilities in

• Project planning

• Time management

• Independent working

• Manage stress effectively

• Learning to interact positively with other group members in the environment of a research group

Programme outcomes: 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

Programme structure and features

Students take courses totalling 180 credits. Courses are typically worth 10 or 20 credits each, with the dissertation worth 60 credits. All courses are SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate).

Taught stage (120 credits)

Semester 1 (50 credits)

50 credits from:

Semester 2 (70 credits)

50 credits from:

20 credits from:

Dissertation Stage (60 credits)

Progression requirements

In order to progress to the Masters Dissertation stage and carry out a full-time research project from June – August, students must:

(a) pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of the courses which make up these credits; and

(b) attain an average of at least 50% for the 120 credits of study examined at the point of decision for progression; and

(c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the masters degree programme, that are clearly stated in respective programme handbooks.

Students who pass at least 80 credits and attain an average of >40% overall in the final overall assessment who do not qualify to proceed will be awarded the Diploma and leave in June.

Assessment

Assessment for the taught stage is by written examinations, in-course assignments, class tests and project work.

For semester 1, the following combination of assessment is used:

40% in course assignments

20% class tests

40% exams

For semester 2, the choice of optional courses will affect the final balance of assessment.

Students who proceed to the dissertation stage carry out a full-time research project from June to August, which is assessed by a 15,000 word written dissertation.

Modes of study

Both part-time (2 year) and full-time (1-year) registration is available. A variety of teaching methods are used including lectures, tutorials, computer-based practicals and discussions of recent scientific papers. There is also a substantial research component, with a mini-project undertaken in Semester 2 and a full time 3-month research project carried out over the summer. Students receive individual supervision for the mini project and dissertation components of the course.

Exit awards

To be awarded the MSc, students must successfully complete both the taught and dissertation stages.  Students may elect to exit at the end of the taught stage with the award of Diploma. Both the MSc and the Diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.

Sustainability

We use electronic means of communication as much as possible and avoid printing emails.  

Equality and diversity                                          

The MSc ABG attracts a diverse student population. The table below gives a breakdown of the gender and Home/EU/Overseas status of students on the programme for the last five years.

Students come from all over the world to study on the programme. The following is the list of nationalities of students who have taken the MSc/Diploma:

United Kingdom

Ireland

Italy

Belgium

Spain Germany

Poland

Greece

France

Portugal

Hungary

Canada

China

Malaysia

Korea

United States

India

Botswana

Nigeria

Iran

Croatia

Panama

Taiwan

Philippines

New Zealand

Bhutan

Iceland

Uruguay

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

Lectures

Tutorials

Seminars

Problem based learning activities

Dissertation

One to one meetings with the Programme Director and project supervisors

Students are taught by an extensive programme of lectures supported by recommended reading. Additional support for the lecture material and experience in problem solving is provided by weekly tutorial sessions in Semester 1 accompanying each lecture module. These involve small groups of students with an academic tutor who will discuss the problems with full participation by students. There are additionally specific tutorials provided to remind or introduce students to basic concepts in algebra required in later parts of the Programme. Computer-based practical work, where students work individually, is a primary method of teaching problem solving. Students gain particular experience of problem solving in the course of the Maxi Research Project (Dissertation) where they will carry out your own research at the frontier of knowledge and can make a genuine contribution to the progress of original research. Results obtained in this way can be disseminated as part of peer-reviewed publications by academic staff members.

Flexible Learning Week
The University of Edinburgh Flexible Learning Week is scheduled in Week 6 of Semester 2. During this week ‘normal’ teaching is suspended which provides space outwith the curriculum for staff and students to explore new learning activities. An example of the types of activities held for MSc students was the Genetic Algorithm Dance.

Assessment methods and strategies

Assessment

Courses can be assessed by a diverse range of methods and often takes the form of formative work which provides the student with on-going feedback as well as summative assessment which is submitted for credit. 

Class Tests

Project Reports

Oral Presentations

Essays

Written Examinations

MSc Research Project

Assessment of submitted written and project work which is returned with comments conducted by academic staff contributes up to 50% of the marks for courses in this Programme. In addition, both Registry-set examinations, held during the University Examination period in December, and Class Tests are used so that a combination of submitted written work and class tests or examinations provides the basis for assessment. Comprehension of related literature background is an important component of assessment for the MSc Project Dissertation.

Students also gain experience in transferable skills by oral presentations for the mini project in Semester 2, and the individual oral presentation and written report associated with the MSc Project. Experience in searching primary literature online is ensured at an early stage by unassessed essays on published papers (with feedback), followed by assessed essays. These skills are reinforced in the course of the Research Project Proposal and the MSc Project Dissertation. In these projects appropriate interaction with colleagues as and when required to bring the work to a satisfactory conclusion is emphasised by the relevant supervisor. Many courses also include advanced problem solving practicals in computing laboratories. Efficient team working and interaction with colleagues leading to successful and efficient completion of the assigned work programme is an explicit key element in the assessment of each type of research project.

Career opportunities

Quantitative Genetics & Genome Analysis (QGGA – the umbrella programme) graduates have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills which provides an ideal foundation for doctoral studies. Over the past three years, 70% of QGGA graduates of known destination have gone straight on to PhD degrees. Over three quarters of those who proceed to a PhD are pursuing projects at the QGGA-associated Institutes, including the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, the Centre for Molecular Medicine and the Roslin Institute. Other recent destinations include top UK Universities such as Oxford, York and Manchester.

Of recent QGGA graduates, 10% have enrolled for further postgraduate training courses such as other Masters courses (in Edinburgh or elsewhere) and teacher training.

Careers in the Animal Improvement Industry

Edinburgh not only offers internationally recognised academic excellence in these subjects but has extensive links to the commercial animal breeding industry: the world leading chicken breeding company Aviagen is headquartered just outside Edinburgh and provides projects and support for the MSc. Several graduates of the MSc now work for this and other companies in the sector, many others hold academic positions in the UK and around the world. The combination of advanced teaching and project work based in leading research groups ensures our graduates are very well equipped to start PhD research when they complete the MSc course. In addition we will equip you with strong transferable skills that will make you attractive to a wide range of other employers and 20% of recent graduates are pursuing careers with a range of different organisations including banks and the BBC.  

Other items

The MSc in Animal Breeding & Genetics is one of eight campus based and two distance learning programmes offered by the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. Students will be encouraged to integrate themselves with the vibrant postgraduate student body (both MSc, MRes and PhD students) based in the King’s Buildings campus, and to make best use of the vibrant research community there.

The Programme Director of the MSc ABG also adopts the role of Personal Tutor to each student on the programme, providing them with both academic and pastoral guidance. Throughout a student’s time at the university the Personal Tutor guides the student in choice of courses and provides general support.

The Degree Programme Tables (DPT) for the MSc ABG programme can be found at:

http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/index.php