MSc Quantitative Genetics Suite Handbook

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to you on behalf of all the staff involved in the Quantitative Genetics suite of MSc Programmes.

You have joined a University that is world-famous for all fields of genetics represented by these programmes. We draw upon expertise from one of the largest groupings of quantitative and evolutionary geneticists in the world (including colleagues from Roslin Institute and the Institute of Genetics and Cancer in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine within the University as well as from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)). There is no better setting for you to take forward your education in this field.

Our students work towards a qualification that will demonstrate their abilities in a demanding subject. It is a significant challenge, but one for which students will find plenty of support among their peers, the staff, and many former MSc students now working here. You will also have opportunities to get to know and enjoy this unique and beautiful city. We hope that you will take advantage of it.

In this Programme Guide, you will find details of the structure of our Programmes and the constituent courses. During the summer of 2025 you will carry out a research project and the process of project selection will start during Semester 1. We encourage students from the start to reflect upon areas of focus that they would like to emphasize in their summer work.

We look forward to meeting you during Welcome Week and getting to know you over the course of the year.

Dr Sara Knott and Dr Jacob Moorad

All four of the programmes in this suite have the same core compulsory courses as detailed in the Degree Programme Table (DPT) for each programme. Each of the individual programmes also has an additional compulsory course which are detailed here.

Please note that some optional courses may not run - this is dependent on student numbers.

MSc Animal Breeding and Genetics

Animal Breeding and Genetics DPT

Animal Genetic Improvement (PGBI11084) ​​​is compulsory for the MSc Animal Breeding and Genetics Programme and must be passed at MSc level (at or over 50%).

MSc Evolutionary Genetics

Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics DPT

Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics (PGBI11087) or Population Genomic Analysis (PGBI11126) – at least 1 of these 2 courses must be taken for the MSc Evolutionary Genetics Programme and must be passed at MSc level (at or over 50%).

MSc Human Complex Trait Genetics

Human Complex Traits Genetics DPT

Genetics of Human Complex Traits (PGBI11083) is compulsory for the MSc Human Complex Trait Genetics Programme, and must be passed at MSc level (at or over 50%).

MSc Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis

Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis DPT

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated Course Learn Ultra page. Note that access to our Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is restricted to current students only.

Personalised Timetables 

Information on your timetable can be accessed via MyEd.  

• This includes a personalised timetable service called MyTimetable. 
• Your personalised timetable also appears on Office 365 calendars, which you can view on your smartphone or other device. 

 Access your timetable on MyEd

Timetable information for students

Your final degree classification is based on the mark for the taught component of your degree and the dissertation component. For the Quantitative Genetics programmes, if the taught component average is within 2% of the classification threshold and the project mark meets that threshold, then the median of the taught component marks (weighted by credits) is taken. If that median exceeds the threshold, then the higher classification is awarded.

As a member of the School of Biological Sciences, you are warmly welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.