MSc Quantitative Genetics Suite Handbook

I 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/genomics 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 the 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)). Our Quantitative Genetics MSc suite has a long and rich history and has been training industry and academic leaders for 50 years. There is no better setting for you to take forward your education in this field.

Our students work towards a qualification that demonstrates their abilities and quantitative skills in a demanding subject area. It is a significant challenge, but one for which you will find plenty of support among your peers, the staff, and many former MSc students now working here. 

In this Programme Guide, you will find details of the structure of our Programmes and the constituent courses. During the summer of 2026 you will be embedded in an active research group for your research project. This is an opportunity to conduct cutting edge research in the field of quantitative and evolutionary genetics/genomics and for many students the highlight of their MSc journey. The process of project selection starts in semester 1 and I encourage you to reflect upon potential research areas and supervisors early.

On behalf of everyone involve in teaching on the Quantitative Genetics MSc suite, I wish you every success. I look forward to meeting you and to helping you get the most out of your time here. 

Dr Konrad Lohse

MSc Programme Director

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 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

Population Genomic Analysis (PGBI11126) is compulsory for the MSc Evolutionary Genetics Programme and must be passed at MSc level (at or over 50%).

MSc Human Complex Trait Genetics

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%).

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated course page on Learn. 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 welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.