What is Human Genetics?

Human genetics is the study of genes —or heredity —in humans. It examines the effects of these genes on both individuals and societies. It has developed rapidly in the last decade as new technologies have made it possible to study genes in much greater detail, to rapidly sequence the genomes of humans and other species and to develop ways to correct disease causing mutations using powerful technologies such as genome editing. A few examples of remarkable advances in knowledge include:

• The sequencing and analysis of hundreds of thousands of complete human genomes.
• The development of innovative genetic and stem-cell-based therapies for inherited disorders.
• The ability to trace the evolution of humankind using ancient genomics.
• The application of genomics to medicine and the individualisation of therapies.

 

Human Genetics: The course for you?

If you are interested in understanding how genetics is central to controlling every cell and its functions (including the 30-40 trillion cells in the human body), to directing intricate programmes of development and to causing many different disorders when perturbed, this is the right course for you. If you want to understand how genetic information is driving the development of novel therapies, is enabling the individualisation of medicines targeted towards patients’ needs, is revealing our ancestries and how it underpins evolutionary biology, this is the degree for you.

 

Human Genetics at Trinity

Human Genetics is run by the Department of Genetics, which is part of the School of Genetics and Microbiology and is located in the Smurfit Institute of Genetics with state-of-the-art research facilities. There are 12 members of faculty and a number of academic associates, working in a wide range of areas of Human Genetics covering everything from medical genetics, gene based medicines, pharmacogenomics, stem cells to ancient and modern human population genetics, amongst other areas. The Department of Genetics has an international reputation for high-quality research and more than 50 years of experience in teaching Genetics and Human Genetics to undergraduate students. The teaching of the Department is research driven; undergraduates are taught by research-active scientists with excellent track records in their chosen fields.