Molecular Biology and Genetics studies are at the top echelon of courses for science students. With advances in technology, more and more students are needed in these two fields for cutting edge research.
Here is a bit of caveat though, most of the schools on the list are very expensive. Even at that, getting a place to study is very competitive. Only the best graduate from these schools.
So here are the top 10 universities in the world to study Molecular Biology and Genetics according to rankings compiled by the well-respected publication, US News.
Genetics degrees abroad
Genetics is the scientific study of genes, hereditary and genetic variation. It’s a fascinating field that allows students to explore the structure and functions of living organisms in tremendous detail.
As well as examining how biological properties are passed down from one generation to the next, you’ll use genetic analysis to explain why characteristics vary between individuals and populations. You’ll get to grips with the theoretical underpinnings of evolution and natural selection, and consider the role of genetic make-up and cell mutations in disease development.
Some animal species and remote human populations are native to certain parts of the world. Studying overseas is a wonderful opportunity to take your learning beyond the classroom and observe these living organisms in their natural environments. You’ll extend your knowledge and build your professional skills, all while traveling the world and making new friends.
Genetics program structure
Studying genetics at the bachelor’s level requires three or four years of full-time study. Some university BSc programs integrate an additional 12-month placement between the second and final years, allowing students to gather valuable work experience.
If you’re interested in taking your degree stateside, remember that undergraduate programs in the US last four years and follow the liberal arts model. You’ll need to complete two years of general education before moving on to genetics-specific classes.
Genetics graduates are some of the most likely to take their education further and enroll in postgraduate programs. Master’s degrees can be studied over one of two years, whereas research-based PhDs can take up to seven or eight years of work.
Most programs blend lectures, tutorials, and seminars with practical workshops and hands-on laboratories. Typical assessment methods include examinations, research projects, written assignments and in-class tests.
Genetics is such a vast area of study, giving students plenty of elective modules and specializations to choose from. Nevertheless, you’ll need to develop a solid grounding in the subject by taking core classes like these:
- Genes, evolution and development
- Principles of hereditary
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Biodiversity
- Principles of human disease
- Molecular genetics
- Genetic manipulation and engineering
Best Universities For PhD In Genetics
Harvard University Department of Molecular Biology
Tuition Fee: $29,700/year
Harvard University is a world leader in many aspects of education. So is not surprising the department of molecular biology sits at the top of the rankings. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Harvard University is ranked 3rd in global universities according to the latest rankings by QS.
The school exists to investigate and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are motivated by the passion for discovery and education and supported by cutting-edge research centers and cutting-edge facilities on the Harvard Cambridge campus.
The research areas within MCB are very diverse, from the study of RNA structure, chromosomal movement and cell wall synthesis, to membrane biogenesis, organ development and odor detection.
Our experimental systems are equally varied, from viruses, bacteria and yeasts, to Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish and mice.University Website
MIT Department of Biology
Tuition Fee: $4,800/year
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology‘s Biology Department, not surprisingly, appears at the top of this list. It’s Biology department, according to the website, focuses on research in over 12 fields including diseases affecting humans, genetics, and human and plant molecular biology.
The institute exists as a collaborative, inclusive, supportive and focused community dedicated to research, teaching and service. They explore a wide range of fundamental biological questions with a focus on molecular cell biology at all levels, from molecular structure to human disease.
QS global ranking of world universities placed MIT, also based in Cambridge, USA, the number 1 overall University globally.University Website
University of California College of Biological Sciences
Tuition Fee: $14,490/year
Third on the list is another American IVY league University. Base in San Francisco, the University of California College of Biological Sciences have well-established research programs for PhD programs in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and developmental biology.
UC Davis College of Biological Sciences is one of the three schools in the country dedicated to the study of biological sciences. Our faculty, researchers and students explore fundamental questions about life.
The Faculty of Biological Sciences is advancing in the knowledge of the planet, exploring life processes to identify opportunities and meet the demands of the 21st century.
According to the website, priority is given to collaborative research between different programs in the college. QS latest rankings put the University of California as the 27th University globally.University Website
University of Cambridge Department of Genetics
Tuition Fee: £12,000/year
The University of Cambridge, based in England, has a world-class Department of Genetics with over 20 research groups in various disciplines in the unit. The 4th ranked genetics and molecular biology school focus their research on microbial genetics, developmental biology, and population and evolution genetics according to the website.
The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
Globally, QS ranks the University of Cambridge as the 9th overall best University globally.University Website
Stanford University Department of Genetics
Tuition Fee: $3,445/year
The Department of Genetics at Standford encourage their students to work towards getting a PhD in molecular biology and genetics. However, medical students are also allowed to conduct research in the field of humans genetics. Standford is ranked 2nd in QS list of the best global universities.
Leader in the biomedical revolution, Stanford Medicine has a long tradition of leadership in pioneering research, creative teaching protocols and effective clinical therapies.
Our proximity to university resources, including the Business, Law, Humanities and Science and Engineering Schools, our fluid relationship with our affiliated hospitals for adults and children, and our continuing partnerships with Silicon Valley business efforts, make us With a unique position to accelerate the pace at which new knowledge translates into tangible health benefits.University Website
University of Washington Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate program
Tuition Fee:$27,638/year
The MCB graduate program is designed to enable you to explore the areas of biomedical science that arouse your curiosity and passions. It is an environment in which you have the flexibility to choose a final research laboratory among three rotations, design your own individualized curricula to meet your research objectives and choose two TA vessels from a wide range of options in the classroom and in the classroom. community.
The MCB graduate program covers more than 200 laboratories at the University of Washington, Fred Hutch, the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle Children’s and the Benaroya Research Institute.
And because they are all located in downtown Seattle and surrounding areas, students have an immense variety of laboratories where they can conduct their postgraduate research.
According to the website, this program is carried out in conjunction with the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. This University based in Seattle, USA, is ranked 61st in the overall global rankings of Universities by QS.University Website
University of Oxford Department of Biochemistry
Tuition Fee: £9,250 GBP /year
The University of Oxford Biochemistry department is one of the largest in Europe and is sub-divided into several units including genetics and molecular biology. The best students can earn a doctoral degree after a four-year research program in fields such as genomic medicine and statistics.
The Oxford Department of Biochemistry is a vibrant research and teaching department, and benefits from state-of-the-art research facilities in its impressive purpose-built building, occupied since 2008.
The research in the department is very broad and covers all aspects of modern molecular and cellular biochemistry, from atomic resolution biophysics to cell biology and images.
The quality of the research is outstanding, as evidenced by an impressive production of publications and the international position of many of the researchers in the department.
Based in England, this University is ranked as the 6th best University globally according to the latest standings by QS.University Website
John Hopkins University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Tuition Fee: $53,400/year
At John Hopkins, they have a long tradition of producing the best biology and genetics researchers in the world. This is underlined by the fact that currently, the department is headed by Carol Greider, a joint recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in the field of Medicine or Physiology. John Hopkins is based in Baltimore, USA, and is ranked 17th in the 2017 global University rankings by QS.
The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is one of eight basic science departments of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Throughout its history, the Department has been at the forefront of basic biomedical research and has contributed to the training of many leading scientists.
University of California – San Diego
Tuition Fee:$13,645/year
The University of California, this time around the campus in San Diego, has an excellent program that makes it easy for undergraduate students in biology department to proceed for graduate studies upon completion of a bachelor’s of science program. This makes the transition to graduate research students seamless for students who want to be top molecular biologists or geneticists.
Recognized as one of the 15 most important research universities in the world, the culture of collaboration in the school arouses discoveries that advance society and boost economic impact.
Everything that is done is dedicated to ensuring that students have the opportunity to become change makers, equipped with the multidisciplinary tools necessary to accelerate the responses to the world’s most pressing problems.
The San Diego Campus of the University of California is ranked 38 by QS in the global universities rankings.
University of Toronto Department of Molecular Genetics
Tuition Fee: $6,590 CAD /year
The Department of Molecular Genetics in Toronto, place a high premium on independent research by students. Students at the master’s level even have the option of a two-year program in genetic counselling. A rare program in the fields of genetics.
The Department of Molecular Genetics has a leading position in Canada and internationally as a leading place for biomedical and life sciences research and education.
The university is involved and operates a collaborative community that fosters exceptional innovation and discovery. His faculty, colleagues and students are highly acclaimed for being pioneers in phenomenal advances in some of the most exciting areas of modern science with a profound impact on human health.
Based in Canada, The University of Toronto is ranked 31st by QS in the latest global University rankings.
Top 10 Universities for Molecular Biology, Genetics
These schools lead the way in academic research.
Prospective students who want a degree in molecular biology and genetics will find well-regarded institutions that offer these programs around the world. However, the top 10 universities in this field are concentrated in the U.S. and United Kingdom. These global institutions offer an accomplished faculty and a range of specialties within the fields. Students typically earn a doctorate in molecular biology and genetics, but those pursuing a medical degree can sometimes combine research training in these fields. Here are the top 10 Best Global Universities for Molecular Biology and Genetics, as ranked by U.S. News based on academic research performance in that subject area.
10. University of California–San Diego
Location: San Diego
Best Global Universities overall rank: 19
Fact: Within the biomedical sciences program, the University of California–San Diego offers a graduate-level molecular cell biology track that allows students to study cancer cell biology, the cellular and molecular basis of human disease, and RNA splicing, among other areas of emphasis.
9. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia
Best Global Universities overall rank: 16
Fact: The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, a graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania, boasts a faculty of more than 380 scientists, according to the program’s website. They come from a range of disciplines, including scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences.
8. University of Washington
Location: Seattle
Best Global Universities overall rank: 10
Fact: The University of Washington‘s molecular and cellular biology graduate program is offered in partnership with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, according to the school’s website.
7. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore
Best Global Universities overall rank: 11
Fact: Carol Greider, one of the joint recipients of the 2009 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, directs Johns Hopkins University‘s department of molecular biology and genetics, according to the department’s webpage.
6. University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, England, U.K.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 5
Fact: The University of Oxford offers, among other programs, a graduate degree in genomic medicine and statistics. Students earn a doctoral degree after completing the four-year program, according to the school’s website.
5. University of Cambridge
Location: Cambridge, England, U.K.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 9
Fact: The department of genetics at the University of Cambridge has more than 25 research groups, according to the school’s website. They focus on areas such as developmental biology, microbial genetics, and evolution and population genetics.
4. University of California–San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Best Global Universities overall rank: 15
Fact: In the Tetrad graduate program at the University of California–San Francisco, students focus their doctoral studies on biochemistry and molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology and genetics, but the program as a whole emphasizes interdisciplinary research, according to the school’s website.
3. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 3
Fact: Most students in Stanford University‘s department of genetics are working toward a doctorate, but students pursuing a medical degree may also conduct research in genetics, according to the school’s website.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 2
Fact: Research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology‘s department of biology focuses on topics in genetics such as gene editing, phenotypic variability and cancer, according to the school’s website.
1. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 1
Fact: The department of molecular biology at Massachusetts General Hospital is also part of Harvard University‘s genetics department, according to the school’s website.
More about earning a degree abroad
Learn about some good and bad reasons for earning a graduate degree abroad, and explore the overall Best Global Universities rankings. Follow U.S. News Education on Facebook and Twitter for more education rankings and advice.
World’s best universities for molecular biology and genetics
— 1. Harvard University
— 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
— 3. Stanford University
— 4. University of California–San Francisco
— 5. University of Cambridge
— 6. University of Oxford
— 7. Johns Hopkins University
— 8. University of Washington
— 9. University of Pennsylvania
— 10. University of California–San Diego
What is the greatest location for genetics research?
Genetics programs in the United Kingdom employ cutting-edge techniques and infrastructure to give students a full grasp of genetics theory and testing. Many of these programs are focused on cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Genetic technologist success requires critical thinking and attention; two abilities students may master from this course.
Those courses incorporate a wide range of instructional approaches and clinical scenarios. Throughout their studies, students apply their knowledge to complicated real-world scenarios overseen by industry medical experts. Thanks to these outstanding institutions, the United Kingdom is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable places to study genetics.
Which course is best for genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes, their structure and function, and the applications of that knowledge. Groundbreaking areas of study include cancer and antibiotic design, genetic engineering of crops, and understanding how endangered animal species die extinct. Here are a few of the best universities to study genetics in uk.
Top 5 Best University to Study Genetics in UK
1. University of Cambridge
- Bachelors in Natural Sciences Program Link
- Postgraduate in Genetics Program Link
- Degrees offered: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
The University of Cambridge’s Department of Genetics is the top of the best universities to study genetics in the UK for highly valued research. They provide a Natural Sciences undergraduate curriculum that encompasses biological and physical sciences such as genetics, biochemistry, earth sciences, pathophysiology, and other science-related topics. Medical Genetics, Master of Philosophy in Genetics, and Human Evolutionary Studies are available. Genetics, Medical Genetics, and Biological Anthropology are among the Ph.D. degrees they have.
2. University of Oxford
- Postgraduate in Genetics Program Link
- Degrees offered: Masters, PhD
Here is another of the best universities for genetics in the UK. Oxford is the only university that provides postgraduate genetics degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Philosophy in Genetics, Physiology, and Anatomy. They also have a Genomic Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program. Students at Oxford are armed with functional genomics principles, neurology and cardiac sciences, and practical learning experiences. They want to give high-quality research training and job prospects to their students.
3. University College London
- Postgraduate in Genetics
- Degrees offered: Masters
Another of the most excellent genetics schools in the UK that we will discuss is the University College London. An MSc in Genetics of Human Diseases, Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine, Genetics and Multiomics in Medicine, and Cell and Gene Therapy are among the postgraduate programs offered at UCL in genetics. Students are given a thorough understanding of human genetics and a statistical genetics approach to diagnostic and therapeutic objectives to enhance healthcare.
4. University of Edinburgh
- Bachelors in Genetics Program Link
- Postgraduate in Genetics Program Link
- Degrees offered: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
The University of Edinburgh is one of Europe’s leading genetics institutions, offering undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences in Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Genetics, and Biotechnology, among others. Modern biomedical research is included in these curricula. Meanwhile, they offer doctoral programs in Functional Genetics and Development as well as Genetics and Genomics. A Master’s degree in Genome Analysis and Quantitative Genetics is also available.
5. Imperial College of London
- Postgraduate in Genetics Program Link
- Degrees offered: PhD
This best university for genetics UK also provides a master’s degree in Human Molecular Genetics, preparing students for practical experience in human genetics and its application to human disorders. It’s ideal for graduates interested in learning about pathophysiology in relation to genetics. Students may develop skills in bioinformatics, genetics, and computer laboratories. The initiative also encourages the formation of active research groups.
Wrapping Up
Based on their reputations and research in genetics, these are the best universities in the UK to study at. Various research and education organizations have continually risen to the top of genetics science, topping the competitors. We hope you found this post helpful and that after reading it, you will pursue your ambition of studying genetics in the United Kingdom.
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