Program Overview
The Genetics program at this university delves into the study of genetics and genomics in various organisms, emphasizing hands-on learning and research opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in biotechnology, genetic counseling, and health professions, or for pursuing higher education in genetics-related fields. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning activities, and a capstone experience to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Genetics program (GEN) delves into the realm of genetics and genomics in various organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes. The program strongly emphasizes hands-on learning, with many students actively participating in undergraduate research under the guidance of faculty. Graduates of the Genetics program are well-prepared for careers in biotechnology or for pursuing higher education in various fields, including genetic counseling and health professions.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of genetics and genomics concepts.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a scientific context.
- Develop proficiency in laboratory techniques and data analysis relevant to genetics research.
- Provide opportunities for students to engage in independent research and collaborative projects.
- Prepare students for successful careers in genetics-related fields or further academic pursuits.
Program Description:
The Genetics program offers a curriculum that encompasses coursework and laboratories in:
- Molecular genetics
- Bioinformatics
- Human genetics
- Comparative genomics
- Plant genetics
- Microbial genetics and evolution
- Population and evolutionary genetics In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in various experiential learning activities, such as:
- Independent research experiences in faculty laboratories
- Work at the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies or Research Computing Center
- Internships at biotechnology companies
- Internships with genetic counselors at medical centers
Outline:
Coursework:
The Genetics program requires the completion of seven Foundation courses, six Bioscience Core courses, four Genetics Core courses, and four Major Elective courses. Additionally, a capstone experience, supervised and approved within the major, is mandatory for all seniors. Students must also fulfill all other University requirements, including those for the Discovery Program and the University Writing Program.
Foundation Courses:
- CHEM 403: General Chemistry I
- CHEM 404: General Chemistry II
- CHEM 545 & CHEM 546: Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- MATH 424B: Calculus for Life Sciences
- BIOL 528: Applied Biostatistics I
- PHYS 401: Introduction to Physics I
- PHYS 402: Introduction to Physics II
Bioscience Core Courses:
- BIOL 411: Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular
- BIOL 412: Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology
- GEN 604: Principles of Genetics
- BMS 503 & BMS 504: General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory
- BMCB 605: Principles of Cell Biology
- BMCB 658 & BMCB 659: General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab
Genetics Core Courses:
- GEN 401: Professional Perspectives in Genetics
- GEN 606: Genetics Lab
- GEN 711: Genomics and Bioinformatics
- GEN 704 or GEN 771: Genetics of Prokaryotic Microbes or Molecular Genetics
Major Electives:
Students must select four unique major electives from the following categories:
Laboratory-Based Electives:
- GEN 704: Genetics of Prokaryotic Microbes
- GEN 705 & GEN 725: Population Genetics and Population Genetics Lab
- GEN 717: Molecular Microbiology
- GEN 774: Techniques in Plant Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- GEN 795/GEN 795W: Investigations in Genetics (4-credit minimum)
- GEN 799/GEN 799H: Senior Thesis/Honors Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum)
- BMCB 753: Cell Culture
- BMCB 754: Molecular Biology Research Methods
- INCO 790: Advanced Research Experience (4-credit minimum)
Population/Evolutionary Genetics Electives:
- GEN 705 & GEN 725: Population Genetics and Population Genetics Lab
- GEN 715: Molecular Evolution
- GEN 772: Evolutionary Genetics of Plants
Bioscience Electives:
- GEN 704: Genetics of Prokaryotic Microbes
- GEN 705 & GEN 725: Population Genetics and Population Genetics Lab
- GEN 706: Human Genetics
- GEN 712: Programming for Bioinformatics
- GEN 713: Microbial Ecology and Evolution
- GEN 715: Molecular Evolution
- GEN 717: Molecular Microbiology
- GEN 721: Comparative Genomics
- GEN 771: Molecular Genetics
- GEN 772: Evolutionary Genetics of Plants
- GEN 774: Techniques in Plant Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- GEN 795/GEN 795W: Investigations in Genetics (4-credit minimum)
- GEN 799/GEN 799H: Senior Thesis/Honors Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum)
- ANSC 602: Animal Rights and Societal Issues
- ANSC 612: Genetics of Animals
- ANSC 701: Physiology of Reproduction
- BIOL 704: Plant-Microbe Interactions
- BIOL 706: Data Science with R for the Life Sciences
- BIOL 711: Experimental Design & Analysis
- BMCB 750: Physical Biochemistry
- BMCB 753: Cell Culture
- BMCB 754: Molecular Biology Research Methods
- BMCB 760: Pharmacology
- BMCB 763: Biochemistry of Cancer
- BMCB 794: Protein Structure and Function
- BMS 650: Molecular Diagnostics
- BMS 702: Endocrinology
- BMS 705: Immunology
- BMS 706: Virology
- BMS 718: Mammalian Physiology
- BMS 719: Host-Microbe Interactions
- BMS 735: Molecular and Cellular Parasitology
- BMS 740: Human Microbiome
- INCO 790: Advanced Research Experience (4-credit minimum)
- NR 706: Soil Ecology
- ZOOL 625 & ZOOL 626W: Principles of Animal Physiology and Animal Physiology Laboratory
- ZOOL 690: Evolution
- ZOOL 736: Genes and Behavior
- ZOOL 777W: Neuroethology
Capstone Experience:
The capstone experience allows students to explore areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning. The requirement may be fulfilled through a course, a created work or product, or some form of experiential learning, such as an honors thesis, mentored research project, or special student activity. Students may complete more than one capstone course. Capstone completion is recorded at the time of graduation.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Genetics program have pursued successful careers as:
- Research scientists and laboratory technicians in:
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Academic research programs
- Forensics
- Biomedical research centers & medical schools
- Government agencies
- Genetic counselors
- Educators
- Technical support associates
Further Education:
Genetics graduates are well-prepared for advanced education in:
- Professional health programs:
- Genetic counseling
- Medical school
- Dental school
- Allied health programs (physician assistant, pharmacist, nursing, or pathologist's assistant programs)
- Veterinary school
- Graduate programs:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Integrative Biology
- Neurogenomics
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Sciences
- Public Health
- Computer Science
