Genetics is the science of heredity, including: the structure, expression and regulation of genes, the genetic basis of traits, and the interaction between genes and the environment at the population and species level which underpin the evolutionary process. The growing availability of completely sequenced genomes, computational analysis and molecular analytic tools has revolutionised genetics, leading to discoveries in areas as diverse as medicine, agriculture, conservation biology, evolution and biotechnology. The genetics specialisation will place students in an excellent position to pursue higher studies in medical, ecological and evolutionary biology. Familiarity with genetic principles and techniques is also an asset in careers as diverse as law, medical science, agriculture and environmental management.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and explain, in depth, the nature of genetic variation and the factors that influence gene flow, evolutionary change and the genetic structure of populations.
- Use experimental and quantitative methods to identify, quantify and statistically analyse genetic variation within populations, and apply these strategies to evolutionary, forensic and medical problems.
- Describe and explain, in depth, the molecular basis for inheritance and the way in which genetic information is expressed in cells.
- Apply genetic reasoning to different experimental problems and communicate the results obtained.
- Be able to effectively communicate and discuss the impact of modern genetics on the way our society deals with medical problems.
Other Information
What courses should you take in first year if interested in this specialisation?
This major can only be taken in conjunction with one of the majors listed below. The courses you must take in first year will depend on the major:
- Biochemistry Major: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201
- Cell and Molecular Biology Major: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201
- Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, BIOL1009
- Human Biology Major: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101
Additional advice:
- Students taking the Human Biology major should note that some later year courses in biomedical science also require CHEM1201 in first year.
- Students should choose appropriate second year courses to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements for third year electives.
- For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of Genetics.
Academic or enrolment advice:
Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this major (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au)
Back to the topRequirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
6 units must come from the completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)
18 units must come from the completion of courses from the following course list. A maximum of 12 units total across major and specialisation may come from completion of research project/special topic courses (BIOL3023, BIOL3208, BIOL3209). For the course to contribute towards the specialisation, the topic must be in the field of Genetics
BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)
BIOL3109 Developmental Biology (6 units)
BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and its Applications (6 units)
BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)
BIOL3178 Recovering Threatened Species and Ecosystems (6 units)
BIOL3188 ANU SynBio Challenge Team Project (6 units)
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease (6 units)
BIOL3205 Genomic Medicine (6 units)
BIOL3206 Evolution of Biodiversity (6 units)
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)