Genetics and Genomics

About the major

Genetics and Genomics will provide you with knowledge that can be applied to improving our understanding of evolution (past and present) and of many aspects of the biology of all living organisms.

This knowledge can also be applied to the development of novel biotechnology products, to improving the health of humans and animals, to forensics, to the conservation and management of plants and animals, to the diagnosis and control of pests, parasites and harmful micro-organisms, and to improving the means by which plants and animals can sustain the feeding and clothing of humanity.

Genetics is the science of biological inheritance and variation. Its fundamental principles are embraced by genomics, molecular genetics, 'Mendelian' genetics, epigenetics, cytogenetics, population genetics, and quantitative genetics.

Genomics is a relatively new discipline that has been developed through the need for geneticists and genome scientists to manipulate very large data sets determined by biological inheritance through DNA.

Requirements for completion

A major in Genetics and Genomics requires 48 credit points, consisting of:

(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iii) 18 credit points of 3000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units

A minor in Genetics and Genomics is available and articulates to this major.

First year

12 credit points from a selection of: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX6, BIOL1XX7, BIOL1XX8 (Medical Science stream students can alternatively complete MEDS1X01).

Second year

12 credit points from a selection of: GEGE2X01, BCMB2X01, QBIO2001. Medical Science stream students select from: GEGE2X01, MEDS2003, QBIO2001. Animal and Veterinary Bioscience stream students select from: GEGE2X01, AVBS2005, QBIO2001.

All students are encouraged to enrol in GEGE2X01.

Third year

BCHM3X92, BIOL3X18, GEGE3X04 and 6 credit points from a selection of QBIO3X01, BIOL3033

Most students with an interest in genetics and genomics will work in a field related to medical genomics or bioinformatics or will be interested to apply their understanding of evolutionary genetics to solving genomics problems in the field of conservation biology. The major structure for genetics and genomics enables students to follow either of these options.

In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.

Fourth year

The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.

Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.

Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Genetics and Genomics: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.

Honours units of study will be available in 2020.

Contact and further information

W http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
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Example pathways

For a career in Medical Genomics for students from Medical Sciences: First Year: CHEM1XX1, MEDS1X01; Second Year: GEGE2X01, MEDS2003 Third Year: BCHM3X92; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

For a career in Bioinformatics for students from Animal and Veterinary Biosciences: First Year: BIOL1XX6, BIOL1XX7; Second Year: GEGE2X01, VETS2005 Third Year: BCHM3X92; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

For a career in Wildlife Conservation Genomics for students from Biological Sciences: First Year: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX7; Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2001 Third Year: BCHM3X92; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; BIOL3033.

For a career in Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding for students from Agricultural Science: First Year: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX7; Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2001 Third Year: BCHM3X92; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Genetics and Genomics will be able to:

1. Understand the genetics of populations.
2. Understand genomic structure and organisation of the genome.
3. Understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype for simple and complex traits.
4. Understand the relationship between DNA sequence, RNA transcription and translation of proteins.
5. Use skills in management and analysis of genomic data.
6. Understand the application of genomic biotechnologies.
7. Map genes associated with complex and simply inherited phenotypes.