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 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, to improving the means by which plants and animals can sustain the feeding and clothing of humanity and to further our understanding of the biology of organisms.

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 capacity of geneticists and genome scientists to generate very large data sets using by high-throughput DNA, RNA and protein technologies, and the need to determine the control of biological functions by informatics analysis of the large data sets generated.

Requirements for completion

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

(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(v) 12 credit points of 3000-level core units
(vi) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
(vii) 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units

A minor in Genetics and Genomics requires 36 credit points, consisting of:

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

First year

6 credit points from core 1000-level unit BIOL1XX From Molecules to Ecosystems & and 6 credit points from a selection of: CHEM1XX1 Chemistry 1A, BIOL1XX6 Life and Evolution, BIOL1XX8 Human Biology (Medical Science stream students can alternatively complete MEDS1X01).

Second year

6 credit points from 2000-level core unit GEGE2X01 Genetics and Genomics and 6 credit points from a selection of: BCMB2X01 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, QBIO2001 Molecular Systems Biology, MEDS2003 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, AVBS2005Animal Energetics and Homeostasis.

Third year

12 credit points from 3000-level core units BIOL3X18 Gene Technology and Genomics, GEGE3004 Computational Genomics.
6 credit points of 3000-level selective units BCHM3X92 Proteomics and Functional Genomics, QBIO3001 Molecular Systems Biology, BIOL3005 Evolutionary Biology.
6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units SCPU3001 Science Interdisciplinary Project, QBIO3888 Quantitative Biology Interdisciplinary Unit, GEGE3888 Genomics Interdisciplinary Project (from 2020).

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, with a minimum of 24 credit points at 4000-level or above. Of these 24 credit points, you must complete a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Advanced coursework will be included in the table for 2020.

Honours
Meritorious students in the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies may apply for admission to Honours within a subject area of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Admission to Honours requires the prior completion of all requirements of the Bachelor of Science, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. If you are considering applying for admission to Honours, ensure your degree planning takes into account the completion of a second major and all OLE requirements prior to Honours commencement.

Unit of study 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: SCPU3001; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

For a career in Bioinformatics:
First Year: BIOL1XX6, BIOL1XX7;
Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2X01 or AVBS2005
Third Year: QBIO3888; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

For a career in Wildlife Conservation Genomics:
First Year: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX7;
Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2X01
Third Year: SCPU3001; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; BIOL3005.

For a career in Quantitative Genetics and Plant and Animal Breeding:
First Year: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX7;
Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2X01
Third Year: SCPU3001; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; QBIO3X01.

For a career in Molecular Genetics and Genomics:
First Year: CHEM1XX1, BIOL1XX7;
Second Year: GEGE2X01, BCMB2X01
Third Year: SCPU3001; BIOL3X18; GEGE3X04; BCHM3X92.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the principles of information transfer from molecular, chromosomal and cellular mechanisms and describe how information is inherited in individuals and populations.
2. Exhibit depth of knowledge in the key functional components of genomic structure and organisation.
3. Collect, manage, analyse and interpret genetic and genomic data acquired through modern techniques.
4. Model, and communicate in a visually meaningful and logical manner, patterns of biological and medical quantitative data.
5. Communicate concepts and findings in genetics and genomics to diverse audiences, using an evidence-based approach that is robust to critique.
6. Evaluate relationships between genotype and phenotype for simple and complex traits using genomic data and gene mapping tools.
7. Adhere to safe working conditions in genetic research practice in the laboratory.
8. Evaluate how genomic biotechnologies can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications and examine these applications across a range of social and ethical perspectives.
9. Address authentic problems in genetics and genomics, working responsibly and professionally within collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
10. Examine and evaluate contemporary issues in genetics and genomics from a range of social and cultural perspectives.