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) 12 credit points of 2000-level units according to the following rules:
(a) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units, or
(b) 12 credit points of 2000-level alternative core units for students in the Animal and Veterinary Biosciences stream, or
(c) 12 credit points of 2000-level alternative core units for students in the Medical Science stream
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level core units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
(vi) 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)12 credit points of 2000-level units according to the following rules:
(a) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units, or
(b) 12 credit points of 2000-level alternative core units for students in the Animal and Veterinary Biosciences stream, or
(c) 12 credit points of 2000-level alternative core units for students in the Medical Science stream
(iv) 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
2000-level core units are GEGE2X01 Genetics and Genomics and BCMB2X01 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Alternative core for the Animal and Veterinary Bioscience stream are GEGE2X01 Genetics and Genomics and AVBS2005 Animal Energetics and Homeostasis.
Alternative core for the Medical Science stream are GEGE2X01 Genetics and Genomics and MEDS2003 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Third year
12 credit points from 3000-level core units BIOL3X18 Gene Technology and Genomics, GEGE3004 Applied Genomics.
6 credit points of 3000-level selective units BCMB3X04 Beyond the Genome, BIOL3005 Evolutionary Biology, ANSC3105 Animal Biotechnology.
6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units SCPU3001 Science Interdisciplinary Project, GEGE3888 Genomics Interdisciplinary Project.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the 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.
Honours
Meritorious students 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's degree, 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.
Contact and further information
W http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
E
Professor Claire Wade
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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:
- 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.
- Exhibit depth of knowledge in the key functional components of genomic structure and organisation.
- Collect, manage, analyse and interpret genetic and genomic data acquired through modern techniques.
- Model, and communicate in a visually meaningful and logical manner, patterns of biological and medical quantitative data.
- Communicate concepts and findings in genetics and genomics to diverse audiences, using an evidence-based approach that is robust to critique.
- Evaluate relationships between genotype and phenotype for simple and complex traits using genomic data and gene mapping tools.
- Adhere to safe working conditions in genetic research practice in the laboratory.
- Evaluate how genomic biotechnologies can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications and examine these applications across a range of social and ethical perspectives.
- Address authentic problems in genetics and genomics, working responsibly and professionally within collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
- Examine and evaluate contemporary issues in genetics and genomics from a range of social and cultural perspectives.