Genetics and Biotechnology - Bachelor of Science in Genetics

Codirectors of the Program:

Professor, Charles Shuster, Department Head, Biology
Professor, Niall Hanan, Interim Department Head, Plant and Environmental Sciences

Professors Bailey, Cramer, Hanley, Houde, Milligan, Randall, Serrano, C. Shuster, M. Shuster, Smith, Unguez, Zhang; Associate Professors Curtiss, James, Xu Assistant Professors Lozada

Have you ever wondered why your hair or eye color, facial features, or the build of your body resembles that of your parents, grandparents, or other close relatives? What factors are responsible for generating all the variety of colors and shapes of flowers, trees, and different types of animals? If these questions have crossed your mind, then you have been thinking about Genetics; the science of heredity. Genetics is studied at the DNA/gene/genome level (molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics and bioinformatics), the level of organisms (classical or Mendelian genetics), and within/among populations of individuals (population and quantitative genetics).

One of the most significant scientific accomplishments in history has been the use of genomic technologies to recently identify most human genes, as well as, most genes for a number of other animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Geneticists now have tremendous opportunities to use molecular, biochemical, mathematical, and computer science-based (bioinformatics) approaches to investigate how these genes determine observable traits. This information can be used to significantly advance human health and well being, and to meet the food and fiber needs of the world.

A degree in Genetics can provide excellent preparation for careers in academic research and technical support, teaching, agriculture, the biotechnology industry, medicine and health sciences, forensic science, technical writing, and sales or marketing. It is also an excellent background for students wishing to enter a graduate program, medical school, and veterinary school.

Undergraduates in the Genetics program must earn a grade of C- or better to receive credit for Departmental and Non-Departmental required courses. Within the Departmental Required courses, Tier I courses must be taken by all majors, for a total of 31 credit hours*. To accommodate differing interests among students, a series of Tier II courses comprising 9-11 credits are provided. Ethical considerations of genetic based technologies will be infused throughout the curriculum, with a focused course on Science and Ethics in the Tier III portion of the core curriculum.

*Note: This includes BIOL 2610G which also counts as a General Education elective.

Requirements

Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, other Non-Departmental requirements, and elective credits to total at least 120 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.

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See the General Education Section of the catalog for a full list of courses.

²

MATH 1521G Calculus and Analytic Geometry II is required for the degree but students may need to take prerequisite courses before entering MATH 1521G Calculus and Analytic Geometry II.

³

 See the Viewing a Wider World section of the catalog for a full list of courses.

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Elective credit may vary based on prerequisites, dual credit, AP credit, double majors, and/or minor coursework. The elective credits in the requirements list is the amount needed to bring the total to 120 credits and may vary based on the degree. Students may need to complete more or less courses on a case-by-case basis and each student should discuss elective requirements with their advisor.

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Students interested in graduating with University Honors should consult with an advisor to select 18 credits of relevant Honors (HNRS) courses.

Second Language Requirement

For the Bachelor of Science in Genetics with a major in Genetics and Biotechnology there is no second language requirement for the degree.

A Suggested Plan of Study for Students

This roadmap assumes student  placement in MATH 1220G College Algebra and ENGL 1110G Composition I. The contents and order of this roadmap may vary depending on initial student placement in mathematics and english. It is only a suggested plan of study for students and is not intended as a contract. Course availability may vary from fall to spring semester and may be subject to modification or change.

¹

 See the General Education section of the catalog for a full list of courses.

²

See the Viewing a Wider World section for a full list of courses.