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, James, Milligan, Randall, Serrano, C. Shuster, M. Shuster, Smith, Unguez, Zhang; Associate Professors Curtiss, JXu Assistant Professors Lozado
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.
Prefix | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Education Requirements | ||
Area I: Communications | 10 | |
English Composition - Level 1 1 | ||
English Composition - Level 2 1 | ||
Oral Communication 1 | ||
Area II: Mathematics | ||
MATH 1521G | Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 2 | 4 |
Area III/IV: Laboratory Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences | 11 | |
General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors | 4 | |
General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors | 4 | |
Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) 1 | ||
Area V: Humanities 1 | 3 | |
Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts 1 | 3 | |
General Education Elective | ||
BIOL 2610G | Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution (Tier I Requirement also) | 3 |
Viewing a Wider World 3 | 6 | |
Departmental/College Requirements | ||
Tier I Requirements | ||
BIOL 2110G & BIOL 2110L | Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 4 |
BIOL 377 | Cell Biology | 3 |
BIOL 446 | Bioinformatics and NCBI Database | 3 |
or GENE 452 | Applied Bioinformatics | |
BIOL 455 | Biometry | 3 |
or A ST 311 | Statistical Applications | |
BIOL 467 | Evolution | 3 |
GENE 1110 | Experimental Systems in Genetics | 1 |
GENE 305 L | Genetic Techniques | 1 |
GENE 315 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
GENE 320 | Hereditary and Population Genetics | 3 |
GENE 440 | Genetics Seminar | 1 |
Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
Genetics Internship | 1-6 | |
Special Problems | 1-3 | |
Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory | 3 | |
Guided Biological Research Lab | 3 | |
Tier II Requirements | 9-11 | |
Select one course from each of the three following categories. | ||
Tier III Courses | 3 | |
Select one from the following: | ||
Genetics and Society | 3 | |
Science, Ethics and Society | 3 | |
Non-Departmental Requirements (in addition to Gen.Ed/VWW) | ||
CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
BCHE 395 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
BCHE 396 | Biochemistry II, Lecture and Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 2230G | General Physics for Life Science I | 3 |
or PHYS 1230G | Algebra-Based Physics I | |
PHYS 2240G | General Physics for Life Science II | 3 |
or PHYS 1240G | Algebra-Based Physics II | |
Electives, to bring the total credits to 120 4 | 17-19 | |
Select electives to bring total to 120 credits including 48 upper division credits. | ||
Recommended Electives | ||
HNRS courses 5 | ||
Total Credits | 120 |
- 1
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
BIOL 2610G | Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 3 |
GENE 1110 | Experimental Systems in Genetics | 1 |
CHEM 1215G | General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors | 4 |
ENGL 1110G | Composition I | 4 |
Area IV: Social/Behavioral Science Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 2110G & BIOL 2110L | Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 1225G | General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors | 4 |
MATH 1220G | College Algebra | 3 |
Area V: Humanities Course 1 | 3 | |
Elective | 1 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
MATH 1250G | Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus | 4 |
GENE 315 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
Choose one from the following: | 3 | |
Professional and Technical Communication Honors | ||
Advanced Technical and Professional Communication | ||
Area I: Oral Communication 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
MATH 1511G | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
GENE 320 | Hereditary and Population Genetics | 3 |
Elective Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
BCHE 395 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
MATH 1521G | Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
PHYS 2230G | General Physics for Life Science I | 3 |
Area IV: Creative and Fine Arts | 3 | |
Elective | 2 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 377 | Cell Biology | 3 |
BCHE 396 | Biochemistry II, Lecture and Laboratory | 4 |
GENE 305 L | Genetic Techniques | 1 |
PHYS 2240G | General Physics for Life Science II | 3 |
Choose from one of the following: | 3 | |
Statistical Applications | ||
Biometry | ||
Elective | 2 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 467 | Evolution | 3 |
BIOL 302 or BCHE 424 | Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory or Experimental Biochemistry I | 3 |
Tier II: Organism Structure Course | 3-4 | |
Choose from one of the following: | 3 | |
Bioinformatics and NCBI Database | ||
Applied Bioinformatics | ||
VWW: Viewing a Wider World Course 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 15-16 | |
Spring | ||
GENE 440 | Genetics Seminar | 1 |
AGRO 303V | Genetics and Society | 3 |
Tier II: Molecular and Applied Genetics Course | 3 | |
Tier II: Physiology Course | 3-4 | |
VWW: Viewing a Wider World Course | 3 | |
Elective | ||
Credits | 13-14 | |
Total Credits | 120-122 |
- 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.