Careers
Graduates with a Genetics degree from Otago can be found all over New Zealand and around the world doing all sorts of interesting things. A degree in Genetics gives you a wide range of marketable skills suitable for employment in biologically-based industries, research organizations and government departments.
Research
Research is one option but can be carried out in a number of different areas.
Human Genetics
Human genetics is an area that has become very exciting in recent years, with the advances in molecular biology techniques and the completion of the Human Genome Project. You could be involved in researching the identification and treatment of genetic diseases.
Plant Breeding
Plant breeding could involve working in the horticulture industry to find out how to make better, disease resistant more fruitful plants. Or you could work in viticulture, discovering how to make finer wine. Or you could contribute to the understanding of colour and pattern variation in flowers.
Animal Breeding
Research into animal breeding on the other hand, could involve finding out which genes are responsible for certain traits, like the recent discovery by Otago scientists of the gene (Booroola gene) responsible for the high incidence of twins in an experimental sheep flock. It could also mean concentrating on something like wool quality, milk quality or natural resistance to disease. This type of research is essential for the continued success of New Zealand's agricultural sector.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is an area where research is turned to practical applications. There will be a great demand for suitably qualified people in future years to fill positions in new biotechnological industries. These will include the Pharmaceutical and Food & Drink industries.
Non-research options
You don't have to end up in a laboratory because you do a science degree. Genetics graduates can take up positions in patent law, secondary and tertiary teaching, forensic science, genetic counselling, management, scientific publishing and journalism, as sales and marketing people, government policy analysts and in many other types of careers.