Postgraduate Study in Genetics
The world of genetics is enormous. It touches our everyday lives in ways we can’t even begin to imagine.
Genetics is a rapidly-progressing science, a central theme of modern biology, and a critical component of most biological research.
With a high demand for genetics graduates within New Zealand and overseas, a degree in this ground-breaking and practical discipline will provide you with many career options.
Why study Genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes and inheritance. It's fun, interesting, challenging and relevant to everyday life! It's a very diverse subject, in which you'll learn about the molecular basis of life right through to the study of whole organisms, populations and evolution.
You will learn to make informed decisions about topics such as genetic engineering, cloning and your own health. In your lectures, you'll also learn about the cutting- edge research being undertaken at Otago and you'll have many opportunities to undertake hands-on research.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Genetics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
GENE papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENE221 | 2025 | Molecular and Microbial Genetics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE222 | 2025 | Genes, Chromosomes and Populations | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE223 | 2025 | Developmental and Applied Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE312 | 2025 | Evolutionary Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE313 | 2025 | Medical Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE314 | 2025 | Developmental Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE315 | 2025 | Genomes | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE360 | 2025 | Extension Topics and Research Skills | 18 points | Full Year |
| GENE411 | 2025 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE412 | 2025 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| GENE490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| GENE495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| QGEN401 | 2025 | Quantitative Genetics and Improvement | 20 points | Semester 2 |
Contacts
Genetics Office
Email genetics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/genetics
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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