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.
Genetics at Otago
Genetics is a rapidly-progressing science, a central theme of modern biology, and an indispensable component of most biological research.
The Genetics programme at Otago draws together the departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Women’s and Children’s Health, and Zoology.
This allows staff and students to interact and share ideas across a broader sphere than is possible in any one department.
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.
Background required
You need to have an interest in the world around you!
Year 13 Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics are strongly recommended (but not essential).
Can I combine my Genetics degree with other subjects?
Yes! Genetics and almost anything is a marketable and desirable combination.
Popular subjects include various business subjects, Law, Bioethics, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Science, and Computer Science.
You can combine Genetics with other biological sciences such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology; and other science subjects such as Anthropology, Geology, and Psychology.
It is also possible to take Genetics papers as part of a BBiomedSc degree. In particular, Genetics is an integral component of the Reproduction, Genetics and Development major.
How will I study?
Genetics is an experimental science with a strong theoretical background, so you will have a combination of lectures and lab-based practicals.
The lab classes in second and third year are extremely varied. You’ll examine everything from viruses and bacteria through to fruit flies, worms and humans. For example, in second year you create genetically-modified bacteria and test for genetically-modified organisms in supermarket products.
During third year, you’ll have the opportunity to look at your own chromosomes, and to analyse a portion of your own DNA to determine which ‘Daughter of Eve’ you are descended from.
You also get to design and carry out your own group projects.
Computer simulation labs enable you to study evolutionary genetics.
Postgraduate study options
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Genetics can lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci), a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)), Master of Science (MSc), or PhD degree. You can apply to enter these postgraduate programmes during the third year of your BSc.
If you have a degree with a major other than Genetics, but wish to study postgraduate Genetics, you can study for a Diploma for Graduates endorsed in Genetics.
Career opportunities
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 organisations and government departments.
You could be a research associate, policy analyst, biotechnologist, conservation worker or biosecurity analyst, to name but a few!
With further study you could be a patent lawyer, science journalist, or a researcher in human, animal, plant, or microbial genetics.
A Genetics degree from Otago also provides an excellent foundation for the further training required to be a genetic counsellor or forensic scientist.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages:
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Genetics
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health At least two of BIOL 112, BIOL 123, BIOC 192, ECOL 111, HUBS 191, HUBS 192, MATH 120, STAT 110 or STAT 115. BIOC 192 and STAT 110 or 115 highly recommended. | 18 18 36 |
| 200-level | GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations GENE 223 Developmental and Applied Genetics BIOC 221 highly recommended; MICR 221 and ZOOL 222 recommended. | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four of: Note: After discussion with the Programme Director, in exceptional and justified circumstances and with the Director’s approval, one required 200 or 300 level paper may be approved for substitution with another, relevant paper. At 300 level, examples of papers that may be suitable include AGRI 323, BIOC 353, BITC 301, BTNY 302, MICR 336, MICR 337, PLBI 301, PLBI 302, ZOOL 319. | 72 |
| Plus | 162 further points, must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Genetics
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: At least five of: With Programme Director approval, one of the papers listed above may be replaced by another 300-level paper. |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Genetics
| Papers |
|---|
Note: With approval from the Programme DIrector another 400-level paper may be substituted for one of the papers listed above |
Master of Science (MSc) in Genetics
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Minor subject requirements
Genetics as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 |
| 200-level | At least two of: | 36 |
| 300-level | Two of: GENE 312 Evolutionary Genetics GENE 313 Medical Genetics GENE 314 Developmental Genetics GENE 315 Genomes | 36 |
Prerequisites for GENE 221 include CHEM 191 | ||
| Total | 90 |
Papers
GENE papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENE221 | 2023 | Molecular and Microbial Genetics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE222 | 2023 | Genes, Chromosomes and Populations | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE223 | 2023 | Developmental and Applied Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE312 | 2023 | Evolutionary Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE313 | 2023 | Medical Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE314 | 2023 | Developmental Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE315 | 2023 | Genomes | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE360 | 2023 | Extension Topics and Research Skills | 18 points | Full Year |
| GENE411 | 2023 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE412 | 2023 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE480 | 2023 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
| GENE490 | 2023 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
| GENE495 | 2023 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
| QGEN401 | 2023 | Quantitative Genetics and Improvement | 20 points | Semester 2 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Genetics Office
Email genetics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/genetics
