June 3, 2013, 12:05 a.m.

Bachelor of bioscience (major in genetics) at La Trobe University

What's genetics?

It's the study of origin, of inherited traits and variation, explains associate lecturer Jodie Young, a course adviser for the biosciences. Students at La Trobe can study genetics as part of the bachelor of bioscience, the bachelor of science or the bachelor of biological sciences (advanced science) degrees. For those in the bachelor of bioscience stream, there's a general foundation in the first year in which you'll take subjects including animal evolution and diversity, organisation and function of cells, plant science, genetics and chemistry. You'll then choose a biological major or two in the second year, with students often pairing genetics with zoology, microbiology or biochemistry. Second and third-year genetics subjects include molecular and human genetics, and ecological and evolutionary genetics.

Sounds busy.

Indeed. Along with studying the biosciences, you'll take additional electives which can come from science or from anywhere in the university. This means you can pair biosciences with psychology, sociology or even archaeology.

Cool. So who signs up?

According to Ms Young, a real mix of students enrol in genetics, including those who have never studied biology before. She says that some students take genetics as a first-year elective and become hooked. To get into the bachelor of biosciences at La Trobe's Melbourne campus in Bundoora, you needed an ATAR of 75.9 in 2013. You can also start on the bachelor of bioscience at La Trobe's Albury-Wodonga campus but, for those majoring in genetics, you'll need to transfer to Bundoora in year two. An ATAR of 62.1 was needed in 2013 for entry to Albury-Wodonga. In total, Ms Young estimates that 30 or 40 students major in genetics each year.

And after three years . . .

Some students choose to go on to honours and research. Others do a graduate diploma in teaching, while others choose genetics counselling, forensic work with the police or become reps for science companies.

Visit link:
Gene genies

Comments are closed.