Genetics is a part of the main discipline of Biology which studies the way genes in cells are passed to offspring, a process also known as heredity. Learn about the information contained by chromosomes, how traits are passed from one organism to the next, how the evolutionary process takes place, what DNA is made up of and how it can be altered.
Genetics expertise helps specialists better understand human behaviour, the causes of genetic disease and ways to develop better crops and other organisms. Popular applications of Genetics include developing better medicine, agricultural innovation, and criminal forensics that helps identify suspects. Genetics also has applications in the field of Health & Medicine, with medical geneticist specialists working on identify and treating genetic diseases such as haemophilia or different types of cancer.
Genetics studies rely heavily on knowledge from general disciplines such as Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Students participate in classes focusing on topics like cell biology, genomics, bioinformatics, plant genetics and heredity, molecular evolution or genetic modelling.
Study Genetics to develop key skills for biological research and laboratory practice such as critical thinking, analytical skills, communication skills needed to pass on discovered data as well as awareness of ethical aspects.
Graduates of Genetics degrees find jobs as clinical researchers and scientists, epidemiologists, medical sales representatives, laboratory technicians, science writers and more. Depending on your specialisation you'll be able to work in pharmaceutical companies, universities, forensic laboratories, or hospitals.
Read moreCheck out our list of Master's degrees in Genetics. Keep in mind you can also study an online Masters in Genetics.