Faculty of Science

Table of Contents

1. Bachelor of Science (Honours)
2. Further Information
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions
        200-level subjects
        300-level subjects


Genetics is fundamental to all biological sciences and therefore any student specialising in a biological science discipline should consider taking some genetics subjects.

Subjects in genetics aim to provide students with an understanding of the applications of a genetic approach to fundamental biological problems. The nature and analysis of genetic variation in organisms ranging from microbes to humans, and implications for modern evolutionary theories, are considered. Particular emphasis is placed on the combined use of classical and molecular genetic methodology to analyse biological phenomena at both the cellular and population levels. Subjects include studies relevant to biomedical applications of genetics and to biotechnology.

Students who wish to specialise in genetics are encouraged to do a genetics major as detailed on GENETICS. Completion of a genetics major will provide the student with an understanding of the fundamental aspects of genetics at 200-level, progressing at 300-level to advanced aspects of molecular genetics, ecological genetics, molecular evolution, genomics, practical genetic analysis, and a choice of additional studies in developmental, human and experimental genetics.

For BSc or BSc combined degree students, completion of a genetics major is a prerequisite for entry into honours in genetics. Students who completed prior to 1999 and wish to be eligible for entry into honours in genetics are also required to complete a genetics major. Exceptions to this prerequisite may be allowed by the Head of Department on a case-by-case basis.

Students completing the Bachelor of Biomedical Science must complete 25 points of 300-level genetics subjects to be eligible for honours in genetics.

At 200-level it is strongly recommended that all students take biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211 and 521-212.

Students taking a genetics major may consider a second major or a co-major depending upon their interests. For those with an interest in molecular genetics the following are recommended: majors in biochemistry and molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, plant sciences; co-major in biotechnology. For those with an interest in population and evolutionary genetics the following are recommended: majors in animal behaviour and evolution, conservation and Australian wildlife, ecology, plant science, marine biology, mathematics and statistics; co-major in environmental science.

Students not wishing to undertake a second major or co-major in addition to a genetics major should consider an appropriate selection of subjects from biochemistry and molecular biology (strongly recommended), chemistry, botany, zoology, microbiology, psychology, mathematics and statistics, and physiology.

Students wishing to take some genetics subjects without completing a genetics major should take 652-214 and 652-215 and a selection from 652-301, 652-302, 652-303 and 652-305 depending upon their interests.

1. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

2. Further Information

Department of Genetics
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 6240
Fax: +61 3 8344 5139
Web: http://www.genetics.unimelb.edu.au

Subject descriptions

200-level subjects

652-214 Principles of Genetics
652-215 Genes and Genomes
652-216 Molecular & General Genetics Practical

300-level subjects

652-301 Genomes and Evolution
652-302 Molecular Genetics
652-303 Developmental and Cellular Genetics
652-304 Genetic Analysis
652-305 Human Genetics
652-306 Experimental Genetics
600-311 Research Project A
600-312 Research Project B



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