Molecular Genetics

Overview

Overview

Molecular genetics is an expanding area that is contributing to solutions for human, animal and plant diseases; environmental degradation; biodiversity monitoring; food security; biosecurity and other global challenges.

Genetics now underpins diverse jobs related to biology. For example, around the world, governments are investing in genetics research to improve food supply, which is increasingly reliant on genetically modifying the production of plants and animals.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is another growth area, where trace amounts of DNA in the environment are contributing to better estimates of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine environments. And ancient DNA is being extracted from fossils to understand the evolution of life and the impacts of ancient climate and ecosystem change.

In the field of disease diagnosis, DNA ‘chips’ can detect the expression of thousands of genes, enabling rapid diagnosis of multiple diseases in a single test. Before long, individuals will be able to access their own DNA sequence and learn their propensity to develop particular diseases.

This is a Bachelor of Advanced Science honours course, designed for high-performing students to deepen their expertise in molecular genetics with research, leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

The course offers a flexible approach to study, with opportunities for interdisciplinary team-based projects and research experiences. In your second and third years, you can source for-credit internships and work placements.

In your final year, you’ll complete a capstone project in genetics, which can range from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

You’ll also gain practical experience programming in R and Python and through exposure to data science professionals.

How this course will make you industry ready

Through embedded research and industry engagement, you may investigate multiple areas of specialisation and tailor your final-year experience to prepare you for the industry of your choice.

What you'll learn

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, an advanced capacity to apply molecular genetic and biochemical concepts in a range of theoretical and practical situations, and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the molecular biosciences through research
• critically, logically and rationally analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in molecular genetics, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge
• access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own findings
• communicate effectively by demonstrating the capacity to listen and respond (using both written and spoken language) to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry and conform to discipline standards in presentations and publications
• use established and emerging technologies in molecular biosciences and apply them to address complex research questions
• engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in molecular genetics
• participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems while understanding international ethical and professional standards in molecular biosciences
• work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact research in the molecular sciences or the broader profession
• be able to work professionally and ethically as an independent molecular geneticist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of their area of study; comply with legislation relevant to the molecular biosciences