Undergraduates

Genetics is an inescapable part of modern society; it features in intellectual news articles and popular talk shows, in discussions of topics from health care to reproductive cloning, in conversations about how CRISPR genome modification will change life as we know it, to how much Neanderthal DNA you have. With human genome sequencing widely available, it is more important now than ever for biology students to have a broad background in the study of heredity and evolution. The Genetics major enables undergraduates interested in molecular, developmental, and evolutionary genetics to explore how genetic mechanisms contribute to understanding human development and disease. Genetics majors in their Junior and Senior years meet with faculty advisors who help plan their curricula, select appropriate Bio 199 research labs and provide career advice. The Genetics major provides training in the skills necessary to pursue graduate degrees in biomedical research, teacher-training programs, medical school, and veterinary school. Genetics majors may also use their backgrounds effectively in planning careers in law, business, education, and public affairs.