Program Overview

Genetics and Biotechnology - Bachelor of Science in Genetics

The Bachelor of Science in Genetics with a major in Genetics and Biotechnology is a comprehensive program that explores the science of heredity. Genetics is studied at the DNA/gene/genome level, the level of organisms, and within/among populations of individuals. This program provides excellent preparation for careers in academic research and technical support, teaching, agriculture, the biotechnology industry, medicine and health sciences, forensic science, technical writing, and sales or marketing.

Requirements

To complete the Bachelor of Science in Genetics, students must earn a grade of C- or better in all Departmental and Non-Departmental required courses. The program consists of:

• General Education requirements
• Viewing a Wider World requirements
• Departmental Required courses, including Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III courses
• Non-Departmental requirements
• Elective credits to total at least 120 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above

Course List

The following courses are required for the program:

• General Education Requirements:
  • Area I: Communications (10 credits)
  • Area II: Mathematics (4 credits)
  • Area III/IV: Laboratory Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences (11 credits)
  • Area V: Humanities (3 credits)
  • Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts (3 credits)
• Departmental/College Requirements:
  • Tier I Requirements (31 credits)
    • BIOL 2110G & BIOL 2110L: Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory
    • BIOL 377: Cell Biology
    • BIOL 446: Bioinformatics and NCBI Database
    • BIOL 455: Biometry
    • BIOL 467: Evolution
    • GENE 1110: Experimental Systems in Genetics
    • GENE 305L: Genetic Techniques
    • GENE 315: Molecular Genetics
    • GENE 320: Hereditary and Population Genetics
    • GENE 440: Genetics Seminar
  • Tier II Requirements (9-11 credits)
    • Select one course from each of the three categories:
      1. Molecular and Applied Genetics
      2. Physiology
      3. Organism Structure
  • Tier III Courses (3 credits)
    • Select one from the following:
      • AGRO 303V: Genetics and Society
      • HNRS 306V: Science, Ethics and Society
• Non-Departmental Requirements:
  • CHEM 313: Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 314: Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM 315: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
  • BCHE 395: Biochemistry I
  • BCHE 396: Biochemistry II, Lecture and Laboratory
  • PHYS 2230G: General Physics for Life Science I
  • PHYS 2240G: General Physics for Life Science II
• Electives (16 credits)
  • Select electives to bring the total credits to 120, including 48 upper division credits

Road Map

A suggested plan of study for students is provided, assuming student placement in MATH 1220G College Algebra and ENGL 1110G Composition I. The plan outlines the courses to be taken each semester for four years, including General Education requirements, Departmental Required courses, and electives.

Second Language Requirement

There is no second language requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Genetics with a major in Genetics and Biotechnology.