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.

Program Description

Genetics is the science of heredity, and it is studied at various levels, including molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics, and bioinformatics. The program in Genetics and Biotechnology at New Mexico State University is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of genetics and their applications in various fields. The program is interdisciplinary, incorporating courses from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, students must complete all university degree requirements, which include:

• General Education requirements
• Viewing a Wider World requirements
• Non-Departmental requirements
• Elective credits to total at least 120 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above

General Education Requirements

• Area I: Communications (10 credits)
  • English Composition - Level 1
  • English Composition - Level 2
  • Oral Communication
• Area II: Mathematics (4 credits)
  • MATH 1521G: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
• Area III/IV: Laboratory Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences (11 credits)
  • CHEM 1215G: General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors
  • CHEM 1225G: General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors
  • Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• Area V: Humanities (3 credits)
• Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts (3 credits)
• General Education Elective
  • BIOL 2610G: Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution

Departmental/College Requirements

• Tier I Requirements (31 credits)
  • BIOL 2110G & BIOL 2110L: Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory
  • BIOL 302: Molecular Biology Techniques 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
    • PHIL 321

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
• PHYS 2230G: General Physics for Life Science I
• PHYS 2240G: General Physics for Life Science II

Electives

• Electives to bring the total credits to 120 (18-20 credits)
• Recommended Electives:
  • BIOL 351: Biology Internship
  • GENE 391: Genetics Internship
  • GENE 449: Special Problems
  • HNRS courses

Second Language Requirement

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

Suggested Plan of Study

A suggested plan of study for students is provided, assuming student placement in MATH 1220G College Algebra and ENGL 1110G Composition I. The plan of study includes courses for each semester, with the total credits for each semester.

Total Credits

The total credits required for the Bachelor of Science in Genetics degree are 120-123 credits.