Program Overview

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Genetics: Genomics, B.S. - COLSA, UNH

The University of New Hampshire's Genetics: Genomics major provides specialized training in genome analysis and its applications across medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Students gain hands-on experience with genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and computational tools to interpret complex genetic data.

Program Description

The Genetics: Genomics program explores the world of genetics and genomics in plants, animals, and microbes. Genomics is the study of genomes and includes topics like DNA structure and function, high-throughput sequencing, and computational comparison of the genomes of different organisms. The Genetics faculty strongly value hands-on learning, and many students conduct undergraduate research under the supervision of faculty.

Curriculum & Requirements

The program offers coursework and laboratories in:

• Molecular genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Human genetics
• Comparative genomics
• Plant genetics
• Microbial genetics
• Population and evolutionary genetics

Students may participate in experiential learning activities, including:

• Independent research experiences in laboratories of UNH faculty
• Work at the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies or Research Computing Center
• Internships at biotechnology companies in the Greater Boston area
• Internships with genetics counselors at area medical centers

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
• Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
• Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral
• Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
• Foreign Language Requirement: No

Required Courses

Foundation Courses

• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry II
• Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• Calculus for Life Sciences
• Applied Biostatistics I
• Introduction to Physics I
• Introduction to Physics II

Bioscience Core Courses

• Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular
• Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology
• Principles of Genetics
• General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory
• Principles of Cell Biology
• General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab

Genetics Core Courses

• Genetics Lab
• Professional Perspectives in Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Select one of the following: Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Molecular Genetics

Electives

Five unique major electives are required, including:

• Programming for Bioinformatics
• Comparative Genomics
• Population/Evolutionary Genetics Electives
• Bioscience Electives

Capstone

The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning. The capstone requirement may be satisfied through a course, created work or product, or some form of experiential learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Knowledge in Genetics

Students will be able to:

• Describe DNA, its role, structure, and packaging in chromosomes
• Describe the central dogma of molecular biology
• Define and describe evolution
• Describe the differences between mitosis and meiosis
• Evaluate how genes and the environment interact to produce a phenotype
• Describe the concept of deep time and how comparing genes and genomes allows us to understand evolution and relatedness between species
• Use pedigrees to determine mode of inheritance of a trait
• Describe ethical issues related to modern genomics
• Describe high-throughput sequencing and its impact on modern genetics

Quantitative Literacy, Inquiry & Analysis

Students will be able to:

• Apply the scientific method to examine experimental evidence and draw informed conclusions
• Use graphs to represent scientific data
• Apply statistical methods to interpret scientific data

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Students will be able to:

• Use data to troubleshoot an unexpected outcome
• Apply core knowledge to critically interpret scientific data

Written Communication

Students will demonstrate written skills to communicate scientific knowledge and experimental data.

Oral Communication

Students will be able to demonstrate oral presentation skills to communicate scientific knowledge and experimental data.

Research Areas

The program provides opportunities for students to engage in research projects in faculty labs, exploring various aspects of genetics and genomics.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology
• Genomic research
• Personalized medicine
• Academic research
• Government agencies
• Private industry

Graduate Programs

Students interested in the Genetics major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees at UNH:

• Bioinformatics M.S.
• Genetics M.S.
• Genetics Ph.D.
• Integrative Biology M.S.
• Integrative Biology Ph.D.
• Microbiology M.S.
• Microbiology Ph.D.
• Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology M.S.
• Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology Ph.D.
• Ecological Genomics Graduate Certificate