Genetics Major #MajorMonday

Genetics Major is a program that focuses on the scientific study of the organization, recombination, function, regulation, and transmission of heritable information in biological organisms at all levels of complexity. Includes instruction in Mendelian genetics, mechanisms of gene regulation, chromosome structure and replication, epigenetic phenomena, DNA repair and recombination, sex determination, genetic interactions between genomes, and molecular evolution.

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What typical courses are required for Genetics Majors?

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Genetics
• Psychology
• Research Methods
• Sociology
• Statistics

What other majors are related to Genetics?

• Animal Behavior and Ethology
• Animal Genetics
• Animal Physiology
• Entomology
• Genome Sciences/Genomics
• Genetic Engineering
• Human/Medical Genetics
• Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Molecular Genetics
• Plant Genetics
• Wildlife Biology
• Zoology/Animal Biology

Colleges:

Over 36 Colleges and Universities offer a Genetics program.

What degree is needed to be a successful Geneticist?

Post-Doctoral Training or Doctoral Degree usually needed for this career.

Activities required for a career in Genetics:

• Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
• Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
• Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
• Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
• Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
• Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
• Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
• Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
• Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
• Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
• Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
• Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
• Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
• Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
• Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
• Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
• Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.
• Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.
• Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.
• Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
• Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.

What are the most important work activities for a Geneticist?

Importance	Activities
	Analyzing Data or Information – Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
	Getting Information – Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge – Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
	Interacting With Computers – Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
	Making Decisions and Solving Problems – Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
	Processing Information – Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
	Documenting/Recording Information – Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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If you are thinking about Genetics as your future major, complete the College Major Quiz.  It will match your aptitude and interests to a college major, and then connect you to the right college and career for your future.