This is a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) course, designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Genetics is a rapidly growing science discipline and now underpins diverse jobs related to biology. Around the world, governments are investing heavily in genetics research to help improve the food supply, for example, which is increasingly reliant on genetically modifying the production of plants and animals.

Trace amounts of DNA in the environment (eDNA) are being used to provide more complete estimates of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine environments. Ancient DNA is being extracted from fossils to understand the evolution of life and the impacts of ancient climate and ecosystem change. DNA ‘chips’ can detect the expression of thousands of genes enabling rapid diagnosis of many diseases in a single test. Before long, individuals will have access to their own DNA sequence and learn their propensity to develop particular diseases.

The deep knowledge of genetic processes and bioinformatics you will gain in this course will provide opportunities for careers and research related to human, animal and plant health, environmental health and food security.

The course offers a flexible and personalised approach to studying genetics. You’ll be able to explore this field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. You’ll also gain practical experience programming in both R and Python and through exposure to data science professionals.

In your second and third year you’ll have the opportunity to source internal and external internships and immersive work experience that can be used for course credit. Your course will culminate in a capstone experience in which you can pursue genetics projects ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.