Genetics and Genomics, B.S.

Genetics and genomics is a bachelor's program for students seeking to understand how genes shape life, from fundamental cellular functions to population dynamics, and for students preparing to apply genetic and genomic concepts in such areas as medicine, biotechnology, biomedical research, agriculture, journalism, and public policy.

Advances in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and our ability to manipulate the DNA of many organisms, including humans, have brought genetics to the forefront of many issues facing our society. These advances drive the growing need for health care providers, scientists and other professionals with a strong foundation in genetic and genomic analysis. Through coursework and diverse research opportunities, genetics and genomics majors gain broad insight into inheritance, gene function, genome organization, evolution, cutting-edge genetic technologies and therapies, and more.

A B.S. degree with a major in genetics and genomics positions students for many jobs in the biotechnology industry. Genetics and genomics majors are well prepared to pursue research-focused Ph.D. programs that provide further training for careers in biomedical and agricultural research. Genetics and genomics majors are highly competitive for admission to top medical schools, where there is a growing focus on personalized medicine, and genetic counseling programs.

1. Analyze the transmission of genes and chromosomes between cells during cell division and within pedigrees over generations.
2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of how information encoded in DNA can be mutated, epigenetically modified, transcribed into RNA, and translated for protein production, enabling this information to orchestrate the activities of cells singly or collectively throughout development in multicellular organisms.
3. Predict the impact of the forces of mutation, natural selection, chance, and genetic recombination on the amount of genetic variation in populations at the DNA and phenotypic levels using quantitative models.
4. Formulate research questions about the genetic control of biological processes and design experiments to answer these questions using appropriate genetic tools including model organisms.
5. Demonstrate team-work, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address societal, ethical and scientific issues related to genetics, and communicate their findings through written, oral and multi-media reports.

All undergraduate students at UW–Madison must complete the university-wide General Education Requirements, which are designed to convey the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. These requirements provide for breadth across the humanities and arts, social studies, and natural sciences; competence in communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills necessary for success in college and beyond; and investigation of the issues raised by living in a culturally diverse society. This core is intended to provide students with intellectual and practical skills, basic knowledge of human cultures and the physical world, strategies for understanding these topics, and tools intended to contribute to their sense of personal and social responsibility. General Education complements the work students do in their majors and degrees. Together, these requirements help students learn what they need to know not just for making a living, but also for making a life.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Each school and college may choose to allow General Education courses to count toward other degree and/or major requirements. Students should always check with their advisors to discuss any additional degree requirements and determine if students are required to take specific General Education courses or to complete the requirements in a particular order. Students should review their Degree Audit (DARS) report to see how they are progressing toward fulfilling the General Education requirements. Please refer to.

Undergraduate Advisors

Tilmann, Kit; Vermillion Kalmon, Katie; Loewen, Carin; Foley, Lauren

Students should make advising appointments through the Starfish App on MyUW.

The biotechnology industry has exploded within the last decade, providing many diverse career opportunities for our graduates. A strong background in genetics will prepare you for careers in research technical support, technical writing, quality control, assay development, technical services, and sales or marketing. Entry level job titles: Research Laboratory Technician, Assistant Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Agricultural Consultant, Science Writer

Many of our graduates continue their education by pursuing an advanced degree. Our students are competitive for admission to medical schools, veterinary schools, and graduate schools throughout the country. Students may elect a Ph.D. in genetics to prepare them for careers in research, academia, and industry. Others may elect an M.S. program for a career in genetics counseling.