Human genetics is just one area of specialization for genetics students.
Graduates can work in a wide range of areas, from agriculture to forensic
science.
At the undergraduate level, you'll usually take genetics courses as
part of a biology degree. At the master's and PhD level, you'll be able
to do more in-depth study in genetics. For most jobs, you need more than just
a bachelor's degree.
Peter Maeba is a former microbiology professor. He says at his university,
students seeking a BS in genetics can take an interdisciplinary honors program
with genetics and related courses offered by different departments.
"Courses in biology, chemistry, maths, statistics and arts are required,"
says Maeba. "Space is available to take additional courses. Entry into the
genetics honors program is after completion of first year."
Maeba says entry requires at least a B in first-year chemistry and a C-plus
in first-year biology or vice versa -- a C-plus in chemistry and B in biology.
Professor Dan Gietz points out that a bachelor's program in genetics is
designed to give the student a broad base of exposure to the field before
reaching the specialized level that a more advanced degree offers. However, students
can focus their degree on an area of interest.
Elizabeth Jones teaches at Carnegie Mellon University, which offers genetics
as an elective in the biological sciences program. She feels students would
be better off studying genetics through a biological sciences degree than
choosing a specific major in genetics.
"I have a PhD in genetics and don't think that was the best decision I
ever made," she says. "Genetics is intimately tied to biology and is best
studied in that context."
Students at Carnegie Mellon can expect to take science courses as well
as a computer skills workshop and a writing course. They also take courses
in molecular biology, developmental genetics and advanced genetics.
"Most laboratory groups meet weekly to discuss successes and failures
and to discuss results, experimental designs, etc.," says Jones.
Maeba notes that high school students should have high marks in math,
chemistry, physics and biology. Jones says students should also be computer-literate,
as well as good writers and speakers.
The main costs are tuition and books. Textbooks can be quite expensive
for science students.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Biological
Scientists
Careers in Genetics and the Biosciences
Great information on this site
Glossary of Genetic Terms
From the University of Kansas
American Society of Human Genetics
Features current headlines about genetics in the news