What to Expect

Genetics students learn to unravel the secrets of life. They study the way DNA works in humans, animals and plants.

A discussion in Ian Cleary's Grade 10 science class centered around using enzymes to cut pieces of DNA, adding new pieces and then putting all the pieces together. The more Cleary learned about molecular biology, the more he liked it.

At university, he opted for a degree in molecular genetics. He says he didn't want to restrict himself to just one avenue of study, such as human genetics or plant genetics.

"I'm most interested in genetic regulation of cellular processes, so there isn't really a particular field, such as human genetics, that interests me," he says. "I [wanted] to study fundamental events in cells."

Karla Badger also studied genetics. "Theoretically, a student can choose any courses they wish," she says.

"However, for entry into the genetics program, there are a few requirements, so most students take physics, chemistry, biology, English, and calculus and linear algebra -- a fairly tough course load."

Badger adds that students can expect classes and labs to take up a lot of time. "My theory in sciences [is that] you are so busy doing lab reports and sciences that you squeeze in studying whenever you can, but still remember to have some fun," she says.

Survival Tips

Knowing how to deal with the vast amount of information available can be a challenge.

"I didn't expect that I would have to know some information in such detail. In first-year courses especially, it can be hard to know what to study for exams," says Cleary. "Also, material is covered a lot faster than in high school."

Cleary adds that getting used to the actual course workload is one of the most difficult adjustments he had to make at university. The amount of material to be absorbed and the complexity of some of the concepts caught him off guard.

"The most important thing is time management. It is essential to try to stay on top of everything," Cleary warns. "There is too much information to study and too many assignments to do to leave everything to the last minute."

How to Prepare

In addition to studying math and the sciences, Cleary suggests becoming well-rounded.

"It is just as important to be able to write coherently and clearly as it is to be able to balance chemical equations," says Cleary. "Critical thought and analysis are skills that can be learned from and applied to many different fields."

Any computer knowledge gained now will help later, says Badger.