Las Cruces, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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Introduction
Have you ever wondered why your hair or eye color, facial features, or the build of your body resembles that of your parents, grandparents, or other close relatives? What factors are responsible for generating all the variety of colors and shapes of flowers, trees, and different types of animals? If these questions have crossed your mind, then you have been thinking about Genetics; the science of heredity. Genetics is studied at the DNA/gene/genome level (molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics and bioinformatics), the level of organisms (classical or Mendelian genetics), and within/among populations of individuals (population and quantitative genetics).
Genetics is the science of heredity and variation in living organisms. Genetics is studied at the DNA/gene/genome level (molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics and bioinformatics), the level of organisms (classical or Mendelian genetics), and within/among populations of individuals (population and quantitative genetics). One of the most significant scientific accomplishments in history has been the use of genomic technologies to recently identify most human genes, as well as, most genes for a number of other animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
One of the most significant scientific accomplishments in history has been the use of genomic technologies to recently identify most human genes, as well as, most genes for a number of other animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Geneticists now have tremendous opportunities to use molecular, biochemical, mathematical, and computer science-based (bioinformatics) approaches to investigate how these genes determine observable traits. This information can be used to significantly advance human health and well-being and to meet the food and fiber needs of the world.
A degree in Genetics can provide excellent preparation for careers in academic research and technical support, teaching, agriculture, the biotechnology industry, medicine and health sciences, forensic science, technical writing, and sales or marketing. It is also an excellent background for students wishing to enter a graduate program, medical school, and veterinary school.
Undergraduates in the Genetics program must earn a grade of C- or better to receive credit for Departmental and Non-Departmental required courses. Within the Departmental Required courses, Tier I courses must be taken by all majors, for a total of 31 credit hours*. To accommodate differing interests among students, a series of Tier II courses comprising 9-11 credits are provided. Ethical considerations of genetic-based technologies will be infused throughout the curriculum, with a focused course on Science and Ethics in the Tier III portion of the core curriculum.
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Career Opportunities
A degree in Genetics will prepare you for careers in academic teaching, agriculture, seed and biotechnology industry, health, and marketing. Geneticists now have tremendous opportunities to use molecular, biochemical, mathematical, and computer science-based (bioinformatics) approaches to investigate how these genes determine observable traits. This information can be used to significantly advance human health and well being, and to meet the food and fiber needs of the world. Starting salaries for graduates are up to $45,000 per year.
Career examples:
- Clinical/Medical/Forensic Lab Specialist
- Ag/Biotech Research Technician
- Genetic Counselor
- Biologist/Ecologist/Field Scientist
- Biotech/Medical Marketing Personnel
- Preparation for Graduate School & Medical School
Curriculum
A Suggested Plan of Study for Students
This roadmap assumes student placement in MATH 1220G College Algebra and ENGL 1110G Composition I. The contents and order of this roadmap may vary depending on initial student placement in mathematics and english. It is only a suggested plan of study for students and is not intended as a contract. Course availability may vary from fall to spring semester and may be subject to modification or change.
First Year
Fall
- BIOL 2610G- Principles of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution- 3
- GENE 1110- Experimental Systems in Genetics- 1
- CHEM 1215G- General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors- 4
- ENGL 1110G- Composition I- 4
- Area IV: Social/Behavioral Science Course- 3
Credits- 15
Spring
- BIOL 2110G & BIOL 2110L- Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology
- and Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory- 4
- CHEM 1225G- General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors- 4
- MATH 1220G- College Algebra- 3
- Area V: Humanities Course - 3
- Elective- 1
Credits- 15
Second Year
Fall
- CHEM 313- Organic Chemistry I- 3
- MATH 1250G- Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus- 4
- GENE 315- Molecular Genetics- 3
- Choose one from the following:- 3
- ENGL 2210G- Professional & Technical Communication
- ENGL 2215G- Advanced Technical and Professional Communication
- ENGL 2210G- Professional & Technical Communication
- ENGL 2215G- Advanced Technical and Professional Communication
- Area I: Oral Communication- 3
Credits- 16
Spring
- CHEM 314- Organic Chemistry II- 3
- CHEM 315- Organic Chemistry Laboratory- 2
- MATH 1511G- Calculus and Analytic Geometry I- 4
- GENE 320- Hereditary and Population Genetics- 3
- Elective Course- 3
Credits- 15
Third Year
Fall
- BCHE 395- Biochemistry I- 3
- MATH 1521G- Calculus and Analytic Geometry II- 4
- PHYS 2230G- General Physics for Life Science I- 3
- Area IV: Creative and Fine Arts- 3
- Elective- 2
Credits- 15
Spring
- BIOL 377- Cell Biology- 3
- BCHE 396- Biochemistry II- 3
- GENE 305 L- Genetic Techniques- 1
- PHYS 2240G- General Physics for Life Science II- 3
- Choose from one of the following:- 3
- A ST 311- Statistical Applications
- BIOL 455- Biometry
- A ST 311- Statistical Applications
- BIOL 455- Biometry
- Elective- 2
Credits- 15
Fourth Year
Fall
- BIOL 467- Evolution- 3
- BIOL 302 or BCHE 424- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory
- or Experimental Biochemistry I - 3
- Tier II: Organism Structure Course- 3-4
- Choose from one of the following:- 3
- BIOL 446- Bioinformatics and NCBI Database
- GENE 452- Applied Bioinformatics
- BIOL 446- Bioinformatics and NCBI Database
- GENE 452- Applied Bioinformatics
- VWW: Viewing a Wider World Course- 3
Credits- 15-16
Spring
- GENE 440- Genetics Seminar- 1
- AGRO 303V- Genetics and Society- 3
- Tier II: Molecular and Applied Genetics Course- 3
- Tier II: Physiology Course- 3-4
- VWW: Viewing a Wider World Course- 3
- Elective- 1-2
Credits- 14-16
Total Credits- 120-123