Bachelor of Genetics
Degree overview
Explore the complex and fascinating world of genetics and unravel the mysteries of DNA with the ANU Bachelor of Genetics.
You’ll learn how genes hold our hereditary information, study classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics. You can even follow interests in areas as diverse as plant genetics, evolutionary genetics or medicine and health.
Studying at ANU means you’ll be exposed to ground-breaking research being undertaken by our academics in active research laboratories at the Research School of Biology and the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australia’s national medical research institute.
Key facts
What you'll learn
The ANU Bachelor of Genetics offers a variety of courses covering classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics.
By specialising in genetics and understanding the structure and function of genes, you will learn how to apply the techniques of genomics, bioinformatics and molecular genetics to an ever-increasing range of exciting careers in medical biology, plant science and conservation.
You will have the option of applying for an honours year towards the end of your third year of study.
Student experience
The science of genetics is written into Amber's story
Where most people might learn about the science of genetics from a textbook, for Amber, it’s never been separable from her lived experience of it.
Get a degree: tick! Get a job: tick!
Ellen Miech traded her expertise in plant science to work in Australia’s Biosecurity Assurance Team.
A new hope treating autoimmune disease
Researchers at the Centre for Personalised Immunology at ANU are using genetics to fight autoimmune diseases.
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers
Professor Susan Howitt, Program convener
Susan completed her PhD at ANU, working on the genetics of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. She then moved to the John Curtin School of Medical Research to work first on the E. coli ATP synthase and later becoming involved in a project on the GABAA receptor. Her current research interests are in the area of student learning, in particular relating to conceptual learning and learning about research.
She is also the Senior Tuckwell Fellow, with responsibility for the Tuckwell Scholars program.
Dr Andras Keszei, First year coordinator
Andras's areas of expertise are Population, Ecological And Evolutionary Genetics, Terrestrial Ecology, Genome Structure And Regulation, Plant Cell And Molecular Biology, Structural Biology (including Macromolecular Modelling), Natural Products Chemistry, Analytical Spectrometry, and Separation Science. He lectures Molecular and Cell Biology.
Andras was awarded the Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning in 2011.
Dr Mark Ellison, First year coordinator
Mark is a senior lecturer and first year Chemistry coordinator in the Research School of Chemistry.
Mark was awarded the Pearson/RACI Centenary of Federation Educator of the year in 2011. He was also awarded a 2012 citation for outstanding contributions to student learning in the Australian Government awards for University Teaching.
Careers
As our knowledge of the human genome expands, so does the need for graduates with specialist knowledge in genetics.
Our graduates can go on to a career in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies. Possible careers include:
- Clinical Geneticist
- Genetic Counsellor
- Bioinformatician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Laboratory Assistant.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Internships: Because there's life after uni
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Featured scholarships: Featured scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
How to apply
Determine the best way to apply
There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit the Domestic applications - ANU Undergraduate page to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Meet the co-curricular or service requirement
In addition to meeting academic requirements, we have introduced a compulsory co-curricular or service requirement.
Make sure you have met the co-curricular or service requirement and provide the appropriate documentation.
Gather supporting documents
When you apply to ANU, it's important to attach any requested supporting documentation, otherwise your application could be delayed.
Submit your application
Tick your application off your list so it's one less thing you need to think about. There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Receiving a conditional offer
If your application is successful you will receive an early conditional offer. A conditional offer will be converted to a full offer when you meet the academic requirements for your program and any other conditions included in your conditional offer.
Accept your confirmed final offer
Upon meeting the conditions of your conditional offer, you will receive a final offer. Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit the International applications - ANU Undergraduate page to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Visit the International applications - ANU Undergraduate to start your application.
Receive an offer
There are three assessment rounds in each semester. Applying in the first round will give you three opportunities to be assessed and accepted, giving you the best chance of being offered a place at ANU.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Need more information?
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