GENEGENO02 Genetics and genomics

Genetics and genomics at Monash covers a broad scope of topics, including conservation, developmental and medical genetics, to ensure that you are well prepared for the job market.

Our teaching labs have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for practical, hands-on training. Our educators are all active researchers as well as teachers, ensuring each unit taught at Monash reflects the most recent advances in the various genetics disciplines.

Genetics is the study of genes, their structure, function, transmission and evolution, and encompasses a rich and diverse range of research topics. Genetics lies at the centre of biology because the same basic genetic principles apply to microbes, plants, animals and humans. The genetic code provides the blueprint for life and every aspect of biology, from development, physiology and biochemistry through to behaviour and ecology and diseases such as cancer, is ultimately controlled by the products of genes and their interaction with the physical environment.

Genomics, enabled by dramatic recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies and computing power, allows researchers to expand their vision from a few genes to all of the thousands of genes that govern the lives of each organism. The ability to compare the genomes of different species and assess variation between individuals of the same species is revolutionising our capacity to dissect evolutionary processes and map the complex gene networks that control every aspect of biology. 

Genetics and genomics underpin many exciting areas of science such as biomedical science, biotechnology, conservation biology, and forensics. Graduates with a major in Genetics and genomics find employment in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies.

Availability
Genetics and genomics is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major and minor and in the Bachelor of Science at Malaysia as a minor.

The genetics and genomics minor, major and extended major are not available in the double degree course S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science.