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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Genetics

Courses

1420 Genetics/Biotechnology Center, 425-G Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1580; 608-262-1069; www.genetics.wisc.edu

Professors Culbertson (chair), Anderson, Baum, Blattner, Carroll, Colley, Doebley, Dove, Engels, Ganetzky, Hoffmann, Jahn, Kimble, Kung, Laughon, Masson, Prolla, Schwartz, Sondel, Vierstra, Yin; Associate Professors Ikeda, Pelegri, Perna, Sun, Yu; Assistant Professors Chang, Gasch, Kennedy, Loewe, O'Connor-Giles, Skop

This department offers an undergraduate major under the Bachelor of Science degree program. Students completing the major are certified for the Bachelor of Science degree. The basic requirements of this curriculum include:  two years of chemistry, one year of physics, one year of general biology and Genetics 466 or two years of Biocore, one semester of calculus, biostatistics and introductory bacteriology. The major requirements include: advanced genetics, introductory biochemistry, a laboratory experience and 12 credits of genetics and genetics-related courses chosen from an approved list.

Genetics is a bachelor's program for students seeking a broad knowledge of heredity in relation to animal and plant breeding, and for students preparing for teaching and research in genetics. A B.S. degree with a major in genetics prepares students for many jobs in the growing biotechnology industry. Some of these jobs are in research and technical support, technical writing, quality control, assay development, and sales or marketing.

Many graduates continue their education by pursuing an advanced degree. Genetics students are competitive for admission to medical schools, veterinary schools, and graduate schools throughout the country. Graduate students may elect a Ph.D. program to prepare for careers in research, academia, and industry. Others may elect an M.S. program for a career in genetic counseling.

Because of the diversity and quantity of research activity on the Madison campus, the discipline of genetics provides an extraordinary number and range of opportunities for undergraduate majors to gain experience in research, a virtual prerequisite for admission to the top graduate programs in the biological sciences and for entry level positions in the biotechnology industry.