Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) in Molecular Genetics

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high performing students to pursue their interest in Science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying Molecular Genetics, with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. The major culminates in a capstone experience in which students will have the opportunity to pursue Molecular Genetics projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

Molecular Genetics will increasingly contribute to solutions to global problems facing humanity, including prevention and control of human, animal and plant diseases, biosecurity, reversal of environmental degradation and feeding the world's population. 'DNA chips' can detect the expression of thousands of genes, enabling rapid diagnosis of many diseases in a single test. Individuals will soon have access to their own DNA sequence and hence predict their propensity to develop cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart failure and many other human diseases. Likewise, stem cells and tissue culture promise novel methods for organ replacement and injury repair, some of the biggest challenges for medical practitioners. Improving the world’s food supply is increasingly reliant on genetically modifying the production of plants and animals, and trace amounts of DNA in the environment (eDNA) are being used to provide more complete estimates of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine environments. Our graduates can be employed in a wide range of challenging careers working alongside other scientists, environmental scientists, medical and health-care professionals, engineers, agricultural scientists, agribusiness professionals, computer software developers, lawyers, business professionals and entrepreneurs.