Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Genetics
Dunedin, New Zealand
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Genetics
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.
Why study Genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes and inheritance. It’s fun, interesting, challenging and relevant to everyday life! It’s a very diverse subject, in which you’ll learn about the molecular basis of life right through to the study of whole organisms, populations and evolution.
You will learn to make informed decisions about topics such as genetic engineering, cloning and your own health. In your lectures, you’ll also learn about the cutting- edge research being undertaken at Otago and you’ll have many opportunities to undertake hands-on research.
Genetics at Otago
Genetics is a rapidly-progressing science, a central theme of modern biology, and an indispensable component of most biological research.
The Genetics Program at Otago draws together the departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Women’s and Children’s Health, and Zoology.
This allows staff and students to interact and share ideas across a broader sphere than is possible in any one department.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Every Program of study for the degree
- shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points
- shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level
- shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed above. No paper above 200-level may count for more than one Major Subject Requirement
- may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the Minor Subject Requirements listed in Science Schedule A, or Arts and Music Schedule A, Commerce Schedule A, or Applied Science Schedule A, or BHealSc Schedule Part 2. No paper may count for both a Major and a Minor Subject Requirement or for more than one Minor Subject Requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both Requirements.
- may include papers which are not listed in Science Schedule C either:
- up to 90 points; or
- as specified in the Science Major Subject Requirements and/or the Science subjects in the Minor Subject Requirements; or
- as specified in the Minor Subject Requirements.
Major Subject Areas
For a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree you must major in at least one of the following subjects:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Ecology
- Economics
- Electronics
- Energy Science and Technology
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Food Science
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Human Nutrition
- Information Science
- Land Planning and Development
- Mathematics
- Marine Science
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Oceanography
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Psychology
- Sport Development and Management
- Statistics
- Surveying Measurement
- Zoology
Minor Subject Areas
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree. There are no particular subject requirements for the other papers of your degree, but if you wish you may have another subject specified as a minor subject in your degree by passing the prescribed papers for any of the listed subjects.
Program Outcome
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.
A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a genetics degree from Otago can be found all over New Zealand and around the world, doing all sorts of interesting things. A degree in Genetics gives you a wide range of marketable skills suitable for employment in biologically- based industries, research organisations and government departments.
You could be a research associate, policy analyst, biotechnologist, conservation worker or biosecurity analyst, to name but a few!
With further study you could be a patent lawyer, science journalist, or a researcher in human, animal, plant, or microbial genetics.
A Genetics degree from Otago also provides an excellent foundation for the further training required to be a genetic counsellor or forensic scientist.
Program delivery
Application details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their official high school or foundation transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades); scanned copies of the relevant official transcripts of previous university study; and provide proof of their identity this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.