Genetics, The Future
 Genetics is the understanding and use of inheritance. It is
what makes you who you are! Modern society depends on
genetics: it is used in health and disease, food and nutrition,
plant and animal breeding and conservation though to justice,
history and sociology. Many cutting edge industries and
technologies are based on genetics and it is an area that
could well lead New Zealand into a value-added, knowledgebased
economy. Genetics is the future!
“While studying in Australia I have realised what a high quality
undergraduate education I received in Genetics at Otago. I feel like I
have a good understanding of recent developments in a wide range of
areas in genetics.”
Emily Wilson BSc (Hons),
Student MSc Genetic Counselling
Genetics at Otago
Genetics is a rapidly progressing science and
a central theme of modern biology. It is an
indispensable component of most biological
research. The Genetics Programme at the
University of Otago is taught on an interdepartmental
basis, drawing together the
Departments of Biochemistry, Botany,
Microbiology and Immunology, Women’s and
Children’s Health, Pathology and Zoology. This
structure allows staff and students to interact
and share ideas across a broader sphere than
is possible in any one department.
Why should I study Genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes and inheritance
– it is fun, interesting, challenging and relevant
to your everyday life!
Genetics is a very diverse subject – you learn
about a wide variety of things ranging from
the molecular basis of life to the study of
whole organisms, populations and evolution.
You will be able to make informed decisions
about topics such as genetic engineering,
cloning and your own health.
There is cutting-edge genetic research carried
out by the programme staff at Otago and you
will learn about this world-class research in
your lectures. There are also many opportunities
to get experience in a research lab at Otago.
Genetics fits well with lots of other interesting
subjects, including those in Science, Commerce,
Law and Humanities.
How will I study?
Genetics is an experimental science with a
strong theoretical background and so you will
do a combination of lectures and laboratorybased
practicals.
The laboratory classes in second and third year
are extremely varied; you will examine everything
from viruses, bacteria, fruit flies and worms,
through to humans. For example, in second year
you create genetically-modified bacteria and test
for GMOs in supermarket products. During third
year you have the opportunity to look at your
own chromosomes and to analyse a portion of
your own mitochondrial DNA sequence to
determine which “Daughter of Eve” you are
descended from. You also get to design and carry
out your own group projects.
Computers are also an essential part of the
geneticist’s toolkit. You will use computers to
analyse DNA sequences and there are also
computer simulation labs to study evolutionary
genetics.
At all levels, as well as doing Genetics papers,
you have the opportunity to take additional
papers that fit your area of interest.
What about further study?
You can use your Genetics studies from your
undergraduate degree (BSc) to do a researchbased
MSc or PhD degree. Entry into the
BSc(Hons) programme is by invitation at the
end of second year.
Background required
You need to have an interest in the world around
you! Senior high school chemistry, biology and maths
are strongly recommended but not essential. You
must pass Cell and Molecular Biology (CELS 191)
and The Chemical Basis of Biology & Human Health
(CHEM 191) in your first year to major in genetics
from second year. It is also recommended that you
take Foundations of Biochemistry (BIOC 192).
What papers do I take for a BSc?
While there is no dedicated Genetics paper at
first year, Genetics is a large component of CELS
191 and material taught in the paper forms the
foundation for the 200-level GENE papers.
The 200-level papers are:
GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics
GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations
GENE 223 Developmental and Applied Genetics
In addition to taking the GENE papers, we
recommend you take BIOC 221 and at least one
of MICR 221 and ZOOL 222.
To major in Genetics, at 300-level you need to
take at least four of:
GENE 311 Genetic Analysis of Eukaryotes,
GENE 312 Evolutionary Genetics,
GENE 313 Medical Genetics,
BIOC 352, MICR 335 and PLBI 312.
Other papers are also possible depending on your
interests.
Can I combine my genetics degree with
other subjects?
YES! Genetics and almost anything is a marketable,
valuable and desirable combination.
Popular subjects include law, commerce, bioethics,
mathematics, statistics and information or computer
sciences.
You can combine Genetics with any other biological
sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, botany,
microbiology and zoology and other science subjects
such as psychology, geology and anthropology.
It is also possible to take Genetics papers as part
of a BBiomedSci degree. In particular, Genetics is
an integral component of the Reproduction,
Genetics and Development major.
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 provides an excellent foundation for
the further training required to be a Genetic
Counsellor or forensic scientist.
HAYDEN SELVADURAI
After a double degree in Genetics and Marketing,
Hayden Selvadurai decided to continue his study
in Genetics at Otago with a Master’s degree
investigating the genetic basis of cancer.
 “I’d found cancer genetics one of the most
interesting subjects when studying for my BSc,”
notes Hayden “so when funding became available
to do my MSc in this area, I leapt at the chance.”
Hayden’s MSc work involved a new method for
identifying ‘cancer stem cells’, which recent research
suggested may be responsible for initiating and
sustaining the disease.
“This may explain why tumours can recur following
treatments such as chemotherapy,” Hayden
explains, “these therapies target and destroy the
out of control cancer cells, but not necessarily the
stem cells responsible for causing the cancer in
the first place. If the theory is correct, it could
change the approach we take to treating cancer.”
After completing his MSc, Hayden received a
prestigious scholarship to undertake a PhD at the
University of Edinburgh, Scotland and is looking
to a future full of opportunities:
“After my PhD I could either get into research or
perhaps work in a biotech firm. And I’m also
interested in communication issues around science;
showing the public how funding for scientific
research can make positive differences.”
Further information
Genetics Programme, University
of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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