Genetics

Genetics pervades every aspect of modern society, from newspaper articles to talk shows, from discussions on health care to discussions on cloning. With the sequencing of the human genome, it is more important than ever for biology students to have a broad background in the study of heredity and evolution. The Genetics major is designed to benefit motivated undergraduates who have a particular interest in learning about developmental genetics, evolutionary genetics, and molecular genetics and to allow them to explore how our knowledge of genetic mechanisms contributes to our understanding of human development and disease. The Genetics major will accommodate students interested in the study of inheritance either as a basic discipline or in terms of its applied aspects in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture, but will be especially attractive to those students desiring focused study and preparation for graduate training.

Genetics majors begin their study in the junior year with three required major courses (BIO SCI D103 , BIO SCI D104 and BIO SCI D113 ). In addition to these required major courses, students will choose six additional upper-division Biology Elective courses. Certain courses are designed to give students an understanding of genetic mechanisms and teach them how to define and answer fundamental questions in biomedical research. Additionally, students choose at least two electives that deal with topics such as the molecular biology of cancer, human genetic diseases, developmental genetics, and the genetics of aging. Finally, Genetics majors are encouraged to explore laboratory research by enrolling in BIO SCI 199 . Laboratory research not only expands a student’s technical skills, but is also designed to allow faculty members to mentor Genetics majors. All students majoring in Genetics have a faculty advisor with whom they meet at least quarterly. The faculty advisor helps students plan their curriculum and select appropriate Biological Sciences 199 research projects. Genetics majors also have an opportunity to meet with other Genetics majors on a regular basis and participate in research talks.

The Genetics major provides graduates with advanced training in the skills necessary to pursue graduate degrees in biomedical research. These include Ph.D. graduate programs, teacher-training programs, medical school, and veterinary school. Genetics graduates may also use their backgrounds effectively in planning careers in law, business, education, and public affairs.

Admission

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Genetics is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at the end of spring quarter, after all change of major requirements have been satisfied. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Requirements

All students must meet the University Requirements.

All students must meet the School Requirements.

Major Requirements

NOTE: No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.

1. Students may petition to substitute Excellence in Research (BIO SCI 199) for the second required lab; 199 research is strongly encouraged. The 199 laboratory must be approved by the Department, and Excellence in Research must be successfully completed. Final approval is given by the Department.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Genetics is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Sample Program

Freshman

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI 2A	BIO SCI 94	CHEM 1C& CHEM 1LC
BIO SCI 93	CHEM 1B	STATS 7 or 8 (or General Education)
BIO SCI 90L	Lower-Division Writing1	Lower-Division Writing1
CHEM 1A

Sophomore

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI 97	BIO SCI 98	BIO SCI 99
CHEM 51A	CHEM 51B& CHEM 51LB	CHEM 51C& CHEM 51LC
CHEM 1LD	MATH 5B (or General Education)
MATH 5A or 5B (or General Education)

Junior

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI D103	BIO SCI D104	UD Bio Sci Elective
PHYSICS 3A	PHYSICS 3B	UD Bio Sci Elective
BIO SCI 100	PHYSICS 3LB	PHYSICS 3C
General Education	UD Bio Sci Elecive	PHYSICS 3LC
	BIO SCI D113
	General Education

Senior

Fall	Winter	Spring
UD Bio Sci Lab or BIO SCI 199	UD Bio Sci Lab or BIO SCI 199	UD Bio Sci Lab or BIO SCI 199
UD Bio Sci Elective	UD Bio Sci Elective	UD Bio Sci Elective
General Education	General Education	General Education

1. Students have the option of taking HUMAN 1AS, HUMAN 1BS, HUMAN 1CS or WRITING 40, WRITING 50, WRITING 60 in order to fulfill the lower-division writing requirement.