Bachelor of Genetics

Length 3 year full-time
Minimum 144 Units

Admission requirements

Prerequisites Adjustment factors availability

Academic plan BGENE
CRICOS code 064778J
UAC code
- 138600 (B Genetics)

Field of Education
- Genetics
Academic contact
- Science Enquiries

Find my double degree

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Genetics requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

The 144 units must include:

66 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics

BIOL1004 Molecular & Cell Biology

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2

BIOL2151 Genetics

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression

BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology

BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

BIOL3161 Genomics & its Applications

BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

BIOL1009 Diversity of Life

COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology

18 units from completion of a course from the following list:

BIOL3114 Vertebrate Biology

BIOL3113 Invertebrate Biology

BIOL3002 Plants: Genes to Environment

BIOL3003 Plant Physiological Ecology

BIOL3201 Big Questions in Biology

BIOL3109 Ecological & Evolutionary Developmental Biology

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology

BIOL3177 Advances in Molecular Plant Sciences

BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics

BIOL3193 Bacteria and Health

BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2

BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer

BIOL3206 Evolution of Biodiversity

BIOL3208/BIOL3209 Biology Research Project

BIAN3016 Analysis of Mammalian Remains

BIAN3113 Human Evolution

48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark across all compulsory courses undertaken in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn) and (Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Genetics. Students who do not achieve a minimum of 65% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science single degree.

Honours

Students who attain a sufficient standard in the pass degree may be admitted to the Honours year to become candidates for the degree with Honours.

See the Honours Degree listed in the Bachelor of Science.

Specialisations

Biomedical Science

Evolution and Ecology

Microbiology and Immunology

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units	BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units	CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units	STAT1003 Statistical Techniques or STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 1 48 units	BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units	CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units	BIOL1009 Diversity of Life or COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units	BIOL2151 Genetics 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units	BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units	3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units	BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units	3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units	BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

ATAR:: 90
QLD Band:: 6
International Baccalaureate:: 33

Prerequisites

ACT major in Chemistry or NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent.

Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement may be admitted into the program via a different pathway. Students who:

Have an ATAR score of 90 or higher, and

Commence the Bachelor of Science program after completion of the chemistry bridging course available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry (or equivalent) and complete CHEM1101 and BIOL1003 with a minimum average of 65%, may then apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Genetics.

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students: $36,720.00

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

Delve into the complex and fascinating world of genetics and unravel the mysteries of DNA, understand how genes interact with the environment and drive evolution, and how your heredity determines your risk of developing certain diseases.

When you study a Bachelor of Genetics you’ll learn how genes hold our hereditary information which determines everything from hair colour and height to complex issues surrounding health risks. You’ll also study classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics. You can even follow interests in areas as diverse as plant genetics, evolutionary genetics, medicine and health or biological anthropology.

Study a Flexible Double Degree to extend your interests further by combining this degree with almost any other at ANU. Whatever you choose, an ANU degree in genetics will kick start your career in a modern and dynamic field.

For more information on our educational offerings, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories please visit our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

ANU is particularly well placed to present this degree, with contributing geneticists from the Research School of Biology, Biological Anthropology, and John Curtin School of Medical Research, as well as genetic counsellors from The Canberra Hospital.

Graduates can go on to a career in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies.

Further Information

Students who commenced this program prior to 2017 will notice that some of the later year BIOL coded courses have been re-coded and/or renamed. Please contact the Research School of Biology if you need help with your course choices - rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Genetics or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

Back to the Bachelor of Genetics page

Do you want to unravel the mysteries of the double helix, understand how genes interact with the environment and know how your parents set the scene for your life before you were even born?

The field of genetics is a multidisciplinary science which has progressed rapidly over the last fifty years, becoming increasingly important in modern society.

The ANU Bachelor of Genetics offers a variety of courses covering classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics.

By specialising in genetics and understanding the structure and function of genes, you will learn how to apply the techniques of genomics, bioinformatics and molecular genetics to an ever-increasing range of exciting careers in medical biology, plant science and conservation.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

The Bachelor of Genetics can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.

Single degree

This degree requires 144 units
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained to remain in the program
Other courses from Science or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

This degree requires 96 units Science courses
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained to remain in the program
Other courses from the Science course list

About this degree

Single degree

In a Bachelor of Genetics single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) but will also get to choose eight courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The choice is yours.

Double degree

In a Bachelor of Genetics double degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Genetics degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Genetics half of the double degree.

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Genetics program.

Study Options