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.
Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.
ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.
Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.
With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.
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.
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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of International Relations, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
- Have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
- Understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia;
- Reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.
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.auWant 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.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.
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.
- ATAR:
- 90
- QLD Band:
- 6
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33
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.
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.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Genetics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of International Relations - 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
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.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Genetics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 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 96 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
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Genetics must maintain an average of 65% in all Science courses each semester to remain this program. Students who do not maintain 65% will be transferred to the 3 year BSc program.
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements. In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
The Bachelor of International Relations flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1005 Intro to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Intro to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2133 International Organizations in World Politics
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding Global and Australian Foreign Policy Decision-Making
POLS3017 International Relations Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Science
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3028 Researching and Writing Human Rights
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
INTR2010 International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
INTR2028 Southeast Asia: ASEAN and Regional Order
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
A minimum of 6 units from the following security courses:
INTR2012 China's New Approaches to Asia Pacific Security
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japan's Security Dilemmas
INTR2020 Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
POLS2099 Cartographies of Security: Critical Security Studies and International Politics
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
POLS2131 Security Communities: From War to Peace
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 International Security Issues in the Asia Pacific
STST3001 Transnational Security Issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Security in the South Pacific: Is it Australia's "Arc of Instability"?
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2096 Genocide Studies
POLS2100 Genocide Post-1945
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice Chancellors courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
VCUG1001 The Art of Computing
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors
Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Genetics Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units |
| CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STAT1003 Statistical Techniques or STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods or BIOL2001 6 units | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| BIOL1009 Diversity of Life or COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units | BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units | POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 3 | BIOL2151 Genetics 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics 6 units | BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | POLS3017 International Relations Theory 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 4 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| 3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
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.
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
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
Bachelor of Genetics - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Genetics.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
| CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
Bachelor of Genetics - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Genetics with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
| CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Research School of Biology webpage here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - four courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units 0f 1000 level courses
36 units of Compulsory Bachelor of International Relations Courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
48 units of electives courses from across the ANU
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - four courses per semester (24 units)
36 units of compulsory Bachelor of International Relations courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations 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 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take the 36 units of International Relations compulsory courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of language minors courses. You'll also get to choose 48 units of electives courses from across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations 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 Bachelor of International Relations degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take the 36 units of International Relations compulsory
courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units
of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of
global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from
each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of
internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of
language minors courses.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
• A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major, minor or specialisation.
• 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 need to enrol in the compulsory 1000 level courses for the Bachelor of International Relations POLS1005 and POLS1006
• You need to enrol in 12 units of 1000 level courses from the areas studies list EURO1004, MEAS1001 and POLS1007 and/or courses from the language minor
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 Bachelor of International Relations half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When
you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses
have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as POLS1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You need to enrol in two 1000-level compulsory courses for the Bachelor of International Relations:
• POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
• POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
You need to enrol in two 1000-level courses from the areas studies list
• EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
• MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
• POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
or
You need to enrol in two courses from the language minors
Electives
Single Degree
You can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of International Relations.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
Bachelor of International Relations - Double Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |