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.
Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics has a strong international component that gives you the opportunity to engage with other leading Universities around the world.
You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.
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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics, graduates will be able to:
Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of PPE, and the relationships between them;
Identify main currents in the three disciplines of PPE and their theoretical bases;
Define, critically discuss and apply:
-
major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;
-
the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;
-
the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;
-
the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
-
the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.
Describe and evaluate how the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory affect and influence political situations, institutions and complex political processes in liberal democracies;
Recognise and analyse the different actors, processes and stages involved in formulating public policies; and
Analyse practical dilemmas that arise in politics using the theories, approaches and methods of the three main disciplines of PPE.
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:
- 96
- QLD Band:
- 3
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics - 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 Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which must also be counted towards completion of any other requirements for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2126 Democracy: Its causes and consequences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS3034 Comparative Political Parties and Party Systems
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2080 Logic
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought(P)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2120 Law and Economics(P)
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models
INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy
6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:
ANIP Australian National Internship
ECON Economics
PHIL Philosophy
POLS Political Science
ASIA2090 The Political Economy of Myanmar
Specialisations
Bachelor of Genetics Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units |
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | |
Year 2 | STAT1003 Statistical Techniques or STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods or BIOL2001 6 units | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units |
BIOL1009 Diversity of Life or COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units | BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | |
Year 3 | BIOL2151 Genetics 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P) 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics 6 units | BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units | |
Year 4 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | ANIP/ECON/PHIL/POLS 2000/3000 Level Course 6 units |
3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from the list 6 units | ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) and Bachelor of Economics (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) - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
Eight Electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 48 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 complete 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and 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 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
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.
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 Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program 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.
You must enrol in the following courses:
• ECON1101 - Microeconomics in First Semester
• PHIL1004 - Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy in First Semester
• POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics in First Semester
• POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science in Second Semester
• PHIL1005 - Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning in Second Semester
• POLS1008 - Integrative Seminar 1 in Second Semester
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There is no major or minor requirement for this degree, however you can use your 48 units of electives to complete a major or minor.
Electives
Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in the 15 compulsory courses and a course (from the designated list), you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open.
Study Options
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Double Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units OR ECON1101; | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units OR ECON1101; | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |