Explore the complex and fascinating world of genetics and unravel the mysteries of DNA with the ANU Bachelor of Genetics.
You’ll learn how genes hold our hereditary information, study classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics. You can even follow interests in areas as diverse as plant genetics, evolutionary genetics or medicine and health.
Studying at ANU means you’ll be exposed to ground-breaking research being undertaken by our academics in active research laboratories at the Research School of Biology and the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australia’s national medical research institute.
Find out more about genetics, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
As Australia’s engagement with the Pacific increases, so too does the need for graduates with Pacific expertise.
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.
You will also have the opportunity to engage in internship and immersion programs in Oceania, boosting your language skills and expertise in the region.
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
As our knowledge of the human genome expands, so does the need for graduates with specialist knowledge in genetics.As a graduate of the Bachelor of Genetics, you can forge a career in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies.
See
where a Bachelor of Genetics could take you: our career
wheel will help you turn your interests into a career
in science.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Genetics, you can forge a career in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies.
See
where a Bachelor of Genetics could take you: our career
wheel will help you turn your interests into a career
in science.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages;
- Demonstrate an understanding of diverse disciplinary approaches and methods drawn from the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies, to synthesize knowledge about Oceania and its place in the
world; - Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the diversity of indigenous, popular culture, policy and scholarly perspectives on and within Oceania;
- Evaluate knowledge and ideas and debate issues using academic and other approaches addressing a variety of scholarly, policy and public audiences;
- Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems individually as well as collaboratively.
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 National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
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 an ATAR 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: Chemistry (Major); NSW: Chemistry or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
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
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Genetics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Pacific Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $43,680.00
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
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 Its Applications
BIOL3161 Genomics & its Applications
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1
12 units from completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL1009 Diversity of Life
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology
BIOL2117 Cell Biology
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
18 units from completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL3002 Plants: Genes and the Environment
BIOL3109 Ecological and Evolutionary Developmental Biology
BIOL3113 Invertebrate Biology
BIOL3114 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL3113 Invertebrate Biology
BIOL3002 Plants: Genes to Environment
BIOL3003 Plant Physiological Ecology
BIOL3201 Big Questions in 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: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective
BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer
BIOL3206 Macroevolution & Macroecology
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12u)
BIAN3016 Analysis of Mammalian Remains
BIAN3113 Human Evolution
Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark across all compulsory courses in the Bachelor of Genetics component 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 from the Bachelor of Genetics double degree to the equivalent Bachelor of Science double degree
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies 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:
24 units from the following compulsory courses:
PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
PASI3001 The Contemporary Pacific: Society, Politics and Development
A minimum of 6 units from the following 3000 level PASI-coded courses:
PASI3002 Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific
PASI3012 Readings in Indigenous Studies
PASI3005 Pacific Islands Field School
PASI3010 Pacific Engagement Project
PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific
A minimum of 12 units from the following thematic lists:
History and Archaeology
ASIA2301 Human migration and expansion in the rise of the Asia-Pacific
ARCH2005 Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders
PASI2006 War in the Islands: The Second World War in the Pacific
PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries
HIST2231 Exploration: Columbus to the Moon
Politics, international relations and security
INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific
STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia Pacific
ASIA2087 Peace Building in the Pacific and Asia
ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific
PASI3002 Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific
PASI2030 Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development
Environment and resources
ASIA2301 Human Migration and Expansion in the Rse of the Asia-Pacific
ENVS2005 Islands Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School
ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific
PASI3013 Environmentand Development in the Pacific
PASI2030 Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development
Culture, literature and language
ASIA2001 Language in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA2308 Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA3053 The Death of God in the Asia-Pacific
PASI3002 Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific
PASI3005 Pacific Islands Field School
A maximum of 24 units from one of the following minors of languages spoken in the Pacific:
French Language and Culture Minor
Tetum Language Minor
Tok Pisin Language Minor
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Languages spoken in the Pacific or of historical and community importance:
Chinese language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Indonesian language
Japanese language
Tetum Language
Tok Pisin Language
Spanish
Disciplinary and regional studies minors of relevance to the study of the Pacific Islands:
Archaeology
Art History and Theory
Asia-Pacific International Relations
Asian history
Asian Art History
Asian and Pacific Anthropology
Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Anthropology
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity and Conservation Management
Climate Science and Policy
Comparative Politics
Demography
Development Studies
Digital Humanities
Economic Studies
Environmental Policy
Environmental Studies
Gender and Sexuality
Geography
Heritage and Museum Studies
History
Human Rights
Indonesian Studies
International Relations
Linguistics
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Political Theory
Popular Music
Social Research Methods
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Visual Arts Practice
War Studies
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of courses from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses or the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship
ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship
ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship
ASIA3024 Editor’s practicum: online public engagement, academic blogging and digital disruption
ESEN1101 Essential University English
LING2107 Advanced Academic English
Minors
Bachelor of Pacific Studies Minors
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History and Theory
- Asian and Pacific Anthropology
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian Art History
- Asian History
- Asia-Pacific International Relations
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Biodiversity Conservation and Management
- Chinese Language
- Climate Science and Policy
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
Study Options
| Year 1 | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units | Major 1000 level course 6 units |
| BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | Pacific Studies Major ASIA1025 or ASIA1030 6 units | Major 1000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | BIOL2151 Genetics 6 units | PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units | BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and its Applications 6 units | 1000 or 2000 level course from the B.Genetics elective list | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units | 1000 or 2000 level course from the B.Genetics elective list | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| 3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level 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.
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 30 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 30 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.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are 4 compulsory 1000 level Science courses you must take in your first year:
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.
Back to the Bachelor of Pacific Studies page
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies is offered through the School of Culture, History and Language. Upon completion of this degree, you will have developed specific knowledge of Pacific Studies and a range of transferable skills that will prepare you for work or further study.
Single degree
- This degree requires the completion of 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
- 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
- 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
- 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Double degree
- This degree requires the completion of 96 units
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
- 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
- 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
- 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Pacific Studies 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 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the Pacific Studies major, you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a subject of your choice.
Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of Pacific Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24 units) from other ANU Colleges.
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.
Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester. You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
If you are intending to enrol into our language courses and have previous experience with the language you want to study, even if you think it might not be relevant or was too long ago, you need to sit a placement test for the College to ensure you are enrolled into the most appropriate level of language study.
Relevant past experience include:
- Previous study of the language
- Being exposed to the language in childhood
- Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
- The language being spoken in your home (even if you don’t speak it)
Languages available for the placement test:
- Indonesian
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Korean
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Students in this degree must complete a Pacific Studies Major, and a minor from the following list:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Policy
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- History
- Human Ecology
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Chinese
- French Language and Culture
- German Language and Culture
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Biodiversity Conservation and Management
- Climate Science and Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Forest Science and Policy
- Geography
- Human Ecology
- Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
- Soil and Land Management
- Sustainable Development
- Water Science and Policy
- Philosophy
- Visual Arts Practice
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Gender, Sexuality and Culture
- Geography
- History
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Chinese
- French Language and Culture
- German Language and Culture
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Environmental and Landscape Sciences
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainability Science
- Philosophy
Electives
You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from their electives.
To find 1000-level
courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8
courses from another ANU College at the University if you are
undertaking the single Bachelor of Pacific Studies program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Pacific Studies Double Degree Study Plan
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units | Language Course 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units |
| PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units | Language Course 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units |
Academic Advice
If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your which courses to enrol in, you can come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week.
If you are seeking status (credit) from previous study at another university you will need to come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week, and we will help you choose the correct courses for your first year.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Katerina Teaiwa at Katerina.Teaiwa@anu.edu.au