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.
ANU offers an outstanding variety of programs for Australia's next generation of language leaders, with more languages offered than at any other university in Australia. The ANU Bachelor of Languages is a wonderful way to take advantage of that, through the study of two (or more) languages, in combination with other areas of interest.
Your language education experience is designed to engage you with the structural, grammatical and idiomatic components of your chosen language or languages. This is further contextualised using cultural, social and historical concepts, issues and topics. You can start at beginning level, or at higher levels if you have past experience. Exciting opportunities exist for you to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through study abroad, and to combine your language study with a range of other areas.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
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
understand and evaluate the significance of genetic information and discoveries in educational and professional contexts;
apply a range of skills and laboratory genetic techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of genetic research;
use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of genetic data to address specific hypotheses;
convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
exercise personal, professional and social responsibility by acting as an interpreter of genetic information in the public domain.
- communicate proficiently and confidently in at least one language
- identify the structure and uses of languages studied
- recognise and contrast the societies and cultures of the languages chosen, and their socio-historical context
- construct a global schema of the connections between the languages studied and their geographical, social and cultural origins
- recognise the importance and value of intercultural communication.
Further Information
Advice for first year students:
Students should complete BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 in their first year.
Additional advice:
- Students interested in bioinformatics or quantitative genetics should take COMP1730
- For students taking BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this program, the research project must be in the field of genetics.
- Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
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.
Advice for first year students:
Students should complete BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 in their first year.
Additional advice:
- Students interested in bioinformatics or quantitative genetics should take COMP1730
- For students taking BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this program, the research project must be in the field of genetics.
- Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
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
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 31
Domestic applicants
Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.
- Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
- completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
- previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
- previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
- ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission
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
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Genetics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Languages - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $46,910.00
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:
60 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
BIOL1003 - Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology & Genetics (6 units)
BIOL1004 - Biology 2: Molecular & Cell Biology (6 units)
CHEM1101 - Chemistry 1 (6 units)
CHEM1201 - Chemistry 2 (6 units)
BIOL2151 - Genetics (6 units)
BIOL2161 - Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)
BIOL2162 - Molecular Gene Techniques (6 units)
BIOL2202 - Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3161 - Genomics & its Applications (6 units)
BIOL3204 - Genetics of Human Disease 1 (6 units)
A maximum of 6 units from completion of a computer programming course from the following list:
BIOL2001 - Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)
COMP1730 - Programming for Scientists (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following list
BIOL1009 - Diversity of Life (6 units)
BIOL2114 - Evolution (6 units)
BIOL2117 - Cell Biology (6 units)
BIOL2142 - General Microbiology (6 units)
A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
BIOL3002 - Plants: Genes and the Environment (6 units)
BIOL3108 - Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)
BIOL3109 - Ecological and Evolutionary Developmental Biology (6 units)
BIOL3141 - Infection and Immunity (6 units)
BIOL3144 - Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)
BIOL3157 - Bioinformatics and Its Applications (6 units)
BIOL3177 - Advances in Molecular Plant Sciences (6 units)
BIOL3178 - Recovering Threatened Species and Ecosystems (6 units)
BIOL3191 - Biology, Society and Ethics (6 units)
BIOL3193 - Bacteria and Health: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective (6 units)
BIOL3201 - Big Questions in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3205 - Genetics of Human Disease 2 (6 units)
BIOL3206 - Evolution of Biodiversity (6 units)
BIOL3208 - Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 - Biology Research Project (12 units)
BIOL3213 - Australian Wildlife (6 units)
BIAN3113 - Human Evolution (6 units)
6 units from 2000 or 3000 level BIOL, MEDN or NEUR courses
Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark across all Science 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 Languages 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 consist of:
Either
48 units from completion of one of the following language majors:
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Latin
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
OR
24 units from completion of the one of the following advanced minors
Advanced Ancient Greek
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Latin
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
EITHER
24 units from courses available in the international communication Major
OR
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the Advanced Minor:
Advanced English Language
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
Classical Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Latin
Russian
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the major or advanced minor from the list above:
Advanced Ancient Greek
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced English Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Advanced Hispanic Studies
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Latin
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
Classical Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Mongolian Language
Russian
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses in the Linguistics major
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses in any of the following majors:
Asian Studies
Computer Science
Contemporary Europe
English
International Communication
Latin American Studies
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Majors
Bachelor of Languages Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Languages Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | Linguistics Course 6 units | Major 1000 level Course 6 units |
| BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | Linguistics Course 6 units | Major 1000 level Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | BIOL2151 Genetics 6 units | Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units | BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 6 units | Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| BIOL3157 Bioinformatics and its Applications 6 units | 1000 or 2000 level course from the B.Genetics elective list | Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 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 | Course from min 6 unit list | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| 3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units | 3000 level B.Genetics elective from list 6 units | Course from min 6 unit list or Linguistic major course | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
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.
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Languages consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
For the Bachelor of Languages you will need to complete:
- One
language major from the designated list (48 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and, - Either four courses from international
communication major (24 units)
or
One language minor from the designated list, must be different to the above advanced minor (24 units) - One language minor from the designated list, which must be different to the above major or advanced minor (24 units)
- A minimum of two courses from the linguistic major (12 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list of majors (6 units)
- One further course from a major listed within Bachelor of Languages
- Eight electives (48 units) from across the ANU
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Languages. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Languages Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of Languages degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
You will need to complete:
- One
language major from the designated list (48 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and, - Either four courses from international
communication major (24 units)
or
One language minor from the designated list, must be different to the above advanced minor (24 units) - One language minor from the designated list, which must be different to the above major or advanced minor (24 units)
- A minimum of two courses from the linguistic major (12 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list of majors (6 units)
- One further course from a major listed within Bachelor of Languages
Please note that you are only permitted to count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Languages. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four 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.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study year.
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 ARTS1234. Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Languages half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Two 1000-level courses (12 units) from one of the language majors. If your chosen major is Chinese or Japanese, you will need to enrol in the four courses (24 units) in your first year
- Two 1000-level courses from one of the language minors
- One linguistics major Course
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details.
Study Options
Study Plan
This page is currently being updated.Study Options
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Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
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Study Plan
This page is currently being updated.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
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