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.

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.

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.

Employment Opportunities

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

1. understand and evaluate the significance of genetic information and discoveries in educational and professional contexts;

2. apply a range of skills and laboratory genetic techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of genetic research;

3. use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of genetic data to address specific hypotheses;

4. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;

5. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility by acting as an interpreter of genetic information in the public domain.

1. major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;

2. the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;

3. the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;

4. the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy; and

5. the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.

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.

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Genetics who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

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.

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Genetics who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

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.

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.

There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is: ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/Specialist Methods or NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here [https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria]

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.

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 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)

BIOL3188 ANU SynBio Challenge Team Project (6 units)

BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (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 completion from a 2000 or 3000 level course from the following subject area:

BIOL Biology

MEDN Medicine

NEUR Neuroscience

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 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:

48 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 (6 units)

ECON2101 Microeconomics 2 (6 units)

ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (6 units)

PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking (6 units)

PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2 (6 units)

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics (6 units)

POLS1008 PPE Integration 1 (6 units)

POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science (6 units)

6 units from completion of one of the following courses:

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction (6 units)

PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics (6 units)

6 units from completion of one of the following courses:

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 (6 units)

ECON1100 Economics I (H) (6 units)

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level POLS course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying (6 units)

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis (6 units)

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy (6 units)

POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia (6 units)

POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions (6 units)

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences (6 units)

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics (6 units)

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective (6 units)

POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government (6 units)

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level PHIL course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice (6 units)

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science (6 units)

PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy (6 units)

PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation (6 units)

PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice (6 units)

PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society (6 units)

PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy (6 units)

PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies (6 units)

6 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level ECON or ECHI or EMET course, or from the list:

EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models (6 units)

CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy (6 units)

INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy (6 units)

6 units from the completion of any 2000 and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:

ECON Economics

PHIL Philosophy

POLS Political Science

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A (6 units)

Minors

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors

Study Options