Undergraduate Course Catalog 2010-2011
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
» http://www.colsa.unh.edu/
Genetics (GEN)
» http://www.genetics.unh.edu/
» Click to view course offerings
Professor: W. Kelley Thomas, Louis S. Tisa
Associate Professor: Vaughn S. Cooper, Estelle M. Hrabak
Assistant Professor: Cheryl A. Whistler
Research Assistant Professor: Kevin Culligan
»Click to view faculty participating in the program [http://www.genetics.unh.edu/faculty]
Genetics and genomics are central to all aspects of the life sciences. Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with heredity, variation of genes among individuals in a population, and the expression and regulation of genes. Genomics focuses on determining the structure and function of genomes and includes the mapping of genes, high-throughput DNA sequencing, and investigating the molecular mechanisms by which genetic and environmental factors contribute to phenotypes. Every day, scientists use the tools of genetics and genomics to make exciting discoveries in fields such as molecular biomedicine, cancer research, biodiversity and sustainability.
A major in genetics provides a solid foundation in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, physics, math, and cell biology. Students take advanced courses in molecular genetics, gene regulation, bioinformatics, molecular evolution, genomics, and laboratory techniques. There are many opportunities for interested students to gain research experience through formal or informal research projects in faculty member's laboratories. A student majoring in genetics with an option in genomics receives additional training in genomics and computer programming for bioinformatics.
Students with degrees in genetics or genomics are well-prepared to apply to graduate schools (e.g., for training in genetic counseling or research) or to pursue careers in biotechnology companies, forensics labs, hospitals, university research laboratories, and government agencies. Two additional courses are needed for application to professional schools (medical, dental, or veterinary). Graduates may also be employed in management, sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, technical writing, or science journalism. With supplementary courses in education, graduates with a Bachelor's degree in genetics or genomics can teach at the elementary, junior high, or high school level.
The genetics faculty conduct research on diverse topics such as evolution, gene structure and function, host-microbe interactions, genome sequencing and analysis, heredity, and diversity in populations. Faculty research areas encompass microbial, plant, and animal genetics. Genetics faculty are committed to mentoring undergraduate students in independent research experiences in their laboratories, which provide students with exposure to with cutting-edge research technologies.
Bachelor of Science in Genetics. Students majoring in genetics must take: i) five Genetics Core courses; ii) four Major Elective courses chosen from an extensive list; iii) six Bioscience Core courses; and iv) seven Foundation courses. One capstone experience, supervised and approved within the major, is required of all seniors. The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning. The capstone requirement may be satisfied through a course, created work or product, or some form of experiential learning (e.g., honors thesis, mentored research project, or other special student activity). Departments are responsible for certifying that graduating seniors have met the capstone requirement for their majors. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all courses offered in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. In addition, courses for the Discovery Program and the University Writing Requirement must be completed. For a detailed list of curriculum requirements, go to http://genetics.unh.edu/4year/index.html.
Genetics Core Courses
Introduction to Genetics (1 sem)
Genetics Lab (1 sem)
Molecular Genetics (1 sem)
Genomics and Bioinformatics (1 sem)
Population Genetics/Evolution (1 sem)
Genetics Major Electives
One course with a significant laboratory component and three upper-level courses in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology or others, chosen from an approved list.
Bioscience Core Courses
Biology w/lab (2 sem)
Microbiology w/lab (1 sem)
Genetics (1 sem)
Cell and Developmental Biology (1 sem)
Biochemistry w/lab (1 sem)
Foundation Courses
General Chemistry w/lab (2 sem)
Organic Chemistry w/lab (1 sem)
Calculus (1 sem)
Statistics (1 sem)
Physics w/lab (2 sem)
Bachelor of Science in Genetics: Genomics Option: Students majoring in Genetics with the Genomics Option must take: i) eight Genetics-Genomics Core courses; ii) one Major Elective course chosen from an extensive list; iii) six Bioscience Core requirements; and iv) seven Foundation courses. One capstone experience, supervised and approved within the major, is required of all seniors. The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning. The capstone requirement may be satisfied through a course, created work or product, or some form of experiential learning (e.g., honors thesis, mentored research project, or other special student activity). Departments are responsible for certifying that graduating seniors have met the capstone requirement for their majors. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all courses offered in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. In addition, courses for the Discovery Program (www.unh.edu/academic-affairs/discovery) and the University Writing Requirement (www.unh.edu/writing/uwr/students/WIchecklist) must be completed. For a detailed list of curriculum requirements, go to www.genetics.unh.edu/4year/majorrequirementsgenomics.
GEN-Genomics Core Courses
Introduction to Genetics (1 sem)
Genetics Lab (1 sem)
Molecular Genetics (1 sem)
Genomics and Bioinformatics (1 sem)
Introduction to Perl Programming for Bioinformatics (1 sem)
Comparative Genomics (1 sem)
Population Genetics/Evolution (2 sem)
GEN-Genomics Major Electives
One upper-level course in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology or others, chosen from an approved list.
Bioscience Core Courses
Biology w/lab (2 sem)
Microbiology w/lab (1 sem)
Genetics (1 sem)
Cell and Developmental Biology (1 sem)
Biochemistry w/lab (1 sem)
Foundation Courses
General Chemistry w/lab (2 sem)
Organic Chemistry w/lab (1 sem)
Calculus (1 sem)
Statistics (1 sem)
Physics w/lab (2 sem)
