Undergraduate Course Catalog 2015-2016
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
» http://www.colsa.unh.edu/
Genetics (GEN)
» http://www.genetics.unh.edu/
» Click to view course offerings
Professor: Thomas M. Davis, Subhash C. Minocha, W. Kelley Thomas, Louis S. Tisa
Associate Professor: John J. Collins, Vaughn S. Cooper, Estelle M. Hrabak, Anita S. Klein, Cheryl A. Whistler
Assistant Professor: Jeffrey T. Foster, Matthew D. MacManes, David C. Plachetzki
Research Assistant Professor: Kevin Culligan, Dennis E. Mathews
»Click to view faculty participating in the program.
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 are using the tools of genetics and genomics to make exciting discoveries in fields such as molecular medicine, cancer research, biodiversity, and sustainability.
A major in genetics provides a solid foundation in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, physics, math, and cell biology. Students also take advanced courses in molecular genetics, 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 members' 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 as genetic counselors or researchers) and professional schools, 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 programs (e.g., medical or dental school). Graduates may also be employed in fields such as 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, middle, 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 and training in cutting-edge research technologies.
Bachelor of Science in Genetics
Students majoring in genetics take: i) four genetics core courses; ii) five 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, a created work or product, or some form of experiential learning (e.g., honors thesis, mentored research project, or other approved student activity). A minimum grade of C minus must be earned in all courses offered by the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. In addition, coursework for the Discovery Program and the University Writing Requirement must be completed. For a detailed list of curriculum requirements, click here.
Genetics Core Courses
Professional Perspectives in Genetics (1 semester)
Genetics Lab (1 semester)
Molecular Genetics or Prokaryotic Genetics (1 semester)
Genomics and Bioinformatics (1 semester)
Major Electives
One course with a significant laboratory component
One course in population genetics or molecular evolution
Three upper-level courses in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, or others, chosen from an approved list.
Bioscience Core Courses
Biology with lab (2 semesters)
Genetics (1 semester)
Microbiology with lab (1 semester)
Cell and Developmental Biology (1 semester)
Biochemistry with lab (1 semester)
Foundation Courses
General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Organic Chemistry with lab (1 semester)
Calculus (1 semester)
Statistics (1 semester)
Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Bachelor of Science in Genetics: Genomics Option
Students majoring in genetics with the genomics option take: i) four genetics core courses; ii) five major elective courses; 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 approved student activity). A minimum grade of C minus must be earned in all courses offered by 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, click here.
Genetics Core Courses
Professional Perspectives in Genetics (1 semester)
Genetics Lab (1 semester)
Molecular Genetics or Prokaryotic Genetics (1 semester)
Genomics and Bioinformatics (1 semester)
Major Electives
Introduction to Perl Programming for Bioinformatics (1 semester)
Comparative Genomics (1 semester)
Population/Evolutionary Genetics (2 semesters)
One upper-level course in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, or others, chosen from an approved list.
Bioscience Core Courses
Biology with lab (2 semesters)
Genetics (1 semester)
Microbiology with lab (1 semester)
Cell and Developmental Biology (1 semester)
Biochemistry with lab (1 semester)
Foundation Courses
General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Organic Chemistry with lab (1 semester)
Calculus (1 semester)
Statistics (1 semester)
Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Pre-Professional Health Programs
Students interested in postgraduate careers in the health care professions should visit the Pre-Professional Health Programs Advising website or visit the office in person (Hood House, Room 102). Requirements for specific types of professional schools (e.g., medical, dental, physician’s assistant, pharmacy, etc.) are provided here. Students interested in veterinary medicine should consult the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program. While many of the prerequisite courses required by professional schools are also requirements of the genetics major, students should consult with their faculty adviser to create a plan of study that best prepares them for pursuing a career in one of these health professions.
Minor in Genetics (GEN)
Students in other majors who wish to develop a focus in the area of genetics and genomics can complement their major academic program with a minor in genetics. The general requirements for completion of a minor and the courses that fulfill the minor requirements in genetics can be found at http://www.genetics.unh.edu/minor-genetics. Students intending to complete a genetics minor should meet with the program coordinator, Professor Matthew MacManes (matthew.macmanes@unh.edu) as early as possible, but no later than the end of junior year.
For additional information on the genetics major, contact the genetics undergraduate program coordinator: Estelle Hrabak, estelle.hrabak@unh.edu.
